Equivalent in size to 260,000 football pitches, the marine protected area contains cold-water coral reefs and kelp forests supporting myriad types of fish, sperm whales and other species. The government has promised robust protection, with the reserve managed by a dedicated representative board.

The new protected area follows years of campaigning by ecologists and comes as countries work towards the global goal of protecting 30 percent of land and sea by 2030. Management will include representatives from the Sámi Indigenous community. Climate and environment minister Sigrun Aasland said protection would preserve Andfjorden’s natural values for future generations.

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