Results

Since the MAREANO program was launched in 2005 the Governmental-prioritized oceanic regions Nordland VI-VII fields, Troms II, Troms III, Eggakanten, the coastal zone off Finnmark County, and the Tromsøflaket, have been surveyed. Starting with detailed depth-mapping by using multi-beam echo-sounders, terrain models are being produced through computer-based modeling. Subsequently, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research, the  Geological Survey of Norway (NGU) and the Norwegian Hydrographical Survey (SKSD) collect information about habitats and bottom substrate, biology and potential pollutants by using video-observations, sediment samplers and traditional biological sampling equipment (beamtrawl, bottom sledge and grab).

The results are continuously being reported as maps and geographically located information at the MAREANOs web-site www.mareano.no. The results are as well reported to the updating committees within the respective management plans for Norwegian seas.

Areas that have been surveyed by MAREANO in the period 2005-2011. Bathymetric data from other sources are also shown.

Bathymetric charts

In total, 76 000 km² of new areas have been depth-mapped by MAREANO in the period 2005–2011 (see figure). In addition to depth data collected by the MAREANO program, other depth data collected by Norwegian Mapping Authority Hydrographic Service, Norwegian Defense Research Establishment, Norwegian Petroleum Directorate, petroleum industry, universities and research establishments have been available for use in the MAREANO program. Both MAREANO's own data and those delivered by external institutions are being used to produce digital terrain models and shadow relief pictures. The resulting maps of the terrain of the sea floor are presented at www.mareano.no and Norway Digital website (www.geonorge.no).

Bathymetric charts (shadow relief) that has been published by December 2011.

Seabed

Bottom maps including information about substrate and the composition of the bottom sediments are available for the Nordland VII-field, Troms II, Troms III, Eggakanten and the surveyed areas of the Tromsøflaket. The maps show that the shelf areas are dominated by sand and gravel, with muddy deposits in local depressions. The substrate on the continental slope and the deep plains range from sandy gravel in the upper parts to gravelly sandy mud in the deep plains.  Marine landscape maps produced according to the classification system "Naturtyper i Norge", show a wide range of landscapes and land forms. The main landscape components are continental shelf plain, smooth continental slope, canyons, and deep sea plains.

Read more:

• Map: Sediments (grain size)
• Map: Sediments (genesis)
• Map: Sedimentary environment
• Map: Landscapes and land forms

Biodiversity and habitats

Field sampling of data for production of biodiversity- and habitat maps ("Nature types") have been collected for the Nordland VII-field, Troms II, Troms III, Eggakanten and the surveyed parts of Tromsøflaket. In total, 67 600 km² has been covered. Preliminary habitat maps are available at www.mareano.no for the Tromsøflaket and Eggakanten, while such maps are to be produced for the Nordland VII, Troms II and Troms III. Some biological results are published for these areas. The MAREANO investigations have shown that habitat maps fully covering whole bottom areas may be produced with high quality and high resolution by using computer modeling tools. So far app. 1300 benthic species have been identified and contribute  to achieve reliable results within nature type mapping and production modeling. In general the nature types found close to or at the slope edges, where often coarse bottom substrate occur, are the most species-rich ones.
 
Read more:

• Map: Marine habitats

Environmental chemistry and pollution

Environmental chemistry and pollution have been investigated for Tromsøflaket, Nordland VII, Troms II and Eggakanten. The results for Tromsøflaket, Troms II and parts of Nordland VII have been published on www.mareano.no. Findings from the other areas investigated show the Barents Sea to be a clean sea, with low concentrations of PAHs. Certain heavy metals have significant natural variation. There is no significant man-made contamination, but natural leaks of hydrocarbons should be investigated.Chemicals and pollution have been mapped at the Nordland VII-field, Troms II, Troms III, Eggakanten and Tromsøflaket. The results are published on www.mareano.no, and reveal that the Barents Sea a pristine area with low concentrations of pollutants that have been analyzed for. It is, however, mentioned that the concentrations og PAH and some of the heavy metals show relatively great natural fluctuations.

Read more:

• Map: Contaminants