Hósvík harbour expansion will not harm nature, says Faroese environment agency

The Faroese Environment Agency has concluded that planned expansion work at Hósvík harbour will have no significant impact on nature or the environment, according to an assessment based on an application and information from Sunda municipality.

The project involves moving the pier further out to sea and constructing it as a rock-fill structure. The rock will be sourced from the existing pier and from excavation in front of the boat shelter, totalling 5,146 cubic metres.

Biological surveys conducted by Biofar as part of the planning found 50 species at the seabed through visual inspection and 52 species via eDNA sampling, with eight species identified by both methods. No rare or protected species were recorded. The surveys determined that the seabed habitat in the area is common both internationally and in Faroese waters.

The Environment Agency’s decision to grant Sunda municipality permission for the harbour expansion can be appealed to the minister for the environment.