Act of 21 June 1963 No. 12 relating to scientific research and exploration for and exploitation of subsea natural resources other than petroleum resources

Section 1

This Act applies to scientific research of the seabed and its subsoil and exploration for and exploitation of subsea natural resources other than petroleum resources in Norwegian internal waters, in the Norwegian territorial sea and on the continental shelf. By the continental shelf is meant the Norwegian continental shelf as stipulated by Act 18. June 2021 no 89.

The King may issue regulations about activities comprised by this law.

This Act shall similarly apply to activities as mentioned in the preceding paragraph in areas outside the Norwegian part of the continental shelf if this follows from separate agreement with a foreign state or from inter¬national law in general.

This Act shall not apply to exploitation of sedentary species that live in or on the Norwegian Continental Shelf.

Section 2

The right to submarine natural resources is vested in the State.

The King may grant Norwegian or foreign persons, including trusts, companies and other associations a permit to explore or exploit the natural resources. Specific conditions for such permis¬sions may be stipulated.

Section 3

All scientific research of the seabed and its subsoil requires a permit from the ministry or the one empowered by the ministry. It may be set specific conditions for such permits

Section 4

Anyone who willfully or by negligence violates provisions stipulated in or by virtue of this Act shall be punished by fines or prison up to 3 months. Attempt and complicity shall be punishable in the same way.

Section 5

(Repealed)

Section 6

This Act enters into force at once.

Information

English version is not necessarily updated according to recent changes at any time.