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This study compares the media systems of the West Nordic countries, namely the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland. All three countries are democratic welfare states with considerable institutional transfer from the larger Nordic countries. It is argued that the West Nordic media systems fit into the "Nordic model" when it comes to the perception of media as cultural institutions as well as the central role of public service media. On the other hand, the micro-size of the media systems in the West Nordic countries makes them vulnerable, and makes editorial independence more difficult compared with their larger Nordic neighbours. In particular, media outlets within these micro-size media systems seem more susceptible to clientelism, and journalists seem more inclined towards self-censorship. This article highlights how interplay between small size and distinct local factors shape the media system in each of the West Nordic countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes the historical development of media policy in Greenland, and the shifts in the underlying normative and causal ideas that legitimise media policy. I argue that media policy reflects changes in Greenland's political system. Specifically, under colonial rule, Greenlandic media was state run and media was seen as an instrument to educate the population. Gradually, with the introduction of home rule, a paradigm shift took place, whereby media was seen as a vital instrument to strengthen Greenlandic language and identity. At the same time, normative ideas of media independence appeared which called for institutionalisation of the arm's length principle. Due to the influence and institutional spill-over from Denmark, I argue, Greenlandic media policy fit rather well into the "Nordic media model" although media policy in Greenland is mostly formulated without long-term or broad political agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine traffic poses a growing threat to wildlife in the marine environment, including Arctic seabirds, which are exposed to high vessel densities when breeding in coastal areas. However, little is known about the magnitude of the problem. Here, we utilized underwater acoustic monitoring to quantify marine traffic and above-water disturbances at two thick-billed murre colonies in Greenland in 2016. We detected a total of 307 vessels, and only 4 % was known from automatic monitoring systems. Based on proximity, noise emission, and boating behavior, we classified 11 vessels as disturbing and an additional 12 as potentially disturbing for the seabirds. One colony facing population decline was located closest to the main boating route and experienced 2–5 times more disturbances than the other (increasing) colony, suggesting a negative impact of marine traffic. Our study shows that underwater acoustics can be a useful method to quantify above-water disturbances of seabird colonies. • Marine traffic in the coastal areas can be a problem for seabird colonies. • Automatic vessel monitoring systems (AIS or VMS) underestimates marine traffic. • Underwater acoustics is useful to quantify vessel activity around seabird colonies. • In this study, 96 % of the vessels went undetected by AIS and VMS systems. • Proximity of seabird colonies to boating routes may predict disturbance levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Light-induced bird strikes are known to occur when vessels navigate during darkness in icy waters using powerful searchlight. In Southwest Greenland, which is important internationally for wintering seabirds, we collected reports of incidents of bird strikes over 2–3 winters (2006–2009) from navy vessels, cargo vessels and trawlers (total n =19). Forty-one incidents were reported: mainly close to land (<4km, 78%), but one as far offshore as 205km. Up to 88 birds were reported killed in a single incident. All occurred between 5p.m. and 6a.m. and significantly more birds were involved when visibility was poor (snow) rather than moderate or good. Among five seabird species reported, the common eider (Somateria mollissima) accounted for 95% of the bird casualties. Based on spatial analyses of data on vessel traffic intensity and common eider density we are able to predict areas with high risk of bird strikes in Southwest Greenland. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article focuses on feeding activity of Common Eiders wintering in the Southwest Greenland Open Water Area. Behavioral observations were made at a fjord habitat and an outer coastal habitat. Eiders were identified as diurnal feeders in the coastal area where hunting and fishing was common. Meanwhile, eiders fed only during twilight and at night in the fjord area. During daylight hours, experienced adult birds in the fjord did not attempt feeding. Large communal roosts indicate that nocturnal feeding maybe common throughout the fjords in Southwest Greenland.