The Jæren Coast Hope Spot stretches from Ogna Bay to Sola Beach in Norway, and includes the protected islands of Rott, Haastein and Kjoer. The area has a high diversity of marine species and contains many unique habitats both in the sea and on its shores, including rich reefs and a very large and continuous kelp forest that supports a great variety of invertebrates, fish, sharks, seals and seabirds. The area serves as important breeding and nursery habitat for mollusks, crustaceans and numerous fish species, including skates and sharks, which have decreased dramatically in recent times. Unfortunately, the Jæren Coast faces threats from oil drilling and experiences first hand the negative effects of climate change. However, international support has encouraged the Norwegian government to take action: Dr. Sylvia Earle, the founder of Mission Blue, visited the Jæren Coast in 2017 along with scientists and Norwegian policymakers, in order to bring more awareness to this rich marine ecosystem and also to accept the 2017 Rachel Carson prize.
