Protecting the Wild in Svalbard

In 2025, the Norwegian government will introduce new regulations designed to redefine wildlife voyaging in Svalbard. Among the adopted changes are provisions limiting landing sites, a restriction on passenger numbers on board vessels, and changes to distance requirements relating to polar bear encounters. Our Product Manager, Lauren Boyd, reviews these new rules and the promising benefits they bring to our wildlife adventures.

This remarkable archipelago offers exceptional wildlife opportunities. Along its icy coastlines, walrus gather on rocky shores or drifting ice floes. On land, agile Arctic foxes blend seamlessly with the snowy landscape and reindeer, with their impressive antlers, graze on the sparse vegetation. Dominating the frozen land, polar bears reign supreme. In the surrounding frigid waters, numerous seal species navigate the icy depths, while an array of majestic whales migrate through the seas. Together, these species form a delicate ecosystem, surviving amidst the ice and snow of Svalbard.

The purpose of these changes is to protect the Arctic environment and its wildlife and naturally, Wildlife Worldwide welcomes steps towards preserving the wilderness and its inhabitants.

Image by Mattias Horntrich

How will these changes impact my expedition? 

We care deeply about the environment and firmly believe that sustainable development of wildlife tourism promotes conservation, generating long-term benefits for wildlife, the environment and communities alike. We specialise in small-ship wildlife voyages and our fleet of expedition vessels will never exceed 200 passengers, in fact most of our vessels are designed with far fewer passengers. Our Svalbard charters for wildlife and photography focused trips have a maximum capacity of just 12, providing a low-impact and intimate experience.

Image by Kerstin Langenberger

The most notable change will be the introduction of designated landing sites. We are confident these selected sites will provide diverse scenery and experiences for our clients, further enhancing the excellence of our Arctic voyages. As true adventurers, we embrace the unpredictable nature of exploring wild and remote regions and making the most of every opportunity. As with any wildlife voyage, we operate with a flexible itinerary, observing nature as it unfolds and upholding respect in every location we visit.   

Image by Dani Free

The regulations restrict the use of drones in protected areas. Used irresponsibly, drones can disturb wildlife and disrupt natural behaviour, so limiting their usage helps preserve the tranquil and natural state of these areas. Visitors need to comply with these restrictions to protect the wildlife and maintain the wilderness for future travellers. 

Upholding a respectful distance from wildlife remains a top priority. The new regulations around wildlife viewing centre around the peak summer months when bird cliffs serve as vital breeding grounds. Changes to provisions relating to polar bears include a requirement to keep a 300-metre distance or 500 metres in the period from 1 March to 30 June when polar bears are particularly vulnerable to disturbances. The chance to witness incredible wildlife still remains. We have discussed the new regulations with our charter partner, and while operationally we will make some tweaks to our small-ship charters, for example perhaps enjoying more Zodiac cruising to scout for wildlife, the overall experience and ethos behind our voyages will remain.

The implementation of speed limits for motor traffic allow us to travel at a leisurely pace, affording the chance to quietly observe our surrounds and the nearby wildlife. Last year, aboard the Greg Mortimer, I embarked on a “zen” Zodiac excursion. With engines silenced, all I could hear was the distant cracks of the glacier, the gentle flow of icy waters, and the mellow calls of overhead birds. In that enchanted moment, alongside a lone ringed seal on an ice floe, I discovered pure magic. Zodiac cruises are a wonderful way of experiencing the wild, and the option to travel at a slower space and savour the moment provides a memorable experience.

Image by Dani Free

The New Svalbard Regulations

The new regulations announced by government, effective from 1 January 2025, include: 

• Shore landings in protected areas will include 43 designated landing sites.
• A limit of 200 passengers on board ships will apply in all protected areas.
• A distance requirement of 300 metres from polar bears or 500 metres from 1 March to 30 June 
• Drones prohibited in protected areas.
• Motor traffic at sea may not exceed five knots at a distance of 500 metres from land outside bird cliffs between 1 April and 31 August.
• Motor traffic at sea must keep at least 150 metres from walrus haul-out sites and the speed limit for motor traffic is five knots at a distance of 300 metres from walrus haul-out sites.
• A general ban on breaking fast ice (sea ice that is attached to the shore) with some exceptions for maintenance / supplies / coast guard. 

To summarise, with these new regulations in place, we can embark on our voyages with the assurance that our presence leaves nothing behind but footprints and memories. Operationally, there will be some changes to cruises in Svalbard, but the overall experience and ethos behind our voyages will remain – flexible itineraries, intimate group sizes, and honest wildlife experiences. 

One thing that remains unchanged is the unparalleled wildlife encounters that await intrepid travellers. From the awe-inspiring sight of a polar bear roaming the sea ice to the haunting calls of Arctic seabirds echoing across the fjords, Svalbard offers a glimpse into an untamed world. The new regulations encompass everything we stand for, low-impact wildlife viewing and small-ship voyages, ensuring Svalbard's wild wonders endure for generations to come. 

Our team of knowledgeable experts are available to talk through itinerary and vessel options and can answer any of your questions. Contact us today to discuss your holiday requirements or for inspiration on your Arctic adventure, take a look at our Svalbard trips.