Fjord 

Base 

Group 

surveys 

marine 

biodiversity 

in 

Årebrotsfjorden 

and 

Botnafjorden

In connection with Kinn Municipality's new area plan, the Fjord Base Group aims to provide knowledge-based insights to facilitate the opening of sea areas in the inner parts of Årebrotsfjorden and Botnafjorden for industrial purposes. To ensure a solid foundation for decision-making, we engaged Norconsult AS to conduct a comprehensive marine biological survey of the fjord system's biodiversity. This initiative is essential for making informed decisions moving forward.

The main findings of the report reveal the presence of significant marine habitats such as sugar kelp forests, sponge forests, and sea pen communities, all of which contribute substantially to the ecological diversity of the fjord. The sugar kelp forest, listed as endangered on Norway's Red List, and the sponge forest, included on OSPAR's list of vulnerable habitats, are attributed with high ecological value. Additionally, the sea pen communities provide habitats for a variety of megafauna. The survey also identified the presence of an invasive species, the Japanese sea squirt, which poses potential risks to the local ecosystem.

The survey, conducted using underwater ROVs in June and July 2024, covered 11 zones and documented marine biodiversity across 97 transects. The report offers valuable insights for Fjord Base and planning authorities, including specific information on areas where nature may be vulnerable to interventions, such as seabed alterations.

In collaboration with subject matter experts, Fjord Base will carefully assess potential impacts and plan mitigation measures to minimize environmental effects. This survey forms an important foundation for evaluating technology and placement related to potential future needs, such as the temporary anchoring of floaters and completed turbines.

Plans for a New Quay at Naustholmen
In addition to new sea areas, we are also working on the development of Naustholmen. We are collaborating with competent experts to plan a new quay, exploring opportunities, limitations, and dependencies for future operations. Currently, project activities and temporary storage of wind turbine components represent an existing market. Initially, this is what we intend to use the quay at Naustholmen for. If a market for floating offshore wind develops, we aim to facilitate this as well.

In our efforts to further develop Fjord Base, we emphasize the environmental aspects of future activities. We maintain our strong commitment to minimizing the environmental impact on the fjord.