Record number of criminal cases and criminal case production in 2022
In 2022, the Governor of Svalbard has had the highest number of criminal cases and criminal case production since the year 2000. The reason is not that there are necessarily more people committing criminal offences, but rather an increased presence and more controls carried out by the Governor in the field.
Published 1/2/2023
National weapons amnesty 2023
The government is introducing a weapons amnesty from 1 January to 1 June 2023. In Svalbard, weapons and ammunition can be delivered to the Governor on Mondays and Tuesdays until 1 June.
Published 1/1/2023
Polar bears back at Hiorthhamn
The two polar bears are back at Hiorthhamn. The Governor assesses the situation continuously and asks the public to stay away from the area.
Published 12/30/2022
The polar bears have left Hiorthhamn
The two polar bears that have been at Hiorthhamn for the past few days are now in Mälardalen and will hopefully leave the immediate area.
Published 12/28/2022
Polar bear observed
The Governor has certain observation of polar bears at Hiorthhamn and encourages the public to stay away from the area. The Governor monitors the situation.
Published 12/28/2022
Possible observation of polar bear
The Governor has received a report about a possible sighting of a polar bear at Hiorthhamn this morning. The Governor is now trying to locate the bear and asks the public to be very careful out in the field.
Published 12/20/2022
Helicopter inspection of glaciers
This autumn, the governor flew by helicopter over glacier areas where there is a lot of traffic, especially in winter. What several glaciers have in common is that they seem to "let go" of the mountain sides, and wide and longitudinal cracks are formed.
Published 12/15/2022
New website for MOSJ Environmental monitoring of Svalbard and Jan Mayen
MOSJ presents environmental information about the environment on Svalbard and Jan Mayen. A new website has now been launched, with updated data from the Governor of Svalbard and others.
Published 12/9/2022
Continues firearms controls
The Governor continues checks on the storage of firearms, weapon parts and ammunition.
Published 12/8/2022
Clarification on foreign driving licenses in Svalbard
The main rule is that people with a foreign driver's license that is valid in their home country can use such a driver's license for the relevant motor vehicle group during their entire stay on Svalbard. However, the driver's license must be of the model required by the Vienna Convention of 1968 on road traffic.