480 vessels from all around the world passed through the Bering Strait last year, and more are expected this summer. Among the vessels are Suez-max supertankers making the northern sea route over Russia. The short shipping season is entirely dependent on the sea ice coverage, which coastal residents know is changing at a rapid pace. For Alaska to be ready for the vast increase in shipping and industrial activity, one sea ice scientist is calling for improvements in research and a different way of thinking about how scientists work with the coast’s resident sea ice experts. KDLG’s Ben Matheson has the story:
Sea Ice Scientist Calls for Improvements in Sea Ice Research
US Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska, via flickr