The Arctic is experiencing some of the world’s most dramatic and rapidly evolving effects from climate change. Increasing air and ocean temperatures, thawing permafrost, loss of sea ice, and shifts in ecosystems are evidence of widespread and dramatic ongoing change. Critical environmental, economic, and national security issues are emerging that affect lives and livelihoods in coastal communities and inland areas across the region. NOAA’s diverse capabilities to address these emerging issues are the backbone of the strategy.
“As part of the Administration commitment to ensuring that offshore oil and gas decisions are based on science and sound information, the U.S. Geological Survey will examine and summarize what information is available about the Arctic and what knowledge gaps may exist regarding environmental sensitivities, including impending climate change, and other factors that would be considered in decisions about potential future development in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.”
Boats can and do discharge a variety of substances into the marine environment. Among these discharges are effluent from engine operations, liquid graywater wastes generated by laundry, galley and shower use, and washdown water from cleaning decks, bilges and fish holds.
Living in the North has its benefits and for the most part it’s a healthy place to live. One unique health factor is our overwhelming consumption of seafood, enjoying the highest per capita consumption of fish and shellfish of any state in the union. Seafood provides incredible nutritional value, with its high protein content, heart [...]
Alaskan’s have become increasingly aware of the relationship of mercury and fish consumption. Much of this awareness is the result of efforts made by activists like Dr. Jane Hightower MD, who recently had her book Diagnosis Mercury: Money, Politics, and Poison published. State public health officials continue to emphasize how important the benefits of eating [...]
Millions of birds pass through the Arctic on their global migrations and 85 species nest in the region each summer. Adequate basic research is missing on some species and their true condition is little more than a guess. The combination of climate change and effects of energy exploration have an effect on Arctic bird populations.
In a move sure to increase concerns over regulation by Alaska industry, NOAA Fisheries Service is proposing that about a third of Cook Inlet near Anchorage, Alaska may designated as critical habitat for some 300 endangered Beluga whales.
Currently sea ice covers some 1.8 million square miles of the arctic during the summer season. Recent research expects the ice extent to rapidly decrease over the next 30 years to an average area of 390,000 square miles, which is a much shorter period than previous anticipated. Muyin Wang and James Overland had their study [...]
Time is Short to Comment on Proposed NOAA Arctic Vision and Strategy
The Arctic is experiencing some of the world’s most dramatic and rapidly evolving effects from climate change. Increasing air and ocean temperatures, thawing permafrost, loss of sea ice, and shifts in ecosystems are evidence of widespread and dramatic ongoing change. Critical environmental, economic, and national security issues are emerging that affect lives and livelihoods in coastal communities and inland areas across the region. NOAA’s diverse capabilities to address these emerging issues are the backbone of the strategy.