Lessons learnt from developing and implementing integrated management plans in Norwegian waters

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In 2002 the Norwegian parliament, the Storting, discussed the white paper “Protecting the Riches of the Sea” (Report No. 12 (2001 – 2002) to the Storting). One important proposal in the white paper was that integrated management plans should be developed for all Norwegian ocean and coastal areas. It was also said that these plans should be ecosystem based. The proposal was endorsed by the parliament and become then the political instrument and background for developing integrated management plans. The parliament decided that the first integrated management plan should be developed for the Norwegian part of the Barents Sea and the waters off Lofoten.