Southern Barents Sea
Clarify the interactions of Offshore Wind Farms (OWF) with important fish habitats and the movement of young fish. Include Offshore Wind Farms (OWF) effects in combined environmental effects assessments (cumulative impact assessments).
Study area size: 72.000 km2
Countries: Norway
Study area description
The Southern Barents Sea extends along the continental shelf edge from Tromsøflaket to the Russian border. A coastal current flows towards east and splits into branches, creating areas where water stays longer. Currents are stronger in winter and wind has more influence in spring and summer. Shallow banks and deeper areas also create swirling circulation patterns. The region is rich in plankton and helps the transport of fish eggs and larvae into the Barents Sea. It supports important fish species like cod and herring.
The region hosts unique ecological features, including the world’s northernmost coral reefs (Korallen”) north of Sørøya. Deep-water shrimp populations and marine mammals such as killer whales, appear seasonally in the area due to overwintering herring. The area is shared by a wide range of human activities including petroleum extraction, fisheries, maritime transport, offshore wind and emerging aquaculture, alongside areas recognized for their ecological importance and activities, while being a critical area to national defense.
