Faroe Islands bans fast boat traffic near bird cliffs until end of August

The Faroese Environment Agency has reminded the public that fast boat traffic near bird cliffs and nesting sites remains prohibited until 31 August, as part of ongoing wildlife protection measures, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

Under the regulations, which took effect last year, vessels are forbidden from travelling faster than eight knots (15 km/h) within 500 metres of shorelines where birds are present between 15 April and 31 August. Loud noise disturbances are also banned in these areas, though scheduled ferry routes are exempt.

The restrictions now apply nationwide, having previously been limited to designated Ramsar wetland sites. During the same period, the use of motorised personal watercraft—including jet skis—remains prohibited in the Ramsar-protected areas of Nólsoy, Skúvoy, and Mykines.