ABSTRACT
Security considerations have up to now formed the basis for the kind of resource management measures that could be acceptable. Recently, however, we have experienced the end of the cold war in Europe. Soviet glasnost and perestroika have also reached the Barents Sea, (e.g. through Mr Gorbachev’s Murmansk initiative and increasing Soviet acceptance of Norwegian jurisdiction on Svalbard). The negotiations on arms limitation and disarmament have, however, not shown as much progress for weapons systems at sea as they have on land. Furthermore, geography does not change. Murmansk will continue to be a vital port for the USSR. Overall, however, the general conclusion would be that tension has decreased in the Barents Sea. This means that there is more room for maritime resource management in this area based on management rather than security needs. But security considerations will still continue to play an important part in such management.
