The High North is one of the most important strategic areas of Norwegian foreign policy. As part of its policy, Norway wants to grant NOK 10,6 million [€ 920 thousand] for GoNorth's polar research.

The international attention to the Arctic has increased. Norway's research, mapping, and activity in the High North revolves around protecting Norwegian interests, and the government therefore wants to grant NOK 10,6 million [€ 920 thousand] for GoNorth's polar research, says Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Bjørnar Skjæran (Labor).

GoNorth is a consortium of research groups from Norwegian universities and institutions. It aims to study the Arctic Ocean from the subsurface, seabed, water column, and sea ice through joint interdisciplinary research expeditions.

GoNorth has completed two expeditions into the Arctic Ocean, using the research icebreaker Kronprins Haakon and the University of Bergen ROV Ægir as main platforms. The 2023 GoNorth expedition discovered a new hydrothermal field – an area with seafloor hot springs – in the Lena Trough, part of a mid-ocean ridge between Svalbard and Greenland.

The Norwegian government has allocated a total of NOK 30 million [€ 2 million 605 thousand] from the state budget to GoNorth. In addition, GoNorth receives funds from participating institutions, grants from the Research Council of Norway, and private contributions.

Source: High North News

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