Fishing Organisations Challenge Navy Over KNM Bergen Wreck
Norway’s Fisheries Directorate is being formally urged to order the removal of the decommissioned frigate KNM Bergen after it was deliberately sunk on the important fishing ground Svensgrunnen.
In a joint letter sent to the Directorate, Pelagisk Forening, Norges Kystfiskarlag and Nord Fiskarlag argue that the sinking was unlawful and unnecessary, and that the wreck poses a direct risk to fishing activity, fishing gear and marine life.
The organisations note that the frigate was sunk by the Armed Forces on a well-known fishing bank, despite repeated objections from the fishing industry. According to the letter, the Armed Forces have since rejected requests to remove the wreck.
Legal Basis Cited Under Marine Resources Act
The organisations point to section 28 of Norway’s Marine Resources Act, which prohibits leaving objects on the seabed that may damage marine life, hinder harvesting, damage fishing gear or endanger vessels. The provision also gives the Fisheries Directorate authority to order removal, and to carry out removal itself at the responsible party’s expense if such an order is not followed.
The letter states that while the fishing organisations recognise the need for military exercises, they believe sinking the frigate on Svensgrunnen was neither justified nor legal. They argue that the wreck clearly meets the criteria set out in section 28, first paragraph.
“Not if, but when fishing gear becomes snagged on the wreck, lost gear will lead to ghost fishing. This will damage marine life,” the organisations state in the letter, adding that the conditions for intervention under the law are therefore fulfilled.
Call For Immediate Order and Deadline
Because the Armed Forces have refused to remove the wreck voluntarily, the organisations are asking the Fisheries Directorate to issue a formal order requiring the removal of KNM Bergen within a reasonable deadline, using its authority under section 28, second paragraph.
They further request that if the Armed Forces fail to comply, the Directorate should proceed with removal itself, with all costs and risk borne by the Armed Forces, in line with section 28, third paragraph.
The organisations also confirm that the sinking of KNM Bergen has been reported to the police, but stress that criminal liability is not a prerequisite for the Fisheries Directorate to act. They argue the Directorate has a clear and independent duty to ensure the wreck is removed.
The letter concludes with a request for a clear response from the Fisheries Directorate on whether it intends to follow up the demand.
