Blue Opportunities: The Norwegian Government's updated ocean strategy.

The present document presents Norway’s ocean strategy, providing both a status report on Norway’s ocean policy and charting a course for future action. Together with the ocean management plans and other policy documents, this updated ocean strat- egy aims at continuing Norway’s clear and integrated strategic focus on ocean issues. The basic principles for the Government’s ocean policy are as follows: i) to strengthen and further develop the Law of the Sea, ii) to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems, iii) to contribute to knowledge-based management, iv) to support the implementation of international instruments, and v) to work towards an integrated approach to ocean management that will facilitate the development of a sustainable ocean economy.
The present document presents Norway’s ocean strategy, providing both a status report on Norway’s ocean policy and charting a course for future action. Together with the ocean management plans and other policy documents, this updated ocean strat- egy aims at continuing Norway’s clear and integrated strategic focus on ocean issues. The basic principles for the Government’s ocean policy are as follows: i) to strengthen and further develop the Law of the Sea, ii) to promote the conservation and sustainable use of marine ecosystems, iii) to contribute to knowledge-based management, iv) to support the implementation of international instruments, and v) to work towards an integrated approach to ocean management that will facilitate the development of a sustainable ocean economy.
As regards (1) future-oriented ocean industries, the Government will keep supporting continued sustainable growth and employment in both established and in emerging ocean industries. Areas of work include oil and gas, shipping, seafood, tourism, carbon capture and storage, seabed minerals, digitalization, offshore wind power, and export and market access.
As regards (2) education, skills and the labour market, the Government will work to ensure that adequate and relevant skills are available for both established and emerging ocean industries. Areas of work include responsible labour market, gender equality, a skilled workforce, digital skill, and dynamic local communities.
As regards (3) research, technology and innovation, the Government will promote this area with the aim of fostering sustainable jobs and value creation in the ocean industries. Areas of work include long-term plans for research and higher education, green shipping, lower emissions and sufficient use of resources in the petroleum industry, wind power, and research and cooperation with the EU and the UN Decade of Ocean Science.
As regards (4) sound management and predictable framework, the Government aims at having a knowledge-based, integrated and responsible ocean management regime. Greater knowledge about the current and future climate is also needed to take action and adapt the management regime to change. Areas of work include local planning and management, oil and gas, seabed minerals, fisheries, knowledge-based management, maritime transport, maritime safety, search and rescue and emergency preparedness, and regional reforms.
As regards (5) clean and healthy oceans, the Government’s view is that Norway should play a leading role in ensuring that the oceans are clean and healthy in the future. Norway's ocean policy is intended to maintain the value of Norway's marine and coastal environment, safeguard the oceans as a source of food and facilitate sustain- able use of ocean resources. Areas of work include climate change and blue forests, biodiversity, pollution, plastic litter, and the ocean as a source of food.
Finally, as regards (6) international cooperation and ocean diplomacy, the Government view is that Norway should be an active advocate for clean and healthy oceans and knowledge-based, sustainable management of ocean resources. Areas and opportunities for work and international cooperation include the High-level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, the Our Ocean Conference, cooperation with the UN, contribution of the business sector to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, safety and security at sea, knowledge sharing on clean and healthy oceans, marine litter, strengthening the role of seafood in improving food safety and nutrition, unregulated and unreported fishing (IUU fishing), fisheries crime, international trade, and regional involvement in international work.