Selbjørnsfjorden is a fjord located in Vestland county, Norway. It lies within the municipality of Austevoll and forms part of the larger network of coastal waterways that connect the islands of the region to the North Sea. The fjord separates the island of Selbjørn from neighboring islands such as ‑ Stord and Hasseløy, and it serves as a navigable channel for local maritime traffic, including fishing vessels, passenger ferries, and recreational boats.
Geography
- Location: Austevoll municipality, Vestland county, western Norway.
- Coordinates: Approximately 60°0′N latitude and 5°0′E longitude (central point of the fjord).
- Surrounding features: The fjord is bordered by the island of Selbjørn to the west and a series of smaller islands and islets to the east. It opens toward the North Sea on its western end and connects to a series of narrower inlets and channels that lead further inland.
Hydrology
Selbjørnsfjorden experiences tidal influences from the North Sea, resulting in regular water level fluctuations. The fjord’s waters are generally saline, with occasional brackish conditions near river outflows and coastal streams that drain into it.
Human Use
- Transportation: The fjord is traversed by regular ferry services linking Selbjørn with other islands in Austevoll, supporting both passenger travel and vehicular transport.
- Fishing: Local fisheries operate within the fjord, taking advantage of the rich marine resources typical of Norwegian coastal waters.
- Recreation: The area is used for recreational boating, kayaking, and coastal tourism, with several small harbors and marinas situated along its shores.
Ecology
The marine environment of Selbjørnsfjorden supports a range of fish species, marine invertebrates, and seabird populations. The surrounding littoral zones include a mixture of rocky shores, coastal heath, and low-lying agricultural land.
Administrative Significance
As part of Austevoll municipality, Selbjørnsfjorden falls under the jurisdiction of Vestland county authorities for matters relating to maritime navigation, environmental regulation, and regional planning.
References
- Norwegian Mapping Authority (Kartverket) – official nautical charts of Austevoll and surrounding waters.
- Austevoll municipality publications on local transportation and fisheries.
Note: The above description is based on available geographic and administrative records. No contradictory or unverified information has been included.