Prohibition on the discharge of sewage from recreational craft in the Oslo Fjord

Currently, users of recreational craft sailing in the Oslofjord may discharge sewage from onboard toilets into the fjord, provided they are more than 300 meters from shore. As of 1 July, the Oslo Fjord will become a prohibition zone for sewage discharge from recreational craft.

Certain recreational craft that are protected or given historical status by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage are exempt from this prohibition. Recreational craft will need to use the sewage disposal facilities located at ports in the Oslofjord to empty onboard toilets. These facilities are marked on the map below.

The gravity of the environmental situation in the Oslofjord necessitates this prohibition. Several bed areas, both in the inner and outer fjord, suffer from low oxygen concentrations due to inputs of nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter and other particles.

The cod population is at a historically low level, and the kelp forests and eelgrass beds, which serve as breeding grounds for species like cod fry, are in decline in several areas.

Additionally, the experience for bathers, boaters and others engaging in outdoor activities in the fjord is deteriorating. To improve the environmental conditions of the Oslofjord, numerous measures are necessary, and prompt action is required.

Establishing a prohibition zone for sewage discharge from recreational craft is one of these measures aimed at improving the conditions of the fjord. The purpose of the prohibition is to ensure a cleaner and safer Oslofjord for everyone.

• Read more about the new Regulations here

Sewage disposal facilities in the Oslofjord