Moffen

File:Walruses on Moffen.jpg

Moffen, 2005.

File:Spitsbergen labelled.png

Moffen, clearly labelled on this map, is on the northern coast of Spitsbergen.

File:Moffen-chart.svg

Chart of Moffen.

Moffen is a small, low island north of the mouth of Wijdefjorden, on the northern coast of Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago. The island lies just north of 80° so has become a popular target for vessels touring the archipelago but landing or entering the inner waters is strictly forbidden for fear of disturbing the wildlife as the island is an important haul-out area for Walrus and a nesting site for birds. The island was first labelled on a map by Hendrick Doncker, of Amsterdam, in 1655.

References

• Conway, W. M. 1906. No Man's Land: A History of Spitsbergen from Its Discovery in 1596 to the Beginning of the Scientific Exploration of the Country. Cambridge: At the University Press.
• Norwegian Polar Institute: Place names in Norwegian polar areas