Norwegian defense authorities sank a decommissioned frigate in active fishing waters despite explicit recommendations from the Fisheries Directorate to avoid the location. The decision has sparked anger from fishing industry representatives and environmental groups.
Fisheries Directorate official Jon Erik Henriksen stated they advised against sinking the vessel in the fishing area due to permanent consequences for fishing activities. He noted the sunken ship now obstructs future fishing operations in the region.
The incident occurred during NATO exercise Ægir in September off the coasts of Andøy and Senja in northern Norway. The navy sank two frigates as part of military training exercises.
Norwegian fishing industry organization FiskebĂĄt has demanded the wreck of the former KNM Bergen be raised from the TĂĄja fishing grounds. They argue the sunken vessel has destroyed significant portions of valuable fishing territory.
Fishermen express concern that the wreck will cause fishing gear to snag and become damaged. They claim the defense forces were well aware this was an important fishing area before proceeding with the sinking.
Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik defended the decision, stating the exercise was well-coordinated and the military considered input from fisheries authorities. He emphasized the chosen location represented a compromise between operational needs and civilian interests.
The nearly 100-meter-long frigate now rests at approximately 125 meters depth at the edge of the fishing zone. Sandvik described the position as the deepest possible location in the area that met operational requirements.
FiskebĂĄt managing director Audun MarĂĄk rejected the minister's explanation as unacceptable. He argued the navy should have listened more carefully to warnings from both the fishing industry and government fisheries experts.
Military officials explained they couldn't sink the vessel in deeper waters because the test required the ship to remain completely stationary. Anchoring in safe deeper locations wasn't feasible for the exercise requirements.
The navy conducted environmental cleanup before sinking, removing all harmful fluids, materials, and loose objects from the vessels. Command Captain Christian Oseberg confirmed this precautionary measure was completed.
Fishing representatives maintain the defense forces operate under different rules than civilian operators. They note dumping waste in fishing grounds would be prohibited for any other industry.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between military training needs and environmental protection in Norway's coastal waters. Both sides claim to have valid concerns, but the sunken vessel remains on the seafloor affecting local fishing operations.
This situation demonstrates how military exercises can create lasting conflicts with local industries when communication and compromise fall short. The permanent placement of a large obstruction in fishing waters suggests authorities prioritized short-term training needs over long-term economic impacts.