Three Norwegian fishing organisations have reported the Royal Norwegian Navy to the police after a decommissioned frigate was sunk on an active fishing ground off northern Norway.
Nord Fiskarlag, Norges Kystfiskarlag and Pelagisk Forening say the Navy violated environmental and fisheries law when it sank the former frigate KNM Bergen on the fishing ground Svensgrunnen, off Senja, during a weapons exercise on 3 September 2025.
Sunk without a pollution permit
The organisations state that the Navy sank the vessel without permission from pollution authorities. They argue this caused harm to the environment, marine life, and biodiversity, and restricted access to an important fishing area.
The police report is based on alleged breaches of the Pollution Control Act, sections 78 and 79, covering illegal pollution and waste handling. It also refers to section 28 of the Marine Resources Act, which bans leaving objects on the seabed that may damage marine life, cause ghost fishing, damage fishing gear, or endanger vessels.
Impact on coastal fisheries
According to the complaint, Svensgrunnen has long been used by the Danish seine and handline fleets. The wreck now limits fishing in what the groups describe as an attractive and historically significant fishing area.
They warn that coastal fishers living near the area may lose access to a key fishing ground. This could force vessels to travel farther to find suitable grounds, increasing operating costs.
The complaint has been sent to Finnsnes Police Station in Troms. The organisations claim the Navy’s actions are clearly negligent.