Changing settlement patterns and cultural landscapes in the island community of Austevoll

Abstract

Austevoll is one of the few fishing communities on the coast of Norway which have managed to cope with the transfer of transport from sea to road and the changing resource situation in the fisheries. Austevoll has increased its activities in other economic sectors, but marginality problems still occur. Settlement is increasingly concentrated on the larger inner islands. Case studies of Stolmen and Storakalsoy demonstrate the grave situation on the outer islands. There are few young people and particularly young women left, dwellings are increasingly being transferred to second homes, land is owned by heirs who have migrated from these islands, and the cultural landscape is becoming overgrown as a result of the disappearance of farming.