The MAREANO Programme

The objectives of the MAREANO Programme are to survey and perform basic studies of the seabed’s physical, biological and chemical environment and to systematise the information in a marine area database that will cover Norway’s coastal and marine regions.

What does the landscape of the Norwegian continental shelf look like? What does the sea bed consist of? How are contaminants stored in seabed sediments? Where are the coral reefs located? Where can we find the best natural conditions for aquaculture? What is the relationship between the physical environment, species diversity and biological resources?

Answers to such questions are essential for an ecosystem-based management of our marine resources and in 2005 the Norwegian government gave the go-ahead for the launch of a marine survey programme in the Lofoten - Barents Sea region.

news

Glimpses from life 300 metres below the surface
[7 Jul 2006]

Unique images from the deep
[23 Jun 2006]

The seabed in Norwegian waters to be mapped
[14 Feb 2006]

partners

Institute of Marine Research
Co-ordinator

Norwegian Hydrographic Service

Norwegian Geological Survey

collaborators

Directorate for Nature Management

Norwegian Defence Research Establishment

State Pollution Control Authority

Norwegian Petroleum Directorate

Norwegian Polar Research Institute

Directorate of Fisheries