New polar bear rule blamed for empty cruise ships
New rules in Svalbard, Norway, require tourist ships to stay at least 500 metres (1,640 feet) away from polar bears until 30 June, reducing to 300 metres thereafter, to protect the animals from human interference.
The Norwegian government says the regulations are necessary due to climate change impacting polar bear habitats, and will ensure they can hunt, rest, and care for their cubs without disturbance.
Violators of the distance rule face up to five years in prison if substantial environmental damage or risk is caused.
Expedition leader Paul Goldstein has criticised the rules as "conservation fascism", claiming he has never seen tourists harm polar bears and that the regulations are excessively strict.
Mr Goldstein argues the new rules are causing thousands of cabins on tourist ships to remain empty, denying many people the chance to see polar bears up close.
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