Norwegian fishers demand more rigid rules on seabed clean-up.

Norway’s fishing fleet has voiced strong concerns about the growing practice of leaving pipelines and cables on the seabed once oil and gas fields are closed. The organisation Fiskebåt warns that the lack of proper clean-up could harm both the marine environment and fishing operations.

Oda field under scrutiny

The issue has gained attention in connection with the decommissioning of the Oda field in the southern Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The field, operated by Aker BP, has been in production since 2019.

According to current regulations, operators can propose the best method for shutting down activity. This includes leaving behind pipes and cables, provided they are buried, cleaned and covered.

While these rules are meant to ensure safety, Fiskebåt argues that they fall short. The group stresses that leftover installations pose a serious challenge to fishing, particularly for trawlers that rely on bottom gear.

Long-lasting materials

The official environmental assessment suggests that the pipelines and cables will remain stable under cover until they eventually break down. However, there is no evidence that this will happen as expected. In fact, the assessment states that it could take more than a thousand years before the materials decompose fully.

Fiskebåt insists that this uncertainty makes the current practice unacceptable. “This is not good enough,” the organisation stated in its response to the consultation.

Risks for fishers

For fishermen, hidden or shifting installations represent a constant hazard. Nets and trawls can snag on debris, causing costly damage to equipment and risking the safety of crews. There is also concern that abandoned materials could disturb marine ecosystems for centuries to come.

Call for stronger rules.

Fiskebåt is now calling on Norwegian authorities to take a broader view of the problem and tighten requirements for operators. The organisation believes stricter clean-up standards are necessary to protect both the marine environment and the long-term interests of the fishing industry.

As oil and gas fields across the North Sea continue to close, the debate over how best to handle their remains is expected to intensify. For Norway’s fishing fleet, the stakes could not be higher.