The ministers’ follow-up of the working groups’ technical reports

93 Document 3:3 2014–2015 Report Fact box 7 National environmental monitoring programmes Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen MOSJ is part of the state monitoring of the environment in Norway and the Norwegian Polar Institute has primary responsibility for the develop- ment and operation of MOSJ. The programme monitors the environment in the atmosphere, on land and in the sea areas around Svalbard and Jan Mayen. The largest suppliers of data to the monitoring system are the Governor of Svalbard, Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Meteorological Institute, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research and Norwegian Polar Institute. According to MOSJ, this is the most comprehensive environmental monitoring programme in the Arctic. Its duties are to collect, process and interpret environmental data and advise management on the need for action, research or improved monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen. SEAPOP is a comprehensive and long-term monitoring and mapping programme for Norwegian sea- birds. The programme represents a new initiative for these activities along the Norwegian coast, in Svalbard and adjacent sea areas, and will provide and maintain base-line knowledge of seabirds to improve the management of these marine environments. Collecting data that will make it possible to model the effects of human intervention and distinguish these from those primarily caused by natural variation, is emphasised. Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Norwegian Polar Institute and Tromsø Museum – The University Museum is responsible for carrying out the programme. MAREANO maps depth and topography, sediment composition, biodiversity, habitats and biotopes as well as pollution in the seabed in Norwegian coastal and marine areas. The Institute of Marine Research, the Geological Survey of Norway and the Norwegian Mapping Authority Hydrographic Service comprise the Executive Group which is responsible for carrying out MAREANO ield sampling and other scientiic activities. Executive responsibility for implementing MAREANO’s activities lies with the programme group, which is led by the Directorate of Fisheries. Norwegian Polar Institute. Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen – MOSJ, http:mosj.npolar.no. Norwegian Polar Institute. Environmental Monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen – MOSJ, http:mosj.npolar.no. SEAPOP, a milestone for mapping and monitoring seabirds in Norway, www.seapop.no. MAREANO, About MAREANO, www.mareano.noom_mareano. The Norwegian Polar Institute’s research and expedition vessel RV Lance is used mostly in the Arctic, but also in the Antarctic. In January 2015, the vessel will be frozen in the drift ice north of Svalbard and drift with the ice for six months. Photo: Sebastian Gerland, Norwegian Polar Institute