Aksjon Jaervassdrag - an initiative to improve environmental quality of lakes and streams in the Jaeren region of southwestern Norway

摘要

The Jaeren region of southwestern Norway (Fig. 1) is the main area of animal husbandry in the country. As a consequence, lakes and streams in this area suffer from excess nutrient loads and eutrophication, and some of them are without comparison the most polluted in Norway. On average, more than 70% of nutrient inputs originate from agricultural activities. Area runoff is the predominant route of transport, while spot discharges only account for a minor part. Less than 20% of nutrient inputs originate from domestic sewage. The flat, cultivated landscape has several qualities of national value. It contains some of the most important wetlands, and two of the main rivers are ranked among the 10 best salmon fishing rivers in Norway. The distinctive cultivated landscape reflects modern farming, but also has traces of agricultural activities from the past. The region is one of the richest in Norway in terms of prehistoric sites and cultural monuments. The Jaeren region is also the most important recreational area for the 230000 inhabitants in this part of Rogaland County.