SALT has been commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency to carry out the very first OSPAR monitoring ever conducted in Norwegian rivers. In 2025, SALT led the project to test and provide recommendations on how the OSPAR methodology can be adapted to Norwegian conditions. Together with NORCE, SALT will now establish the first monitoring sites and carry out surveys according to the OSPAR methodology. The three rivers selected for the first round are the Akerselva, Glomma, and Nidelva rivers.

Knowledge of river dynamics is just as important as familiarity with the OSPAR system. Norway is participating in the early development phase of OSPAR river monitoring and, together with other European countries, has discussed methods and key decisions, incorporating input from the pilot project carried out by SALT in 2025. It is beneficial that Norway can contribute input before the standardized methodology is finalized, since Nordic rivers differ significantly from those in southern Europe. Low population density across large areas, and relatively small amounts of litter along rivers, are among the major differences compared with many European rivers. This makes it important to identify areas where plastic accumulates within the river system. Another difference is seasonal variation, including snow, ice, and spring floods, which require continuous safety assessments.
Norwegian rivers will only be monitored in spring and autumn, unlike European rivers, which are recommended to be monitored four times during the season.