Operators of Arctic expedition cruises are mad at Norway’s government over polar bear conservation rules they say are spoiling their business.
Starting this year, under rules that apply primarily to Norway’s Svalbard Archipelago, tourist ships are required to stay at least 500 meters away from the bears until June 30, and at least 300 meters away after that. Violating the rules carries fines or even up to five years in prison.
Norway’s climate and environment minister explained that “Climate change is leading to more difficult conditions for polar bears on Svalbard. It is important for them to be able to search for food, hunt, rest, and take care of their cubs without interference from humans. Keeping a good distance will also ensure that dangerous situations do not arise and that polar bears do not get used to humans over time.”
Expedition organizers and agencies argue that there is little risk to the bears from their trips, and that they are suffering losses because potential customers want to see the bears up close. One industry representative, Paul Goldstein, told The Independent (UK) that “This is a classic example of what I term ‘conservation fascism.’”
Image by Markus Kammermann from Pixabay
