Havbunnsnettet

Havbunnsnettet, literally “the seabed network”, is a digital spatial database that maps the Norwegian continental shelf for marine-use planning and resource management. Developed under the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs in collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research and the Norwegian Mapping Authority, the database provides high-resolution bathymetric, geological, and ecological information. The primary goal is to enable evidence‑based decision‑making for activities such as fisheries management, offshore wind energy, aquaculture, and conservation.

The network comprises layers of data including seabed types, sediment composition, benthic habitats, and existing and planned subsea infrastructure. Data are derived from a mixture of sources: systematic bathymetric surveys, satellite altimetry, and regional projects like the Arctic Council’s Arctic Marine Observations. All layers are updated regularly, with the most recent revisions released every two years to reflect new survey results.

Governance of Havbunnsnettet follows Norwegian open‑data principles. The Ministry retains overall responsibility, while a technical steering committee coordinates contributions from scientific, industry, and stakeholder groups. The database is licensed under a Creative Commons CC‑BY‑NC, allowing free use for non‑commercial purposes as long as attribution is given. Funding comes from a combination of state allocations within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive implementation and project‑specific grants from research councils.

Havbunnsnettet has become an essential tool for the Marine Spatial Planning process under the EU Directive on the Conservation of Wadden Sea and in the national Long‑Term Strategic Plan for the Fishery. By providing a uniform, accessible view of seabed characteristics, the network supports more transparent and sustainable use of Norway’s marine resources.