MOSJ is a governmental system that monitors the environment on Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Climate

Atmosphere (3) Land (3) Ocean (5)

Influence

Fishery and freshwater fishing (1) Hunting and trapping (5) Pollution (14) Traffic (5)

Fauna

Marine fauna (18) Terrestrial fauna (3)

Flora

Landbased flora (1)

Newly updated indicators

Influence    Traffic    

Number of registered snowmobiles

Snowmobiles are important means of transport in Svalbard, where they are used for recreation, tourism, work, research and education. There is particularly much snowmobile traffic in March and April, and the traffic has increased…

Climate    Land    

Duration of snow cover on land

Snow cover is an indicator of climate change, since it is controlled by both temperature and precipitation. Snow cover is a complex unit to monitor, but at the same time very important…

Influence    Traffic    

Marine and coastal tourism

Marine and coastal tourism in Svalbard has historically had a substantial increase, and the development since 1996 is well documented. The activities may have negative effects on the environment…

Influence    Traffic    

Individual travellers

Traffic in Svalbard may have a negative impact on birds, mammal, vegetation and cultural sites and monuments. Individual travellers must notify the Governor of Svalbard’ office prior to trips…

Climate    Atmosphere    

Climate gases in Svalbard

The most important greenhouse gases emitted by human activity are carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), a combined group of gases called halocarbons, and nitrous oxide (N₂O). These…

Climate    Land    

Permafrost

An important aspect of climate change in the Arctic is melting of the permafrost. In Svalbard, monitoring of permafrost is ongoing in several boreholes, including at Janssonhaugen…