Regulating the Impacts of Offshore Energy Activities on Arctic Marine Biodiversity: An Analysis from the Norwegian Perspective

Abstract

There does not exist any established legal framework nor any comprehensive treaty regulating offshore activities in the Arctic, although they are being developed at an exponentially increasing rate. Offshore energy projects have a direct impact on Arctic marine biodiversity. In order to lower this impact, human activities in this sector must be regulated. There cannot be a choice between protecting marine wildlife and ensuring energy supply. Both should coexist. To ensure such coexistence, regulations are needed. However, they are not sufficient by themselves. An integrated approach is to be favored, taking into account both legally binding and non-binding instruments, as well as norms coming from various related sectors. Due to the fragmentation of the considered legal framework, UNCLOS dispositions must be interpreted in an evolutive and holistic way, using systemic integration. This impact-oriented research on adaptation policies and planning from local to global scales aims at influencing policy- and decision-makers.