science
Research Shows That Noise From Andøya Space Does Not Affect Fishing Grounds
Research from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research shows that sound from rocket launches at Andøya Spaceport in Northern Norway does not reach far enough in the ocean to impact fish behavior in the important fishing grounds outside Andøya.
Published
Fishermen have long been concerned about the potential impact of increased space activity at Andøya Space on the fish in the important fishing grounds off Andøya in Northern Norway.
They have questioned whether increased space activity could scare the fish, lead to reduced catch, or cause displacement from the important fishing grounds.
The Norwegian Fishermen's Association has, for example, pointed out that insufficient consideration is given to the fishing interests in the area in its input to the consultation on Prop. 155 L (2025-2025) Act on Activities in Outer Space (the Space Act).
Does not affect the fishing grounds
A research project from the Institute of Marine Research, funded by FHF - the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund, has now investigated whether noise from rocket launches reaches the fishing grounds off Andøya.
"It was hardly possible to distinguish sounds linked to the test launch. The sound level corresponds to what we consider normal background noise in the ocean," says Tonje Nesse Forland, researcher at the Institute of Marine Research.
The sound measurement took place on March 30th, 2025, when German Isar Aerospace's carrier rocket was launched from Andøya Spaceport. The rocket ended up in the sea and exploded shortly after.
The researchers have compared the measurements with other known noise sources in the sea, such as seismic activity, piling, and blasting.
"Therefore, it is unlikely that the sound from the rocket launches affects the behaviour of fish," emphasises Forland.
Main findings
• The noise level in the water from the launch at Andøya Spaceport is low and short-lived. The launch site itself has particularly favourable natural noise reduction due to the many islets and skerries around the area.
• The noise level is below known thresholds for response for the main fish stocks in the vicinity.
• It is therefore not expected that sound from Andøya Spaceport will affect the behavior of fish in the area.
• Harbor seals may be affected by the sound in the air, and it has been observed that a whale stopped vocalizing around the launch time. Effects on marine mammals should therefore be investigated further.
• The study does not take into account other impacts than noise from rocket launches from Andøya Spaceport, for example, land use due to the activities of Andøya Spaceport that may have negative consequences for local fisheries.
Important clarification
FHF has funded the project precisely to obtain a research-based clarification of a conflict that has caused local conflict.
"The FHF has a clear responsibility on behalf of the fishing industry to investigate how other industries could affect fisheries and the daily lives of fishermen," says Rita Naustvik, head of department at FHF.
She points out that this concerns not only local fishermen at Andøya, but also for those participating in seasonal fishing in these areas.
"In recent years, the cod has moved north from Lofoten, and parts of the spawning take place precisely in the areas off Andøya. Therefore, it has been absolutely crucial for us to document, through research, what effect this type of activity actually has, says Naustvik.
