Page 15 - An-introduction-to-Svalbard

by trading companies. Eventually some of these hunters would run their own affairs and
established a trapper lifestyle in the north. They lived, scattered about in small wooden huts
that were usually far more basic than those of the Pomors, and they hunted alone or in groups
in the agreed hunting areas. Professional hunting in Svalbard practically ended with the 20th
century. Several Norwegian hunting huts are still there and some are maintained as historical
monuments by the authorities.

During a total of 300 years there was a ruthless hunt for everything that Svalbard had to offer:
walrus, Arctic fox and polar bear. Seal and the Svalbard reindeer became food for humans
and sled dogs. Birds and their eggs were eaten, and eiderdown was plucked and sold. All
animal populations were exposed to very heavy hunting.
The international market for polar bear skins grew after 1945. In the 1960s between 300
and 400 polar bears were shot annually in Svalbard. Organized trophy hunting trips were
arranged, despite strong international criticism. These trips were banned in 1971 and the
polar bear got international protection in 1973. Long before, the Svalbard reindeer (1925)
and the walrus (1952) were protected. All hunting on Svalbard is now regulated by strict rules.
The polar bear – like the walrus and other species – is thus strictly protected in Svalbard and
may under no circumstances be disturbed or harassed. The polar bear may be shot only in
selfdefence and as an absolute last resort when someone's life is directly threatened.

For a long time, Svalbard was a no man's land where different nations were free to help
themselves to various natural resources. Early whalers found coal in Kongsfjorden, but major
coal mining did not take place until the 1900s. During the first part of that century, mining
companies from several countries were involved: Sweden, Norway, Holland and from the
1930s, the Soviet Union. Coal mining is still carried out by Norway and Russia. The former
Swedish Svea mine (now Norwegian), is the only mine which declares financial gain today.
Otherwise, the mining operations have not been very lucrative. Other minerals exploited
include gypsum and marble. A persistent quest for gold and copper resulted in early but
failed attempts of exploitation. Gold has recently been detected in geological surveys and in
sufficient quantities to potentially lead to a new mining operation. Coal mining is likely to
linger on, but other important sources of income appears to be tourism, services, research
and education that are all increasingly seen as strong cards in Svalbard's economy.
In February 1920 a special Svalbard treaty was signed, giving Norway sovereignty over the
islands. 40 countries have signed this agreement. Norwegian laws apply on Svalbard and the
signatories have the right to conduct business and engage in hunting and fishing on the same
terms as Norwegian citizens. The District Governor (Sysselman) is appointed by the Norwegian
Government and deals with all matters concerning the administration of the area.

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