Earlier pollution is still creating problems

Pollutants are transported to marine areas from a number of different sources. High levels of hazardous substances in some fjords and harbours are mainly the result of earlier industrial discharges. The use of chemical pesticides in the agricultural sector can also play a part.
The article was updated more than 3 years ago

Emissions from landbased industry have been reduced, but seepage from old landfills and leakage from contaminated soil and sediments still poses a serious problem. In some fjords there are still problems caused by earlier use of pesticides, such as DDT.

Long-range pollution, carried to Norway by wind or ocean currents, is another important source of hazardous substances. Hazardous substances are also transported to coastal waters via rivers.