Wrecked ship still leaking oil, officials hoping for quick removal
A wrecked Russian ship on Bear Island has leaked an undetermined amount of fuel intermittently during the past week, according to the Norwegian Coast Guard, which is assisting a salvage company evaluate the site. The Petrosavodsk ran aground May 11 on the south side of the island, one of the world's most pristine bird sanctuaries. "The situation is serious and uncertain," a Norwegian Polar Institute researcher said, as leaks have occurred for weeks and appear to be increasing. The coast guard official said a crew to clean up diesel is at the site, but not been used so far, and hopes equipment to remove the vessel will be in place shortly.
Fish tales, photos sought from youths for contest
Local youths are being encouraged by the Longyearbyen Hunting and Fishing Association to enter a Norwegian photo competition, calling it an opportunity to develop family relationships and an appreciation for nature in Svalbard. "We hope the competition can get our kids to fish in the summer and that we can spin it into a broader experience later," said Karianne Steen, an association official. Photos can be submitted and voted on at Nettavisen.
Former Svalbard governor returning to post this fall
Odd Olsen Ingerø, 58, will return this fall as governor of Svalbard, a position he held from 2001-2005. He left to become head of Norway's criminal police department, part of a law enforcement career dating back to 1980. He replaces Per Sefland, who replaced Ingerø shortly after his departure. Ingerø was selected ahead of three other candidates for the three-year term.
Delays in planning process for apartments frustrate builders
Frustration about the length of the planning process for new Haugen family apartments is being expressed by Store Norske officials, saying Longyearbyen's local governor board is making last-minute changes that are unrealistic and expensive. "It is hopeless for us to meet the demands of the local board when the plan is treated like this," said Håvar Fjerdingøy, the company's housing director. "They can not wait until the plan is completed to take initiatives. Contributions should come through in the process to avoid major delays."
Former Ny-Ålesund resident wins top Norwegian jazz award
Finn Sletten, a drummer who spent his childhood in Ny-Ålesund and regularly returns for performances in Longyearbyen, is the winner of this year's 15,000-kroner Stubøprisen, awarded to a significant contributor to jazz in northern Norway. He has played with a wide range of national and international musicians during his nearly 40-year career including Liv Mari Schei, Magni Wentzel, Terje Rypdal and Sidsel Endresen. He performed with Chipahua at Polarjazz earlier this year.
Nobody claiming responsibility for bird warning sign
A road sign near the dog kennels at the edge of Longyearbyen warning about the presence of birds was posted without permission and nobody is claiming responsibility for it, according to the Svalbard governor's office. Local officials endorsed a similar sign from the Longyearbyen Field Biology Society (LoFF) last year, but it was rejected by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. LoFF denies making or putting up the current sign.
Russians again seek to expand helicopter flights
Permission to expand Svalbard helicopter flights beyond mining operations in Barentsburg is being sought by Russian mining company Trust Arktikugol and flight operator Spark Plus. Russians have repeatedly taken up the issue of flights with Norwegian officials, saying restrictions imposed violate the Svalbard Treaty and appear more strict than those applied to Norwegian operators. An official with Norway's civil aviation authority declined to comment about the merits of the application since it is still under consideration, but said a recent court ruling where Russians were penalized for illegal helicopter flights will not be a factor in the decision.
Royal book about Svalbard coming this fall
Crown Prince Haakon of Norway, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark are collaborating on a book about their joint visit to Svalbard last year and Greenland this year. The book, with assistance from scientists from the leaders' countries, focuses on the experiences during their trips, climate change, and research and life in the Arctic. It is expected to be available in October.
Construction worker injured in site accident
A 28-year-old man working for LNS Spitsbergen was injured Wednesday afternoon when five roof supports fell off a block at a Elvesletta Syd construction site. A company official said the man received X-rays at Longyearbyen Hospital, but he does not appear to be seriously injured. The incident is being investigated by the Svalbard governor's office.
Assistant governor accidentally fires rifle in apartment; no injuries
A rifle shot Monday night in a Longyearbyen apartment turned out to be an accidental discharge by Asst. Gov. Lars Fausa. Fausa said he was preparing the rifle for a hunting trip and used the wrong cartridge while conducting a click test. A shot went through a table leg into the floor, but did not cause serious damage. He was alone at the time. Police have not seized the weapon so far, but Fausa said he is prepared to accept any consequences, which will likely include a fine for unsafe handling of firearms.
Magnitude 5.1 seabed quake occurs near Svalbard; no damage
An earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale occurred in the ocean about 280 km southwest of Svalbard at about 2:30 p.m. Sunday. A NORSAR official said "is a relatively strong earthquake, but not uncommon in these areas" since there have been several with a magnitude of five or more during the past year.
Not all made it home after the party
Two men in Longyearbyen needed assistance getting home from police after the summer solstice beach party Saturday. One man at a house fell asleep in the bed of a 16-year-old girl, prompting her brother to call police, who said the man "was not aggressive or difficult" when they removed him. A second man found asleep the next morning on a scooter seat "was surprised that he had not come home."
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Headlines are provided courtesy of Svalbardposten. Full articles at their site can be read using Google Translate, but due to a high error rate we no longer provide direct links here.
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Snowmobile riders set off on a trip across Adventdalen this spring. Pollution during peak rider season is nearly that of Zurich, a city with 400,000 residents, according to a new study. Much of that is from older machines that tour operators say will be mostly gone within a few years.
From the print edition (PDF) |
Study: Snowmobiles 'big polluters' in Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen's air pollution during peak snowmobile season in spring is 100 times higher than during the summer, making it comparable to a large European city, according to a new study. But most of it is caused by older machines not expected to be in wide use for long.
Former governor returning to post this fall
Odd Olsen Ingerø, 58, has been named Svalbard's new governor for a three-year term starting on an undetermined date later this year. He served in the same position from 2001 to 2005 before becoming head of Norway's criminal police department.
• Early voting starts for national election; Svalbard residents must cast ballot by Sept. 4
A beach, a bonfire, a BBQ, bikinis - and goose bumps
Inger-Johanne Mørk, 15, goes swimming at the beach once a year - after getting two months to soak up continuous sunlight and another two months to dry out before it sets.
High and hardcore
For Heidi Merethe Lian, it was an evening of pleasant music and an opportunity to dig out the vintage wardrobe. Y'know, the spiked necklace, skull-and-crossbones accessories and ankle-length black denim coat with a black metal band moniker on back.
One of longest helicopter rescues ever saves Greenland man
One of the longest helicopter rescues in history ended successfully Saturday when Svalbard officials flew more than 2,200 kilometers to evacuate a seriously ill 35-year-old man from an expedition on the northern tip of Greenland.
Festival on the rocks
Åsmund Prytz's band seized an invitation to play in the inaugural Spitsbergen Rock festival without the usual debate, but one of their stage trademarks may be hard to deliver.
Captain, first mate sentenced for roles in Bear Island shipwreck
The captain of a Russian ship that ran aground in a Svalbard bird sanctuary was sentenced last week to 18 days in prison and his first mate 40 days for drinking alcohol and other negligence on duty.
More ship accidents in store?
There's a bounty of riches awaiting in the melting waters of the Arctic, but native dwellers may pay the ultimate price as increased traffic means a greater risk of incidents like a Russian ship that ran aground and spilled oil in a Svalbard bird sanctuary earlier this month.
Sweets, salutes and song
 Important as honoring soldiers and children on the national holiday may be, the highlight for some Norwegians this year was a young violinist's "Fairytale."
Feeling a rush to mush
It seems this whole "world's northernmost" thing is really going to the dogs. Groans aside, Svalbard added another category to its lengthy list of such distinctions with the inaugural Trappers' Trail dog sled race Saturday.
Trash cleanup to bring lucky few to Spitsbergen's north shore
It's not hard to imagine the ecstasy of a garbage man winning the lottery. But how about winning the lottery to be a garbage man? For those living in Svalbard, that can also be a dream come true.
Postal error causes customs fees to be sought in Svalbard
Those receiving parcels by mail in Svalbard are erroneously being asked to pay customs fees before the packages are sent from the mainland due an error in new regulations implemented by Norway's postal service, officials said.
Slower, more strenuous tourism season forecast
The North Pole is melting and Svalbard ranks as a top-10 travel destination this year, but there's still going to be a rare decline in tourists this year and operators are working harder to please them.
Arctic tourism promotions go extreme
Feeling guilty you can afford an expensive vacation in a recession? Help save a endangered animal in the Arctic. Tired of feeling guilty? Shoot it.
Making changes to stay the same
Norway's government likes what Svalbard has become, but has serious concerns about where it may be going. Those conclusions are in a long-term policy outline for the archipelago released Friday. The 121-page "white paper" states coal mining should continue and will likely remain the region's dominant economic base for some time, but the growth of tourism, education and research are helping ensure long-term economic and social development.
• Download an English summary of the report
• View a computer translation of the full report (some grammar and wording may be incorrect)
Is the seed vault turning us all into ice zombies?
Thomas Zimmerman didn't have what it took to be a Nazi, but turning into an ice zombie overnight in Longyearbyen was no problem. So he joined others volunteering to act in "The Nighmare Of Noah," a film scheduled for completion this year questioning the role of the Svalbard Global Seed Vault.
High life, low crime
More than 2,500 people are listed as living in Svalbard for the first time in more than a decade, with those not registered as residents of Norway's mainland accounting for the increase. And if anyone got a traffic ticket, it was big news.
Sunny days in Svalbard again
The day, truth be told, wasn't all that different. The skies were overcast and Longyearbyen was already getting more than 12 hours a day of "twilight," exceeding the sunrise/sunset duration in New York City. Even during a mass gathering at the penultimate moment of the first dawn after a four-month polar night, a scattering of people said they didn't feel a magic transformation.
Airship museum takes flight
The first successful flight over the North Pole wasn't exactly a rousing PR success due to an aborted mission, squabbling over credit and a subsequent trips that resulted in deaths and disgrace. A new museum in Longyearbyen is trying to present what it calls the full version of an often overlooked and inaccurate story, along with the history of other Arctic airship expeditions.
• Museum web site
Review: Tur an improvisational showcase that demands focus
"I don’t find two sips of wine more delicious than one," a fictional assassin tells his nemesis, who's uncomfortable with his host's relative sobriety at a dinner where they sample many bottles. It's a mentality listeners of a new album by a collection of northern Norway musicians should adopt as its improvisational energy is expressed in a multitude of ways that's anything but comfortable.
Seeds of hope, concern after vault's first year
As birthday parties go, it's something of a downer when the conversation is about getting people to worry about a food crisis a century from now when paying for groceries today is a struggle.
• A seedy birthday party in Svalbard
• Really, really against the seed vault
Column
What IS this thing?
You're holding – probably at arm's length – the premier issue of the world's northernmost alternative newspaper. It's certifiable as a collector's item, worthy of space next to the George W. Bush action figure and David Beckham L.A. Galaxy jersey on the shelf.
Blogging Svalbard
Lots of people have blogs, personal sites and forums about Svalbard, the polar regions and other chilly matters. Their rants and ruminations will be noted and commented on our companion blog at http://coolestnewsonearth.blogspot.com/. The blog also serves as a dumping ground for the internal workings happening (or not) at icepeople, plus whatever other verbiage is deemed unworthy of actual ink. Next scheduled print issue is June 30, 2009
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Residents and visitors gather around a bonfire in the center of Longyearbyen to hear an outdoor concert during the 2008 KunstPause Svalbard festival.
Starting early on arts of darkness
It's never too early to start thinking about celebrating Longyearbyen's plunge into total darkness. Organizers are already announcing preliminary plans for KunstPause Svalbard, an annual event highlighting local art, taking place this year Nov. 12-15.
New bird observatory attracts traffic
Given that Svalbard is one of the most pristine areas in the world, you wouldn't think one of its best bird-watching spots is a place with lots of vehicles and sewage.
Selling ice to Arctic dwellers proves easy at new kiosk
It's not like there's a shortage of slush in Longyearbyen, but Gry Sneltuedt found herself overwhelmed by demand for it anyhow, churning out 90 liters of a sugar-infused variety from a new machine the first day her Mix Isbjørn kiosk opened in a new and larger location in Lompensenteret.
Challenges in Spitsbergen Marathon go beyond distance
Running a marathon ought to be achievement enough. Especially when challenges like a lengthy trip to the end of the Earth, snow in June and rifle-clad race officials on ATVs watching for polar bears are added.
• Women's winner: Marathon at 78°N a tough act to follow
• Race site and results
Mush a rush despite brush with slush
Sled dog racing started in Svalbard not with a bang or much ballyhoo, but plenty of barks.
Going on a late ski spree
As ski resorts elsewhere were closing down, Svalbard's snow bums were just getting off to the races and lifts.
Healer returns for a spring at the alter
 Maybe it's just a temp gig in the pulpit, but Magne Klingsheim has a lifetime of genes - and jeans - befitting a spiritual healer in a rugged environment.
Svalbard Skimarathon on Saturday
The 16th annual Svalbard Skimarathon, the world's northernmost cross-country ski race, is Saturday beginning at Mine 6.
An ode to blubber concrete
When you're the world's northernmost rock band there's little use for wasting lyrics on "struggles" other acts find "substance" in like bad relationships and drug trips. Especially when your forefathers were boiling whale blubber in a settlement so miserable prisoners refused to spend a season working there instead of serving a life sentence.
• Web bonus: Download "Sysselmannen" MP3 from Schmeerenburgh's Longyear Brenner EP
• Videos, photos and strange tales from the road at Schmeerenburgh's homepage
What's up
June 20
- 5 p.m.: Midsummer Party at the Svalbard Sailing Club. Kids' games start at 5 p.m., grill at 6 p.m. Music, a bonfire and other activities are planned.
June 21
- 6 p.m.: Movie: "Inkheart," U.S./British/German adventure, ages 11 and up, Huset.
8 p.m.: Movie: "X-men Origins: Wolverine," U.S. action/fantasy, ages 15 and up, Huset.
June 22
- 10:15 a.m.: Meeting of the environment and industry committee. Næringsbygget 1.
June 28
- 8 p.m.: Movie: "Gran Torino," U.S. action/drama, ages 15 and up, Huset.
July 5
- 8 p.m.: Movie: "The Secret Life of Bees," U.S. drama, ages 11 and up, Huset.
July 16
- 7 p.m.: Exhibit opening, watercolors of Arctic fossils and plants by Hedvig Wright Østern, Galleri Svalbard. On display until Aug. 31.
July 23
- 7 p.m.: Solo concert by free improvisational jazz pianist Maarten Regtien, Galleri Svalbard. |
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Forty years of research service
Pollution accelerating snow melt in Svalbard, researchers find Sea ice at lowest level in 800 years
Eight Arctic chefs to compete for title in September 2009 new car sales plummet in Norway, but six sold in Svalbard deemed 'not bad' Seed preservation called critical to preserving sustainable agriculture
Searching for life on icy worlds
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Climate change in the land of great drought
Northwest borough offers to buy Red Dog road, port
Adventurers ready for last push of Arctic trek Climate change is shrinking sheep
Polar explorer Discovery is restored
Climate issues may boost Sweden's EU leadership
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