Oceans North: Protecting Life in the Arctic

Federal Group Issues 'Call to Action' on Integrated Arctic Management

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:00:00 GMT

A federal working group recommended in April that the Obama administration adopt a strategy called integrated Arctic management for making decisions about stewardship and development in America’s Arctic region. The science-based, stakeholder-involved approach seeks to foster thriving ecosystems, cultures, and economies.

Protecting Fisheries in the International Waters of the Central Arctic Ocean

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:50:00 GMT

The Arctic Ocean is one of the planet’s pristine marine regions. But permanent ice is diminishing due to climate change, opening the international waters of the Central Arctic Ocean to commercial fishing for the first time in human history.

ConocoPhillips Announces it will not Drill Exploratory Wells in US Arctic Waters in 2014

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:25:00 GMT

(Washington Post) ConocoPhillips Alaska announced Wednesday it will not drill in Arctic waters off Alaska’s northwest shore in 2014.

Integrated Management in the Arctic: Using All the Information

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:00:00 GMT

An integrated management plan for the Arctic offers a promising way to achieve a balance among the differing needs of industry, local communities, and ecosystems in a region undergoing profound and rapid changes.

Timeline: Oil and Gas Leasing in Bristol Bay

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 17:00:00 GMT

Oil and gas leasing in Bristol Bay began in 1986, but inevitable risks are associated with offshore development, including catastrophic oil spills. With climate change already placing stress on marine ecosystems, we cannot afford to further jeopardize the jobs, food, and cultural heritage of Bristol Bay.

Protecting Bristol Bay

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:50:00 GMT

Rich, remote, wild, and incredibly productive, Alaska’s Bristol Bay and southeast Bering Sea are America’s seafood stronghold.

Assessing U.S. Preparedness and Response in the Arctic: The Opportunities and Challenges of Increased Marine Activity

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:30:00 GMT

On March 27, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, held a hearing in Alaska on lessons learned from the 2012 offshore drilling season as well as Arctic shipping safety.

The Wild Salmon Capital of the World

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 13:00:00 GMT

Salmon is the foundation for both livelihoods and a way of life in Alaska’s Bristol Bay. Each year, some of the largest wild salmon runs—including the largest sockeye run in the world—swim through the bay and upstream. Tens of millions of wild sockeye, chinook, coho, pink, and chum salmon depart the watershed for their adult life stage in the Pacific Ocean and return through the North Aleutian Basin and Bristol Bay to spawn.

Science Short: Evaluation of Alaska Annual Studies Plan

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:55:00 GMT

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s (BOEM) fiscal year 2012 Alaska Annual Studies plan is evaluated and a number of overarching issues are discussed, including monitoring, integration of science, documenting cumulative effects and building development scenarios.

US Gets Tough on Arctic Oil Drilling

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 18:05:00 GMT

(The New Scientist) Drilling for oil in the Arctic could get a lot tougher. The US is considering strict rules to protect the fragile polar environment, after a report found Shell tried to drill there while underprepared.

Arctic Oil Drilling Needs Better Regulation

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 20:30:00 GMT

(Christian Science Monitor) Last year's problem-plagued attempt to drill for oil in the Arctic makes clear that much remains to be done to ensure that decisions are made to protect America's irreplaceable Arctic Ocean.

Interior Dept. Warns Shell on Arctic Drilling

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:40:00 GMT

(The New York Times) The Shell Oil Company must provide a detailed plan addressing numerous safety and operational issues that plagued its efforts to extract oil beneath the Arctic Ocean last year if it wants to resume drilling off the coast of Alaska, the Interior Department said Thursday.

U.S. Wants More Details Before Shell Can Resume Arctic Drilling

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:35:00 GMT

(Fox Business) Royal Dutch Shell PLC will need to provide more detailed plans before it can make another attempt to drill off the coast of Alaska, the U.S. Department of the Interior said following a review of the company's troubled 2012 effort.

Shell Barred from Returning to Drill for Oil in Arctic Without Overhaul

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:30:00 GMT

(The Guardian) Shell "screwed up" drilling for oil in Arctic waters and will not be allowed back without a comprehensive overhaul of its plans, the Obama administration said on Thursday.

Interior Department: ‘Shell Screwed Up’ Drilling in Arctic

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:25:00 GMT

(The Modesto Bee) Shell failed to oversee contractors that were central to its bungled efforts to explore for oil in the Arctic waters off Alaska last year, the Interior Department has concluded.

Bountiful Bristol Bay

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:25:00 GMT

Rich, remote, wild, and incredibly productive, Alaska’s Bristol Bay and southeast Bering Sea are an unparalleled source of fishing jobs and seafood, supplying more than 40 percent of America’s fish catch.

Troubled Drilling Season Raises Question About Arctic Readiness

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

The recent grounding of a runaway oil rig near a remote Alaska island may have been the biggest mishap of the 2012 Arctic drilling season, but it was hardly the only one.

Bristol Bay, National Treasure

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 20:05:00 GMT

Bristol Bay is an extraordinarily productive marine ecosystem distinguished by its bountiful fisheries and exceptional ecological diversity.

One Troubled Rig and the Future of Arctic Oil Drilling

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 18:55:00 GMT

(Popular Mechanics) Shell announced this week that it would halt Arctic oil drilling in 2013 following a series of mishaps—most notoriously, the grounding of the Kulluk oil rig. For this cover story, PopMech visited the Kulluk during its Arctic operations last year, bringing you a first-hand look at life aboard the rig and at the future of America's energy.

Shell Pause in Arctic Drilling Spurs Call for U.S. Review

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 23:45:00 GMT

(Bloomberg) Royal Dutch Shell's pause in Arctic oil drilling after last year’s equipment mishaps should prompt a U.S. review of drilling procedures or a total ban, environmental groups said.

Swift Reaction as Shell Suspends 2013 Arctic Alaska Offshore Drilling

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:35:00 GMT

(Alaska Dispatch) After a spate of mishaps and mechanical issues that beleaguered Royal Dutch Shell's bid at offshore drilling in Arctic Alaska, the company announced Wednesday it would suspend its 2013 drilling season.

Shell Halts Arctic Drill Plans for 2013

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:20:00 GMT

(CNN) Royal Dutch Shell says it will "pause" its closely watched project to drill for oil off the Alaskan coast this year, instead spending 2013 preparing for future exploration.

Shell Calls off 2013 Arctic Drilling

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 22:10:00 GMT

(Houston Chronicle) Shell is calling off its plans to resume hunting for oil in Arctic waters this summer after a problem-plagued year that ended when one of its rigs ran aground on an Alaskan island.

We're Not Yet Arctic-Ready

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:35:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman writes about a challenging 2012 Arctic drilling season for the National Journal.

Science Short: Marine Subsistence Uses for Iñupiat Communities

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

Interest in offshore oil and gas exploration in the Chukchi Sea has risen in recent years. Several coastal communities on the North Slope use the marine waters of the Chukchi Sea for the purposes of subsistence hunting and harvesting. This report discusses marine subsistence uses for two primarily Iñupiat communities located on the North Slope of Alaska.

Science Short: Sea Ice Conditions in the Chukchi And Beaufort Seas

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

The Chukchi and Beaufort seas lie north of Alaska and together contain the entire U.S. Arctic domain. Variances in depth, along with the Chukchi’s connection to the Pacific Ocean, play a large role in defining the sea ice conditions in the two seas and how they might respond to ongoing changes in the Arctic climate.

Science Short: The Chukchi Sea Food Web

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:50:00 GMT

The Chukchi is a seasonally ice-covered, peripheral sea of the western Arctic Ocean. The combination of seasonal ice coverage, shallow depths, and the advection of cold Pacific waters helps to shape the structure and function of the Chukchi Sea food web.

The Mystery of Hudson Bay's Trapped Killer Whales

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:35:00 GMT

News spread fast about a pod of killer whales trapped in ice in Hudson Bay near the Nunavik community of Inukjuak in early January.

Arctic Standards Urged for Oil Drilling in Forbidding Region

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 20:00:00 GMT

(Fuel Fix) Engineers, oil industry representatives and environmentalists on Wednesday urged federal regulators to adopt a suite of baseline standards to govern a new era of oil drilling and possibly production in Arctic waters.

Shell's Arctic Drilling Plan Under Threat After US Government Orders Review

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:10:00 GMT

(The Guardian) The Obama administration ordered a sweeping review of Shell's plans to drill in the Arctic on Tuesday, after a series of mishaps ending with the New Year grounding of the company's Kulluk rig.

Drilling Rig's Thick Hull Helps Prevent Oil Spill

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:05:00 GMT

(NPR) A Shell Oil drilling rig has been pulled of the rocks, where it washed up a week ago during a storm. It has been towed to a bay where divers will inspect it for damage.

Problems Prompt Federal Review of Arctic Drilling Operations

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 16:55:00 GMT

(LA Times) After a series of problems plagued the debut of offshore oil drilling in the U.S. Arctic, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Tuesday ordered a high-level, expedited review of oil operations in Alaskan waters aimed at achieving “safe and responsible exploration for energy resources in the Arctic.”

Shell Drilling Rig Refloated in Alaska

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 17:25:00 GMT

(Finacial Times) The Royal Dutch Shell drilling rig that ran aground in heavy seas off the south coast of Alaska a week ago has been successfully refloated and towed into a nearby harbour for damage assessment.

Are We Really Ready to Drill in America's Arctic Ocean?

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 18:00:00 GMT

After the 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, President Obama promised cleaner, safer energy development. Yet the last year, attempts to drill in the U.S. Arctic Ocean has been characterized by a series of missteps and mishaps from beginning to end.

Coast Guard to Probe Stranded Shell Rig

Fri, 04 Jan 2013 17:30:00 GMT

(Financial Times) The US Coast Guard is sending a team to Alaska to investigate how Royal Dutch Shell’s Kulluk rig came to run aground on an island off the south coast of the state.

Environmentalists, U.S. House Members Question Kulluk Grounding

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 19:10:00 GMT

(KTUU) The grounding of the Kulluk has prompted a national environmental group to question Shell Alaska’s preparedness for Arctic drilling operations.

Shell Oil Rig Runs Aground in Alaska

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 16:00:00 GMT

(Washington Post) A drilling rig that Shell planned to use off Alaska’s Arctic coast ran aground in a storm Monday night, after the crew had been rescued earlier by the Coast Guard.

Critics Say Grounding Shows Arctic Drilling Danger

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 15:50:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) The grounding of a petroleum drilling ship on a remote Alaska Island has refueled the debate about oil exploration in the U.S. Arctic Ocean, where critics for years have said the conditions are too harsh and the stakes too high to allow dangerous industrial development.

Arctic Infrastructure Needed for Resource Development and Delivery

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 19:35:00 GMT

(Alaska Business Monthly) Offshore drilling in Alaska’s Outer Continental Shelf became a reality when Royal Dutch Shell began drilling exploratory wells in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas in summer 2012.

Why Uncertainty Matters in Managing the Arctic Ecosystem

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:35:00 GMT

(Alaksa Business Monthly) When it comes to energy and other development in the remote and challenging U.S. Arctic, science can be a particularly useful guide for making decisions. Part of the scientific process, after all, is taking into account not only what we know, but also what we don’t know – and leaving a healthy margin for error.

Protecting Alaska's Bristol Bay

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 14:00:00 GMT

Bristol Bay and the North Aleutian Basin, located in the eastern Bering Sea off southwest Alaska, is an extraordinarily productive marine ecosystem distinguished by its bountiful fisheries and exceptional ecological diversity.

Arctic Project Carries Alaska-Size Challenges

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 18:20:00 GMT

Even if Shell strikes oil in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas, it could be at least a dozen years – and billions upon billions of dollars – before a single drop of it arrives at a refinery.

Shell Learning about the Arctic the Hard Way

Sun, 04 Nov 2012 22:05:00 GMT

(Anchorage Daily News) On an all-but-invisible horizon, light gray mist meets dark gray water. Tiny, dry snowflakes and ice crystals swirl across the deck of the drill ship Noble Discoverer, driven by a wind that whips through the warmest coveralls.

Public Radio Looks at Impacts of Offshore Drilling

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:00:00 GMT

In a public radio documentary airing on stations nationwide through early November, reporter Elizabeth Arnold takes listeners north of the Arctic Circle to hear from the people who will feel the impacts of oil development firsthand.

Shell's Setback Highlights Environmental Risks of Drilling in Arctic Waters

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:05:00 GMT

(Audubon Magazine) Shell has stopped drilling for oil in the Arctic—for now. After an oil containment system was damaged on Saturday, the company said it was forced to scale back operations in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas until next summer.

Ice-Breaking: U.S. Oil Drilling Starts as Nations Mull Changed Arctic

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 14:55:00 GMT

(National Geographic) On August 27, after a scorching summer of record-breaking drought and heat across the U.S., scientists reported that summer sea ice in the Arctic Ocean had shrunk to its lowest extent in recorded history—worrisome news to those concerned about polar bears or eroding Inupiat villages or other impacts of climate change.

Arctic Frontier Opens as Shell Begins Drilling in Chukchi Sea

Sun, 09 Sep 2012 14:45:00 GMT

(Fuel Fix) Shell began boring its first well in the Chukchi Sea in more than two decades on Sunday, kicking off what company executives anticipate will be years of work tapping prospects throughout U.S. Arctic waters.

Lawsuit Seeks Release of Arctic Offshore Safety Data

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(Cordoba Times) A lawsuit filed Aug. 30 in federal court in Anchorage seeks release of testing data that would shed some light on whether an incident similar to the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico could happen offshore in Arctic Alaska.

Energy Security vs. Environment in Alaska

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 16:20:18 GMT

(New York Times) While the Marcellus Shale in New York and Pennsylvania and the Bakken Shale in North Dakota are trigger points in the world of fossil-fuel extraction these days, Alaska has been the lodestar for oil and gas development in the United States for the last half-century.

Shell Gets OK to Start Preliminary Arctic Drilling

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:50:00 GMT

(Anchorage Daily News) The Obama administration on Thursday made a surprise announcement that it will allow Shell Oil Co. to begin drilling in the Chukchi Sea before its unique oil spill containment barge is ready -- just not deep enough to reach oil.

Shell to Start Work on Arctic Wells

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:45:00 GMT

(Financial Times) Royal Dutch Shell has been given preliminary permission to start drilling in the Arctic, raising hopes that it will be able to complete its two planned exploration wells in the region before the threat of encroaching sea ice makes operations impossible.

Plan Opens Over Half of Alaska Reserve to Drilling

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 16:10:00 GMT

(WSJ) The Obama administration proposed opening up 12 million acres of Alaska's 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve for oil and natural-gas drilling, while restricting energy production on the rest of the acreage.

Recent Mishaps Raise Doubts About Arctic Drilling Safety

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:55:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) Oil industry plans to drill exploratory wells in America's Arctic Ocean got off to an inauspicious start recently, when a Shell Oil Co. drilling ship slipped anchor and drifted perilously close to the beach at Alaska's Dutch Harbor.

Shell and Beyond: Toward an Arctic Standard in the New North

Sun, 29 Jul 2012 15:00:00 GMT

(Alaska Dispatch) In 2011, the first visit by a U.S. secretary of state to a meeting of the eight-nation Arctic Council elevated the Arctic in American diplomacy.

Shell Scales Back 2012 Arctic Drilling Goals

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:00:00 GMT

(National Geographic) Faced with iced-in Arctic waters and failure to secure U.S. Coast Guard approval of its oil-spill barge, Royal Dutch Shell is ratcheting down its plan to drill as many as five exploratory wells this summer in the seas north of Alaska.

Shell's Oil Spill Response Plan: What's Different?

Fri, 27 Jul 2012 19:00:00 GMT

(The Cordova Times) While Shell is waiting for its last piece of equipment to arrive on site to start its first exploratory drilling in the Arctic Ocean, and the US Coast Guard is about to test and practice the oil spill response system, questions regarding the efficiency of current oil spill recovery remain unanswered.

Is Arctic Oil Drilling Ready for Prime Time?

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 14:45:00 GMT

(National Journal) Is the United States ready to venture into a new frontier of offshore oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean?

Team to Study Belugas' Habits

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:40:00 GMT

(Winnipeg Free Press) Oceans North Canada, part of the Pew Environment Group, is teaming with the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Manitoba Conservation to begin a three-year study project today, with Inuit support.

Hudson Bay Beluga Project

Fri, 06 Jul 2012 00:10:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group’s Oceans North Canada, in cooperation with Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the province of Manitoba, is launching a three-year study to gather data about how belugas rely on the estuaries of Hudson Bay and to assess the importance of protecting this habitat in the future.

Protecting America's Arctic from Oil Spills

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 16:20:00 GMT

America's Arctic Ocean is home to some of the Earth’s least-disturbed large marine ecosystems. But warming temperatures and rapidly retreating sea ice are opening these remote waters to oil and gas exploration and vessel traffic. These activities carry the risk of accidents and oil spills that could damage fragile food webs and ruin vital habitat.

Protecting Life in the Arctic

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 15:35:00 GMT

Pew’s Arctic program promotes science- and community-based conservation that reduces potential risks to the U.S. Arctic Ocean from climate change and industrial development.

Ahead Of Alaska Drilling, Shell Practices Cleaning Up

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 20:10:00 GMT

(NPR) Royal Dutch Shell could drill several exploratory oil wells into the waters off the north shore of Alaska this summer. The potential prize is huge, but so is the risk, should there be an oil spill in this pristine and remote region.

Obama Administration Lays Out Plan for Future Arctic Leases

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 21:45:00 GMT

On Tuesday, June 26, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar laid out the next steps for drilling in the U.S. Arctic and cleared the way for a new five-year offshore leasing plan to be issued later this week. In order to protect America’s extreme, remote, and fragile Arctic Ocean, exploration should not proceed without first protecting important biological areas and establishing Arctic-specific oil-spill prevention and response standards.

Calls for Arctic Policy Intensify as Shell Nears Final OK for Exploration

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:15:00 GMT

(E&E News) The prospect of oil exploration this summer in Alaska's northernmost waters is triggering calls for Washington to take a more comprehensive international leadership role in managing a new era of economic, military and scientific development in the Arctic.

Shell Is Likely to Receive Permits for Oil Drilling Off Alaska

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 23:40:00 GMT

(New York Times) Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Tuesday that it was “highly likely” that the agency would grant Shell permits to begin drilling exploratory wells off the North Slope of Alaska as early as next month.

Salazar Announces ‘Targeted Leasing’ for Future Petroleum Lease Sales in Arctic Waters

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:15:00 GMT

(AP) A five-year offshore leasing plan to be announced later this week will include targeted Arctic waters off Alaska’s northern coast, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said Tuesday.

Salazar: U.S. to Open More of Arctic Ocean to Oil, Gas Drilling

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 14:05:00 GMT

(LA Times) Even as the first offshore drilling in the Arctic in nearly two decades is poised to get underway, Obama administration officials said Tuesday they are preparing to open additional areas of the Arctic Ocean to oil and gas exploration.

Shell Poised for Alaska Prospects

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:15:00 GMT

(Alaska Business Monthly) Royal Dutch Shell PLC is poised to drill for oil this summer in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska after spending nearly $4 billion and waiting out more than five years of delay.

Canada Must Protect High Arctic Fisheries

Thu, 31 May 2012 17:05:00 GMT

(Calgary Herald) Something never before seen in human history has occurred at the end of each Arctic summer for the past five years: open water in up to 40 per cent of the international portion of the central Arctic Ocean.

Lessons to Heed for Drilling in the Arctic Ocean

Thu, 24 May 2012 15:15:00 GMT

The second anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon disaster passed with little fanfare last month. But with our government on the brink of allowing the oil industry to explore in America's remote Arctic Ocean this summer, it is worth revisiting some of the lessons learned from the biggest oil spill in the nation's history.

Do We Know Enough to Ensure Safe Arctic Drilling?

Tue, 15 May 2012 21:45:00 GMT

(New Scientist) For the oil and gas industry, the Arctic Ocean is the final frontier. Beneath the ocean floor lies an estimated 90 billion barrels of recoverable oil - about 13 per cent of the global total. As the sea ice retreats and traditional sources of hydrocarbons dwindle, the pressure to drill is becoming irresistible.

National Journal Profiles Marilyn Heiman, U.S. Arctic Program Director

Fri, 11 May 2012 21:40:00 GMT

For Marilyn Heiman, director of the U.S. Arctic Program for the Pew Environment Group, there is life before the Exxon Valdez and life after the Exxon Valdez.

Safeguarding the Arctic a Must

Tue, 01 May 2012 23:10:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman responds to Michael Bromwich's blog What More Can Be Done to Ensure Safe Offshore Drilling? on NationalJournal.com.

Videos: U.S. Arctic Program

Tue, 01 May 2012 21:55:00 GMT

These videos and reports give you an insight into the people and issues that Pew’s U.S. Arctic Program works with every day.

Scientists Issue Call for Arctic Fisheries Plan

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 21:15:00 GMT

(Disovery News) More than 2,000 scientists from 67 nations have signed an open letter calling for the development of an international fisheries agreement that would protect the waters of the Central Arctic Ocean.

International Polar Year Conference

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 20:30:00 GMT

A group of academics, advocates, scientists, decision makers, indigenous peoples, and industry representatives will attend the International Polar Year (IPY) 2012 Conference in Montreal from April 22 to 27.

More than 2,000 Scientists Worldwide Urge Protection of Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 19:45:00 GMT

More than 2,000 scientists from 67 countries urged Arctic leaders, in an open letter released today by the Pew Environment Group, to develop an international fisheries accord that would protect the unregulated waters of the Central Arctic Ocean.

Leaders Urged to Impose Moratorium on Industrial Fishing in the Arctic

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:05:00 GMT

(Vancouver Sun) The leaders of the five Arctic coastal states — including Prime Minister Stephen Harper — are being urged by more than 2,000 scientists from around the world to impose a moratorium on industrial fishing in the increasingly accessible waters of the central Arctic Ocean until experts can determine the size and sustainability of the resource.

Scientists Urge Canada to Postpone Commercial Fishing in the Arctic

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 13:40:00 GMT

(The Globe and Mail) More than 2,000 scientists from 67 countries, including 551 from Canada, are calling for a moratorium on commercial fishing in the Arctic until research can determine what lies in waters that were once covered year-round by the polar ice cap and set sustainable catch levels.

New Book, Movie Highlight Arctic Wonders

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:00:00 GMT

Take a virtual trip to the Arctic Ocean by viewing our photo gallery of the region’s marine wonders.

Good Work: Pew Environment Group in Canada

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:20:00 GMT

Josh Reichert, Managing Director of the Pew Environment Group, responds to the op-ed "NGOs should reveal funding sources."

Senator Patterson's Allegations “Completely False,” Pew Group Says

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 20:45:00 GMT

Josh Reichert, Managing Director of Pew Environment Group, responds to a Nunatsiaq News article critical of Pew's work in the Canadian Arctic.

Dogs Take Lead in Sniffing Out Arctic Oil

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:20:00 GMT

(The Guardian) When it comes to drilling for oil in the harsh and unpredictable Arctic, Shell has gone to the dogs, it seems. A dachshund and two border collies to be specific.

More Consultation Needed on Lancaster Sound, Inuit Say

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 23:10:00 GMT

(Postmedia News) The federal government should consult with Inuit who live in the High Arctic before finalizing the boundaries of a National Marine Conservation Area around Lancaster Sound — the ecologically rich stretch of Arctic waters north of Baffin Island — says a report released Wednesday by a regional Inuit group.

Shell Oil Rig Set for Landmark Alaska Journey

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 18:35:00 GMT

(LA Times) Amid the tangle of towering steel, heavy cranes and overcast skies of Seattle's busy commercial shipyards, Shell Oil's massive Kulluk drilling rig is preparing to push off for the Arctic Ocean.

U.S. Arctic Ocean Experts Call for Action to Improve Offshore Drilling Safety

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 22:00:00 GMT

Reforms made by the Obama administration after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill were critical to improving the safety of offshore drilling, but more remains to be done, concluded a panel of experts during a briefing held at Pew’s offices Feb. 24 in Washington, DC.

Protecting Alaska's Arctic Marine Mammals

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:05:00 GMT

Offshore from Alaska's North Slope, Arctic sea ice is a crucial part of the habitat for marine wildlife including polar bears, walruses and seals. But in a region where climate change is occurring at twice the rate of the rest of the planet, that wildlife is in jeopardy. Melting ice shrinks the hunting and resting grounds of marine mammals and encourages industrial development in the form of offshore oil drilling.

Oil Drilling In Arctic Nears Reality: Shell Emergency Plan OKd

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:50:00 GMT

(Los Angeles Times) One of the last significant hurdles to offshore oil drilling in the Arctic has been cleared with approval of a plan for dealing with a nightmare scenario — an oil spill at the top of the world. The Obama administration on Friday approved Shell Gulf of Mexico Inc.'s plan for responding to an accident should it occur in the Chukchi Sea.

U.S. Tentatively Approves Shell Spill Plan for New Arctic Drilling

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 20:50:00 GMT

(New York Times) In an important step toward ultimate approval of new oil drilling off the North Slope of Alaska, the Interior Department on Friday tentatively approved Shell’s plans for responding to a potential spill in the frigid Arctic waters. Shell still needs to cross several additional regulatory barriers before it will be permitted to begin drilling as many as six exploratory wells in the Chukchi Sea starting in July. But the green light from the Interior Department on its oil spill response plan is a clear sign that the Obama administration is disposed to allow the drilling when it believes adequate safeguards are in place.

Summary: Oil Spill Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic Ocean

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:05:00 GMT

In 2010, the Pew Environment Group commissioned Oil Spill Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic Ocean, a comprehensive study of the challenges and potential consequences of oil and gas exploration and production in the U.S. Arctic Ocean. The study examined what might happen if a catastrophic spill occurred in the Arctic.

America's Arctic Ocean Wildlife at Risk

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:50:00 GMT

The Beaufort and Chukchi seas off northern Alaska make up America’s portion of the Arctic Ocean, a spectacular and unique marine ecosystem in the United States. Bowhead whales, walrus, ice seals, polar bears, and millions of migratory birds thrive here. While these Arctic marine mammals are uniquely adapted to living on and around sea ice, their world is changing rapidly.

The Great Arctic Oil Race Begins

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:15:00 GMT

(Nature) “The race is on for positions in the new oil provinces.” That starting-gun quote was fired last week by Tim Dodson, executive vice-president of the Norwegian oil and gas company Statoil.

Scientists Call on Obama Administration to Use Science as Guide for Arctic Drilling

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 03:30:00 GMT

More than 500 distinguished scientists signed a letter urging the Obama administration to use science to guide decision making on oil and gas activities in the remote and fragile U.S. Arctic Ocean.

Hundreds of Scientists Ask Obama to Halt Drilling

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:20:00 GMT

(Greenwire) A group of 573 scientists today released a letter to President Obama asking him to stop oil drilling in Alaska's Arctic waters until experts can study the proposed oil development's impacts on sensitive Arctic ecosystems and native subsistence activities.

Greens Go After Obama Admin on Arctic Drilling

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:50:00 GMT

(Mother Jones) Pew Environment is running some aggressive new ads targeting the Obama administration's decision to allow drilling in the Arctic to proceed.

Northern Exposure: Pew in the Arctic

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:45:00 GMT

As melting ice opens up the once-impenetrable Arctic, Pew wants science to guide the size of man’s expanding footprint in the remote region.

Responsible Leadership in Arctic in 2012

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:35:00 GMT

(National Journal) Oil prices will be at the center of our nation’s energy debate in 2012. Some will use rising prices as an opening to push for drilling in sensitive areas like the Arctic Ocean, even though the challenges of oil exploration in such a harsh, remote, and fragile place are unprecedented.

A New Race of Mercy to Nome, This Time Without Sled Dogs

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:05:00 GMT

(New York Times) In the winter of 1925, long after this Gold Rush boomtown on the Bering Sea had gone bust, diphtheria swept through its population of 1,400. Medicine ran dangerously low, and there was no easy way to get more. No roads led here, flight was ruled out and Norton Sound was frozen solid.

Help Protect Alaska's Bristol Bay!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 17:50:00 GMT

Bristol Bay is a place unlike any other in the United States. It provides 40 percent of the nation’s wild seafood and generates more than $4 billion in annual revenue from its fisheries. Tell the Obama Administration that this region is too valuable to drill.

With Federal Green Light, Shell Hits the Gas on Arctic Plans

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

(E&E News) In a sign that the Obama administration is willing to clear the regulatory decks for oil drilling in Alaska's remote Arctic waters, the Interior Department on Friday gave a conditional green light allowing Royal Dutch Shell PLC to explore for oil this summer in Alaska's Chukchi Sea.

NEB Set to Allow Alternative for Relief-Well Rule in Arctic

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:50:00 GMT

(Globe and Mail) The federal energy regulator is easing a controversial regulation that oil companies say would prevent exploration in the ice-plagued Arctic offshore, but is promising to impose a high bar for environmental protection before it permits drilling.

Canada Releases Rules for Offshore-Arctic Drilling

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:30:00 GMT

(Wall Street Journal) Canada's national energy regulator released rules for offshore oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean Thursday, clearing the way for energy companies to begin operations there if they meet safety requirements.

Pew Comments on Shell's Chukchi Plans

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:00:00 GMT

Read Pew's comments on Shell Offshore Inc.’s 2012 OCS Lease Exploration Plan, Chukchi Sea, Alaska, and 2012 Chukchi Sea, Regional Exploration Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan.

Group Questions Arctic Drilling in Ad Campaign

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:00:00 GMT

(Fuel Fix) Pew Environment Group over the weekend paid for national television commercials that imply that the Arctic is not ready for drilling to move forward.

Say No to New Lease Sales in the U.S. Arctic Ocean

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:35:00 GMT

The U.S. Arctic Ocean may be remote and have extreme weather, but it plays a critical role in supporting coastal communities and many remarkable species, including bowhead whales, ice seals, walrus, and polar bears. The Department of the Interior (DOI) recently released its plans for new oil and gas lease sales in this vulnerable area, even though 3.8 million acres are already leased offshore.

Are We Really Ready to Drill in America's Arctic Ocean?

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:55:00 GMT

After last year's BP Deepwater Horizon disaster, President Obama promised cleaner, safer energy development. Yet the administration is on the brink of approving industry plans to drill up to 10 exploratory oil wells in the remote, and fragile Arctic Ocean, beginning this summer.

Editorial: Protect America's Natural Treasure in Alaska's Arctic

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 22:05:00 GMT

(Seattle Times) The nasty storm out of the Bering Sea that pounded Alaska's western coast is a timely reminder of the special challenges that exist in a special place.

On Thin Ice

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 19:40:00 GMT

(Audubon Magazine) In the face of climate change and offshore drilling, biologists are tracking walruses to better understand their behavior and protect the areas most important to them.

New US Offshore Oil Leasing Plan Includes Arctic

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:30:00 GMT

(Agence France-Presse) The Obama administration on Tuesday proposed a new plan for offshore oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico and off the coast of Alaska, including the environmentally sensitive Arctic.

Arctic Ocean Drilling Plans Stir Oil Spill Fears

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 21:00:00 GMT

This week, as the effects of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill still lingers, the Obama administration released its new five year offshore oil exploration plan that could open up sensitive areas of the U.S. Arctic Ocean to drilling.

Obama Cautiously Offers More Areas for Offshore Drilling in Alaska and Gulf of Mexico

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:00:00 GMT

(AP) The Obama administration cautiously offered up more areas in the Gulf of Mexico and off Alaska’s coast to oil and gas drilling Tuesday but didn’t go far enough to satisfy Republicans pushing to greatly expand drilling as a way to create jobs and wean the country off foreign oil.

PBS Looks at Dangers of Offshore Drilling in the Arctic

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:35:00 GMT

The lingering lessons of the Exxon Valdez and Deepwater Horizon spills are more vital than ever as the U.S. contemplates drilling in the extreme, remote, and ecologically fragile Arctic Ocean. This video highlights efforts to achieve a balance between energy, the environment, and native traditions.

Editorial: The Arctic and the Lessons of the Gulf

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:00:00 GMT

(New York Times) The Interior Department has been inching closer to approving Royal Dutch Shell’s ambitious plans to drill for what are believed to be huge deposits of oil in the Arctic Ocean off Alaska.

Three Steps to Prepare for a Changing Arctic

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Here are three steps the United States should take today to address the rapid changes already underway in the Arctic.

Warming Revives Dream of Sea Route in Russian Arctic

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT

(New York Times) Rounding the northernmost tip of Russia in his oceangoing tugboat this summer, Capt. Vladimir V. Bozanov saw plenty of walruses, some pods of beluga whales and in the distance a few icebergs.

The Local Perspective

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:10:00 GMT

Indigenous knowledge is maturing as a science, says Henry P. Huntington, Pew Environment Group's Arctic science director. But more work is needed to give the field the respect it deserves.

Science Must Guide Offshore Arctic Conservation, Development

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:00:00 GMT

Science, not politics, needs to guide decision-making in America’s extreme, remote, and fragile Arctic Ocean. If we are to avoid irreparable harm to an ecosystem found nowhere else in the country, we need to develop a comprehensive research and monitoring plan and set aside significant areas for protection.

Report Finds Gaps in USGS Study on Offshore Drilling in Arctic Ocean

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:05:00 GMT

(New York Times) A U.S. Geological Survey report last summer on the nation's capacity to assess impacts from oil and gas drilling in the Arctic Ocean was credible and unbiased but failed to identify which scientific gaps are most important to fill, according to a new report commissioned by a pair of conservation groups.

Arctic Needs More Oil-Drilling Protection, Pew, Ocean Conservancy Find

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:45:00 GMT

(Bloomberg) President Barack Obama’s administration should add to protection for Arctic wildlife as the U.S. moves to allow oil-drilling off the Alaska coast next year, a study commissioned by environmental groups said.

Addressing Major Gaps in Arctic Science

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:45:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group and Ocean Conservancy commissioned Dr. Robert Spies to convene independent Arctic experts to review the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Circular 1370: An Evaluation of the Science Needs to Inform Decisions on Outer Continental Shelf Energy Development in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas, Alaska.

Closing U.S. Arctic Ocean Science Gaps

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:45:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group and Ocean Conservancy released a white paper today recommending concrete steps the Obama administration should take to address science gaps and inform conservation and development decisions in America’s Arctic Ocean.

More Science Needed to Protect U.S. Arctic Ocean

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:40:00 GMT

Further research is needed to guide conservation and development decisions in America’s Arctic Ocean, according to a new white paper commissioned by the Pew Environment Group and the Ocean Conservancy.

What Does Ecosystem-Based Management Mean in the U.S. Arctic?

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:45:00 GMT

Ecosystem-based management (EBM) offers a promising management tool for addressing cumulative impacts from multiple stressors in the U.S. Arctic. Arctic Ocean ecosystems are experiencing rapid environmental change, such as changing sea ice conditions, reducing important habitat for Arctic species and presenting challenges to traditional subsistence practices.

Canada Must be Ready Before Arctic Drilling: Report

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 21:10:00 GMT

(Reuters) Canada should strengthen its capability to handle Arctic oil spills before it allows deepwater drilling in its Arctic waters and it should continue to insist on stringent relief-well requirements, a study released on Friday said.

Major Overhaul Needed of Standards for Arctic Drilling: Study

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 19:30:00 GMT

(Vancouver Sun) A leading Arctic environmental group says it has identified "critical weaknesses" in Canada's regulatory system for approving potential offshore oil projects in the North, including "ambiguity" regarding standards to prevent the kind of catastrophic blowout that struck the Gulf of Mexico last year.

Arctic Offshore Drilling Needs Inuit Involvement at Every Stage: Oceans North

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:55:00 GMT

(Nunatsiaq News) ”Apt and timely” is how Mary Simon, president of Inuit Tapiriit Kantami,” describes the analysis and policy recommendations on Arctic drilling, which were released today by the Pew Environment Group’s Oceans North Canada.

Becoming Arctic-Ready

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:50:00 GMT

A report released today by the Pew Environment Group concludes that Canada’s system of regulating and licensing offshore oil and gas development requires major reforms to create an Arctic-ready future to protect this region and its people from environmental harm.

Editorial: Offshore Drilling Would Destroy Way of Life

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:40:00 GMT

(Anchorage Daily News) Inupiat Eskimos on the North Slope of Alaska are at a pivotal moment in history -- our whole way of life could irreversibly change with proposed offshore oil development in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas.

Arctic Riches Lure Explorers

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 14:20:00 GMT

(Wall Street Journal) Exxon Mobil Corp.'s blockbuster $2.2 billion deal to drill for oil in the frigid waters north of Russia with OAO Rosneft is the latest sign of the energy industry's white-hot interest in exploring above the Arctic Circle.

The Arctic: Through Icy Waters

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:05:00 GMT

(Financial Times) A team of Canadian archaeologists and oceanographers will mount a fresh search next week to solve a great mystery of the British empire: what fate befell the 19th-century expedition led by Sir John Franklin in search of the North-West Passage?

Editorial: Moving Too Fast in Arctic

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:10:00 GMT

(Register-Guard) The Obama administration has approved prematurely Royal Dutch Shell’s plans to begin drilling four exploratory oil wells in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska’s North Slope.

Editorial: Arctic Oil Drilling? Let's not be Hasty

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:15:00 GMT

(Santa Fe New Mexican) Bad environmental news came last week with the Interior Department's conditional approval of three or four exploratory oil wells off Alaska's North Slope.

Editorial: Arctic Drilling Approval Pokes Holes in Good Policy

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 19:20:00 GMT

(Seattle Times) The Obama administration is approving oil drilling in harsh Arctic conditions with no improvements in the oversight of the industry or its capacity to respond to disaster.

Editorial: Oil and the Arctic Might Not Mix

Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:55:00 GMT

(Los Angeles Times) Shell Oil's proposal to drill three exploratory wells in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska's North Slope received a conditional go-ahead last week from the Obama administration even though the Interior Department has not yet approved the company's plan for responding to a catastrophic oil spill.

Editorial: A Necessary Condition for Arctic Drilling

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:15:00 GMT

(New York Times) The Obama administration’s decision on Thursday to give “conditional approval” to Royal Dutch Shell’s plans to begin drilling four shallow-water wells in the Beaufort Sea off Alaska alarmed many environmentalists.

Shell Gets Tentative Approval to Drill in Arctic

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:15:00 GMT

(The New York Times) The Department of the Interior on Thursday granted Royal Dutch Shell conditional approval of its plan to begin drilling exploratory wells in the Arctic Ocean next summer, a strong sign that the Obama administration is easing a regulatory clampdown on offshore oil drilling that it imposed after last year’s deadly accident in the Gulf of Mexico.

Alaska Weakens Oil Spill Prevention, Response

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 21:05:00 GMT

(Juneau Empire) Alaska is becoming a national leader in a new area, relaxing its regulation of offshore oil drilling spill response and prevention at a time when others are seeking more protections.

Comments on Shell's 2011 Revised OCS Lease Exploration Plan, Camden Bay, Beaufort Sea, Alaska, and Revised Beaufort Sea, Regional Exploration Oil Discharge Prevention and Contingency Plan

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 15:10:00 GMT

Shell’s proposed plan would be the first OCS exploration proposed for approval in the Arctic Ocean since the tragic Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico. While BOEMRE has taken steps to enhance containment, safety and oversight of deep water drilling operations in the Gulf since, improvements for the Arctic OCS planning areas are still under consideration, and not yet implemented.

Don't Put America's Arctic Ocean at Risk

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:25:00 GMT

America's Arctic Ocean is central to the diet and culture of indigenous communities who have practiced a subsistence way of life for thousands of years. But with pressure mounting to expand offshore oil development, the nation's northernmost ocean—and the communities that depend on it—are at risk.

Don't Put America's Arctic Ocean at Risk

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 13:25:00 GMT

Drilling for oil in the Arctic Ocean is a dangerous undertaking. Sub-zero temperatures, high seas, hurricane-force winds, long periods of fog and shifting and unpredictable sea ice make oil spill prevention and containment extremely challenging. Decades-old methods for cleaning up spills using skimmers, booms, burning and dispersants are inadequate in harsh Arctic conditions.

Comments to Inform BOEMRE's Preparation of an Environmental Assessment of Shell Offshore Inc.’s Revised Exploration Plan for the Beaufort Sea

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 14:35:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group U.S. Arctic Campaign and Ocean Conservancy submitted the following comments regarding issues the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement should consider as it prepares an Environmental Assessment of Shell Offshore Inc.’s revised exploration plan for the Beaufort Sea.

Pew Applauds First Step in Developing a Science Plan for U.S. Arctic Ocean

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:15:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman, director of the Pew Environment Group’s U.S. Arctic Program, issued the following statement in response to today’s release of the U.S. Geological Survey’s “science gap and sufficiency” report.

Eureka! A Roaming Bowhead Whale

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 13:40:00 GMT

(New York Times) Balaena mysticetus is her formal name, but you can call her bowhead.

Lawmakers Set to Speed Arctic Drilling

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 19:50:00 GMT

(CNN Money) The House is set to streamline regulations around Arctic drilling this week that would speed the development of oil and gas reserves off the Alaskan coast over the objections of environmentalists.

Campaign Ad: Are We Really Ready to Drill Here?

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group ran the following ad in order to urge President Obama to consider the risks associated with opening U.S. Arctic waters to oil drilling.

Ship's Log: Arctic Whale Survey

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Welcome to our “Ship’s Log” for Lancaster 2011: Arctic Whale Survey, a month-long scientific expedition to study one of the greatest whale migrations in the world. From the deck of a 45-foot, ice-reinforced trawler, expedition members will observe narwhal, belugas and bowhead whales – the first time on record that a boat this size has attempted this journey so early in the spring. During the month-long voyage from Greenland, two scientists and an Inuk hunter will be part of a team collecting important new data about Arctic whales and seabirds.

Small Boat, Big Mission: An Arctic Whale Survey

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 21:25:00 GMT

(New York Times) Chris Debicki, the expedition leader for the Pew Environment Group’s Oceans North Canada unit, has just embarked on an ambitious monthlong Arctic odyssey to study one of the world’s most spectacular whale migrations.

Arctic Expedition to Study Whale Migration Begins

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:00 GMT

An eight-member expedition sponsored by Oceans North Canada left Greenland on June 7th on a monthlong voyage to collect scientific data about one of the world's greatest migrations of narwhal, bowhead and beluga whales.

Offshore Drilling Pact Will Give NOAA Scientists More Say

Mon, 23 May 2011 16:00:00 GMT

(Los Angeles Times Greenspace) The new agency that regulates offshore drilling has signed a kind of peace treaty with the nation's official oceanographers, giving them more input into where and how oil companies explore the federal waters of the outer continental shelf.

Critics: Federal Arctic Drilling Impact Statement Falls Short ... Again

Mon, 23 May 2011 15:55:00 GMT

(Huffington Post) The latest attempt by federal regulators to address concerns of environmental groups about plans for oil and gas development off the coast of Alaska appears likely to fall far short.

Obama to Open Alaska Petroleum Reserve to New Drilling

Sat, 14 May 2011 16:05:00 GMT

(Los Angeles Times) President Obama will open Alaska's national petroleum reserve to new drilling, as part of a broad plan aimed at blunting criticism that he is not doing enough to address rising energy prices.

How an International Fisheries Agreement Would Help Protect the High Arctic

Fri, 13 May 2011 19:50:00 GMT

Henry Huntington, science director for the Pew Environment Group's Arctic campaign, explains why an international fisheries agreement is needed to protect the waters of the central Arctic Ocean and how collaboration with Arctic countries, scientists, the fishing industry and indigenous peoples would achieve this important goal.

Coastal Nations Urged to Preserve Arctic Waters

Fri, 13 May 2011 13:55:00 GMT

(The Globe and Mail) Two hundred miles above Canada’s most northern shore lies a body of international water that has been covered in ice for more than 800,000 years – a sea the size of the Mediterranean kept beyond reach of commercial fishing interests by a vast frozen dome of white.

Shell to Submit New Plan for Arctic Oil Drilling

Thu, 12 May 2011 14:00:00 GMT

(Reuters) Royal Dutch Shell will submit an exploration plan on Thursday for Alaska's Chukchi Sea, as it continues its long-delayed bid to tap vast oil and gas resources in Arctic waters.

Shell Tries to Calm Fears on Drilling in Alaska

Mon, 02 May 2011 21:15:00 GMT

(The New York Times) Shell Oil will present an ambitious proposal to the federal government this week, seeking permission to drill up to 10 exploratory oil wells beneath Alaska’s frigid Arctic waters.

Shell Presses for Alaskan Oil

Mon, 02 May 2011 21:05:00 GMT

(United Press International) Shell aims to get permission from Alaskan authorities to drill as many as 10 new wells there, though environmentalists say they are worried about the fallout.

Arctic Drilling: Lessons Learned From the Deepwater Horizon Spill

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 20:15:28 GMT

There are no quick fixes for the nation's energy needs. Although oil plays a role in President Obama's energy plan, the government must ensure proper oversight and planning before drilling, especially in such extreme, remote and fragile areas as the Arctic Ocean off of Alaska's northern coast.

Deepwater Horizon Anniversary Stirs Fear of Alaska Spill

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:05:00 GMT

As industry and government look to expand drilling in the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas, many Alaska Natives who live along the nation's northernmost coast worry about what an oil spill would do to the ocean they call their garden.

Offshore Drilling Plans Stir Concerns over Alaska Spill

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:45:00 GMT

As industry and government look to expand drilling in the U.S. Arctic Ocean, many Alaska Natives who live along the nation's northernmost coast worry about what an oil spill would do to the ocean they call their "garden."

Feds Take Steps to Aid Safety of Drilling

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:58:38 GMT

New technology and a reorganization of federal oversight of offshore oil drilling have improved safety since last year's Gulf of Mexico oil spill, federal officials and lawmakers say. But drilling advocates say the changes are taking place too slowly, costing the Gulf region jobs. And environmentalists say more must be done to prevent and prepare for another spill.

Phone Briefing: One-Year Anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:45:00 GMT

On Friday, April 15, 2011, the Pew Environment Group hosted a phone briefing to look at the one-year anniversary of the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. During the call, experts including U.S. Arctic Program director Marilyn Heiman and Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen (Ret.) discussed what steps are still needed on offshore energy reform and the challenges of spill prevention and response in the extreme, remote and fragile U.S. Arctic Ocean.

Balanced Energy Means No Rush to Drill

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:00:00 GMT

This nation needs a long-term, comprehensive energy plan that incorporates renewable energy and emphasizes conservation along with conventional sources of energy. A policy that meets these requirements is more likely to pass the test of Congress, even in this intense political climate.

Safety First

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 20:05:20 GMT

Before this country even thinks of expanding drilling in the remote and fragile Arctic Ocean reforms must ensure that oil companies can respond to significant spills in ice, hurricane-force winds, stormy seas and long periods of fog and darkness. The United States should aspire to be the world’s leader in safe drilling standards, prevention and response.

Editorial: Our View: Energy Policy

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:30:00 GMT

In recent days President Obama has gotten Alaskans' attention with his encouragement of oil production in Brazil and his call for a 33 percent cut in U.S. oil imports in a decade.

What Exxon Valdez Spill Can Still Teach Us

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:35:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman, Pew's director of Offshore Energy Reform and the U.S. Arctic Program, discusses what the anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill means as we consider Arctic drilling and approach the first anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon explosion in the Gulf of Mexico.

Exxon Valdez 22 Years Later

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:45:00 GMT

In special commentary for DiscoveryNews, Pew communications manager Debbie Salamone discusses the lasting effects of the Exxon Valdez oil spill on fisheries and fishermen.

Lingering Oil: The Lasting Effects of Exxon Valdez

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:30:00 GMT

Minutes after midnight on March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez super tanker ran aground in Alaska’s beautiful and biologically rich Prince William Sound. The United States had become complacent about the risks of a major oil spill, but the sight of oiled seabirds in this spectacular setting shocked the nation into action.

Alaska Oil Lingers, Decades Later

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Minutes after midnight on March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez super tanker ran aground and began leaking oil in Alaska’s beautiful and biologically rich Prince William Sound.

Protect the Arctic Ecosystem

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 16:15:00 GMT

The Arctic Ocean is the remote home to extreme weather and unique species, such as beluga and bowhead whales, walrus and polar bears. Protect this fragile ecosystem by telling the Department of the Interior, "No new lease sales in the Arctic Ocean for the new 5-year plan!"

Rush to Increase Drilling Not the Answer

Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:10:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman, Pew's director of Offshore Energy Reform and the U.S. Arctic Program, responds to Amy Harder's blog "How Should Obama React to Spiking Oil Prices?" on NationalJournal.com.

Campaign Ads: Oceans North: Protecting Life in the Arctic

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:45:00 GMT

The following campaign ads help to raise public awareness and build support for policies advocated by the Pew campaign Oceans North: Protecting Life in the Arctic.

Success Story: Bristol Bay - A National Treasure

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:05:00 GMT

Protecting the nation's 'fish basket.'

Meet the Experts: Marilyn Heiman, Director, Offshore Energy Reform

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman joined the Pew Environment Group in January 2009 as director of the U.S. Arctic Program.

Guarding Arctic Waters From the Next Oil Disaster

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the April 2010 Deepwater Horizon well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, the Pew Environment Group’s Oceans North U.S. Campaign commissioned a comprehensive study on preventing and containing spills in the remote U.S. Arctic Ocean.

US not Ready for Arctic Oil Drilling, say Officials

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 23:05:00 GMT

The United States is ill-equipped to deal with a major oil catastrophe in Alaska, the Coast Guard admiral who led the US response to the massive Gulf of Mexico oil spill and others have warned.

Opinion: Bristol Bay Fishermen's Wish for 2011: Protect our 'Fish Basket'

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 23:00:00 GMT

The 2010 Alaska fishing season proved to be a banner year for salmon. All totaled, the catch throughout the state equaled nearly $534 million, the best numbers in 18 years.

Protecting Fisheries in the High Arctic

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 20:50:00 GMT

The Arctic Ocean is one of the planet’s most pristine marine regions, protected by its ice pack from the effects of commercial fishing, oil and gas development and shipping.

Former Anchorman Kent Appointed to Cabinet to 'Deliver the Lines,' Critics Say

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 22:55:00 GMT

It took about five minutes following his appointment Tuesday as Canada's new environment minister for former television broadcaster Peter Kent to become the target of an opposition jab that played on the stereotype of an airhead anchorman.

Successes of the Pew Environment Group

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Read about our successes, from the designation of the world’s largest no-take marine reserve in the Indian Ocean to the signing of the world’s largest conservation agreement in the Canadian boreal forest.

Environment Groups Praise Creation of Lancaster Sound Park

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 22:50:00 GMT

Canada is prepared to give up potential oil riches in Lancaster Sound to protect the Arctic waters' "amazing and inspiring" ecology, Environment Minister John Baird said Monday in announcing the proposed boundaries of a new national marine park north of Baffin Island.

National Marine Park in Lancaster Sound Moves Forward

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 20:35:00 GMT

In December 2010, Canada’s environment minister took a major step towards protecting Lancaster Sound by proposing boundaries for the Arctic’s first national marine conservation area that would encompass almost 45,000 square kilometers – or twice the size of Lake Erie.

Ottawa Takes Major Step Towards Creation of Lancaster Sound National Marine Conservation Area

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 19:50:00 GMT

The federal government today took a significant step towards the creation of the Arctic's first national marine conservation area in Lancaster Sound by proposing boundaries that encompass a sweeping 44,500 square kilometers, an area twice the size of Lake Erie.

Ottawa Sets Up Arctic Marine Park

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 15:50:00 GMT

The federal Conservative government will establish the boundaries of a new marine park in Lancaster Sound, an area rich with wildlife where proposed seismic testing was halted at the last minute this summer after court action by the local Inuit.

U.S. Halts Plan to Drill in Eastern Gulf

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 20:10:00 GMT

The Obama administration announced on Wednesday that it had rescinded its decision to expand offshore oil exploration into the eastern Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast because of weaknesses in federal regulation revealed by the BP oil spill.

Administration’s Offshore Plan Fails to Protect Arctic

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:15:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman, director of the Pew Environment Group’s U.S. Arctic Program, issued the following statement in response to the Obama administration’s announcement today on offshore oil and gas leasing.

Common Misconceptions About Arctic Offshore Oil Spill Response

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:00:00 GMT

View a fact sheet detailing a number of common misconceptions about the impact of an oil spill in the Arctic

Arctic Oil Spill Clean-Up Plans are 'Thoroughly Inadequate,' Industry Warned

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 20:35:00 GMT

The next big offshore oil disaster could take place in the remote Arctic seas where hurricane-force winds, 30ft seas, sub-zero temperatures and winter darkness would overwhelm any clean-up attempts, a new report warns.

State Officials Join Push to Pass Oil Spill Bill

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:00:00 GMT

The push for passage of offshore drilling reform legislation during the lame-duck session is mounting, with elected officials in eight states signing letters that advocate Senate action.

Environment Group Warns of Arctic Oil Drilling Risks

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:50:00 GMT

Freezing conditions, chunky ice and high seas could imperil operations to clean up an oil spill in the Arctic where the fragile ecosystem is already in tumult due to global warming, a US environmental group said Wednesday.

Report Challenges Offshore Drilling Plans in Arctic

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 20:35:00 GMT

Opening the Arctic Ocean to offshore oil development, where several energy companies are pressing to drill, poses risks of devastating spills complicated by harsh weather and months of winter darkness, a new report said on Wednesday.

New Report Finds Oversight Lacking for Oil Drilling in U.S. Arctic Ocean

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 18:20:00 GMT

Darkness, extreme weather and shifting sea ice could delay efforts to stop an oil well blowout in the U.S. Arctic Ocean for six months or more, trapping spewed oil in ice for up to a decade according to a report released today by the Pew Environment Group.

Oil Spill Prevention and Response in the U.S. Arctic Ocean: Unexamined Risks, Unacceptable Consequences

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 17:10:00 GMT

This report examine the risks, challenges and potential consequences of oil spills associated with oil and gas exploration and production in the outer continental shelf (OCS) of the United States Arctic Ocean. The April 2010 Deepwater Horizon well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico prompted a reconsideration of the potential for a major blowout from proposed oil exploration or production in the Arctic OCS. This report was developed to contribute to the policy discussion regarding the risks and consequences of such spills.

Arctic Drilling Poses Risks, Requires Planning

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:20:00 GMT

A new study by the Pew Environment Group recommends reforms to close gaps in oversight, response planning and risk assessment associated with proposed oil and gas development in Alaska's Arctic Ocean.

Nothing to Stop Petroleum Exploration in Lancaster Sound: Analysis

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 20:15:00 GMT

The environment group that joined this summer with Inuit leaders to block the Canadian government's proposed seabed survey of Lancaster Sound says a new legal analysis of the ecologically sensitive Arctic water body shows petroleum exploration could proceed in the area unless federal agencies take protective action.

A Melting Arctic Hits Home

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 22:05:00 GMT

As the Arctic melts due to climate change, its iconic marine mammals are feeling the heat.

Oceans North Canada Praises Creation of Arctic's First Marine Protected Area

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:45:00 GMT

Oceans North Canada commends Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his announcement today about the creation of the Tarium Niryutait Marine Protected Area in the Beaufort Sea, the first such designation in Canada's Arctic.

Inuit Villages Sue to Stop Seismic Tests for Oil, Gas

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 20:15:00 GMT

Above the Arctic Circle in Canada near Greenland, five Inuit villages have won a court order that blocks a German icebreaker from conducting seismic tests of an underwater region that abounds with marine life — and possibly with oil, gas and minerals.

Inuit Concerns Stall Seismic Testing

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 20:20:00 GMT

A temporary court injunction has halted plans to study Earth's crust in eastern Canadian Arctic waters. The 8 August decision by the Nunavut Court of Justice bars the RV Polarstern from beginning its research activities, just days before it was set to start, over fears that the cruise could impact wildlife and raise the prospects for oil drilling in the region.

The Sound and the Fury

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:20:00 GMT

When William Baffin sailed past the entrance to a broad channel north of the island that now bears his name, little did the intrepid English navigator realize that it was the gateway to the very thing he was looking for: the fabled northwest passage to the riches of the Far East.

Oil Spill in the Gulf

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 21:05:00 GMT

As the Gulf Coast Oil Spill continues to affect the livelihood of so many states, we look at what this could mean for South Carolina.

Stop Seismic Testing in Lancaster Sound

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 22:15:00 GMT

At the eastern edge of the Northwest Passage, two glacier-capped islands mark the entrance to one of the greatest ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere.

Pew Urges Congress to Plug the Leaks in Drilling Law Now

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:40:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group today called on Congress and the administration to take decisive actions to prevent disasters like the Deepwater Horizon spill from occurring again and to ensure the restoration of the Gulf.

Tracking Down Minerals Management Service's Dysfunctional History of Drilling Oversight

Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:15:00 GMT

From its creation in 1982, the Minerals Management Service at the center of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster has been a conflicted agency.

Pew Statement on Obama’s Arctic Drilling Decision

Thu, 27 May 2010 17:25:00 GMT

Marilyn Heiman, director of the Pew Environment Group’s U.S. Arctic Program, released the following statement in response to the Obama administration’s expected announcement today that any applications for exploratory drilling in the Arctic will be suspended until 2011.

Historical Oil Spill Fact Sheets

Fri, 21 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Click on the links below (PDF) to view fact sheets providing data on the impact of significant oil spills of the past.

The Future of Oil and Water

Wed, 19 May 2010 19:40:00 GMT

The explosion and sinking of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig brings into sharp focus not only a tragic loss of life but also the fragmented and inadequate way in which we manage and protect the nation's critical marine resources and the fragile ocean environment. Scientifically sound and precautionary polices to reconcile the needs of safety, energy security, sustainable fisheries and environmental protection have become urgent.

What About the Arctic?

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

With exploratory drilling—the same kind BP was doing in the Gulf of Mexico—planned for this summer north of Alaska, environmentalists see a worrisome comparison.

Shell’s Alaska Plans at Risk After Oil Spill

Wed, 12 May 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Royal Dutch Shell’s $3bn (£2bn) investment in looking for oil in Alaska is at risk after the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Pew Calls for Halt on New Oil Drilling Until Better Standards Are in Place

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Joshua Reichert, managing director of the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to this week’s Congressional hearings on the BP Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico.

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill Prompts Worries About Arctic Drilling

Tue, 11 May 2010 14:35:00 GMT

With the spotlight shining on the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and on the executives sizzling in the hot seat on Capitol Hill, environmental advocates are looking north.

Alaska Spills Highlight Ever-Present Risks from Oil Industry

Mon, 10 May 2010 17:30:00 GMT

Alaska’s oil and gas industry has experienced several high-profile oil spills over the past few months, highlighting the risk associated with oil and gas exploration and production, pipeline operation and vessel activity.

As Oil Wells Went Deeper, Safety Measures Didn't Get Tougher

Sun, 09 May 2010 14:35:00 GMT

Over the past 15 years, oil companies have drilled deeper and farther into the Gulf of Mexico, taking on new risks in the hunt for new deposits of oil.

Gulf Oil Disaster Fuels Fears in Arctic

Fri, 07 May 2010 14:40:00 GMT

Oil gushing from a blowout in the Gulf of Mexico is stoking Canadian efforts to stop the federal government exploring for oil and natural gas in pristine Arctic seas that are supposed to become a marine park.

What the Leak Says About the Search for Oil

Thu, 06 May 2010 14:45:00 GMT

The question of what the Deepwater Horizon accident will mean for the future of oil extraction can probably be answered depending on one’s views. Jeff Rubin believes it could be a turning point for world oil supply; others are not so sure.

Gulf of Mexico Leak May Slow Arctic 'Cold Rush'

Thu, 06 May 2010 14:40:00 GMT

The oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico may slow any "cold rush" to explore the Arctic, where companies would struggle to clean up spills in remote, icy seas, experts say.

Salazar Urged to Bar Shell’s Plans for Oil Drilling in Arctic

Wed, 05 May 2010 14:55:00 GMT

Royal Dutch Shell Plc’s plans to drill in the Arctic Ocean should be halted by the U.S., because the BP Plc incident in the Gulf of Mexico shows that companies aren’t capable of handling big oil spills, environmental groups said.

Protecting Our Most Productive Fishery

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 18:15:00 GMT

President Barack Obama recently announced a halt to offshore oil and gas leasing in Alaska's ecologically rich Bristol Bay, a decision that should be applauded for temporarily eliminating a serious threat to these lucrative fishing grounds. But those who have been fighting for more than 25 years to protect these waters from drilling know that this is not enough. It is time to permanently protect the nation's most productive fishery.

Thank You, President Obama and Secretary Salazar, for Protecting Bristol Bay from Offshore Drilling

Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:35:00 GMT

Oil and gas development presents tremendous risk to our world-class fisheries

Putting a Price Tag on the Melting Ice Caps

Sat, 03 Apr 2010 20:30:00 GMT

Reports about the melting ice caps are distressing, but for the most part climate change remains abstract. The poor polar bear has been trotted out as the tangible face of global warming so often that we're beginning to see "polar bear fatigue." How about bringing the effects of Arctic melt close to home, as in what it will cost? A new study does just that, and the results are alarming, not just for Arctic dwellers but for all of us. According to lead author Eban Goodstein, Ph.D., over the next 40 years Arctic ice melt will take an economic toll of between $2.4 trillion and $24 trillion. Unless we change course — and fast.

Pew Applauds Withdrawal of Bristol Bay from Oil Drilling and Cautious Approach for New U.S. Arctic Ocean Leasing

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:25:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group today commended the Obama administration’s decision to withdraw Bristol Bay from its national offshore energy plan and proceed cautiously with new U.S. Arctic Ocean oil and gas leases.

Arctic Melt to Cost Up to $24 Trillion by 2050: Report

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:40:00 GMT

Arctic ice melting could cost global agriculture, real estate and insurance anywhere from $2.4 trillion to $24 trillion by 2050 in damage from rising sea levels, floods and heat waves, according to a report released on Friday.

Arctic Melting to Cost $2.4 Trillion U.S. by 2050: Study

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:35:00 GMT

The global cost of Arctic melting could reach $2.4 trillion U.S. by 2050 if current warming trends continue, according to a study released Friday.

Study Says Arctic Ice Melt to Cost Global Economy $2.4 Trillion

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:30:00 GMT

On one hand, it is a very, very round number -- obviously just a rough and imperfect estimate of the economic impacts of an enormously complex and often unpredictable jumble of warming Earth climate systems.

An Initial Estimate of the Cost of Lost Climate Regulation Services Due to Changes in the Arctic Cryosphere

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:00:00 GMT

Ice and snow are defining features of the Arctic. At no point in at least 800,000 years has the Arctic been without sea ice.

Pew Environment Report Says Melting Arctic Could Cost $2.4 Trillion by 2050

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group today released a report that for the first time quantifies the global cost of the Arctic’s declining ability to cool the climate, indicating that the rapid melting of the region could carry a minimum price tag of $2.4 trillion U.S. by 2050.

Arctic Treasure: Global Assets Melting Away

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:10:00 GMT

Ice and snow are defining features of the Arctic. At no point in at least 800,000 years has the Arctic been without sea ice.

Preventing Damage in a Very Cold Place

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:35:00 GMT

Wedged between Alaska and Siberia, the Chukchi Sea is one of the most productive ocean ecosystems in the world. Its vast shallow sea floor and ice cover provide rich habitat for many species, including walrus, whales, polar bears and millions of seabirds.

Pew Disappointed at Obama Administration’s Approval of Chukchi Sea Oil Drilling

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:35:00 GMT

The federal Minerals Management Service today gave the green light to Shell Oil’s plan to drill exploratory wells in the ecologically rich waters of the Chukchi Sea off Alaska’s northwest coast next summer.

Decision Due Soon on Arctic Ocean Oil Drilling

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:40:00 GMT

Opponents of offshore oil drilling in the Arctic are making a last-ditch effort to convince the Obama administration to impose the same kind of moratorium on oil and gas development that it did on major commercial fishing in the Far North.

Scientific Understanding Must Precede Oil and Gas Development in the U.S. Arctic Ocean

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:40:00 GMT

America's Arctic has long been a place of myth and dream, where the Inupiat Eskimos have thrived, explorers endured and artists found inspiration.

Scientists Urge Halt to Offshore Oil and Gas in the U.S. Arctic

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 17:40:00 GMT

More than 400 scientists from the U.S. and 20 other countries have signed a strongly worded letter urging the Obama administration to defer offshore oil and gas development in the U.S. Arctic Ocean until research can adequately assess potential risks to fragile marine ecosystems.

Oil and Gas Leasing In Alaska's Arctic Waters

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 20:00:00 GMT

The Alaska region of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) includes more than a billion acres of ocean habitat, much of which is Arctic waters. These waters are central to the lives of Arctic peoples and to the survival of 23 species of marine mammals, 100 species of fish and more than 50 species of birds.

Impossible? Commerce Secretary Locke Appeases Both Environmentalists and Industry Heads

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:45:00 GMT

It's a tough, even mythical thing to do, to find middle ground for both environmental and business interests in one fell swoop. But both groups seem to be approving a move made late last night by Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. Addressing issues of collapsing fisheries and the decline of ocean health that is leading to and being caused by climate change, Locke made a sweeping move to limit the expansion of commercial fishing in U.S. waters in the north Pacific. Set to go into effect as soon as next year, the plan would halt increased industrial fishing over a 200,000-square-mile area in the icy waters of the Beaufort Sea as scientists can further research local species like Arctic cod and snow crab currently over sought by commercial vessels.

U.S. Closes Parts of Arctic to Commercial Fishing

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:45:00 GMT

Vast areas of the Arctic Ocean are now officially no-go areas for commercial fishermen.

Pew Commends Landmark U.S. Decision to Protect Arctic from Large-Scale Commercial Fishing

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:45:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group applauds the Obama administration's landmark decision today to place a moratorium on commercial fishing in virtually the entire Arctic Ocean under U.S. jurisdiction.

U.S. Bans Expanded Commercial Fishing in the Arctic

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:50:00 GMT

In an attempt to head off a major commercial fishing march into the Arctic, the Obama administration has declared a moratorium on expanded fishing in the still-uncharted waters of the far north, a move which as the nearly unprecedented support of both conservationists and the fishing industry.

Statement on New Arctic Policy Legislation

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:45:00 GMT

Conservation groups welcomed the Arctic policy legislation introduced into Congress by U.S. Senator Mark Begich which is aimed at helping Alaska and the U.S. better adapt to the economic and environmental challenges posed by rapid climate change.

Statement on the Hilborn-Worm Study on Rebuilding Global Fisheries Published in 'Science'

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 19:35:00 GMT

Rebecca Goldburg, director of Marine Science at the Pew Environment Group, issued the following statement today in response to a paper published in the journal Science.

Precautionary Management for Arctic Fisheries

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:20:00 GMT

The Arctic Ocean faces changes unparalleled on the planet.

Arctic Shipping: Stormy Seas or Smooth Sailing

Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:20:00 GMT

The dog days of summer slow down the pace of life for many of us, but it's the busy season in the Arctic. The Inuit people who inhabit the top of the globe in Alaska, Canada, Russia and Greenland are out on the land and ice, camping, hunting, fishing and visiting family. Meanwhile, annual supply ships visit Arctic communities, bringing next year's provisions before the ocean freezes again.

Tele-Press Briefing on Upcoming Historic Polar Meetings

Thu, 02 Apr 2009 21:05:00 GMT

On April 2, 2009, the Pew Environment Group and WWF led a press conference call to preview the first-ever joint Arctic Council/Antarctic Treaty Ministerial Meeting on April 6 and the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting which runs for the following 10 days.

Protecting the Arctic Marine Ecosystem

Mon, 16 Feb 2009 19:45:00 GMT

Some of the most fragile and productive fishing grounds in America received a possible respite earlier this month in a precedent-setting development that could prove critical to the United States and the world.

One Page Description: Safeguarding the Arctic

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:30:00 GMT

The Arctic is home to several of the Earth’s least disturbed large marine ecosystems.

Commercial Fishing is Barred in Parts of Arctic

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:50:00 GMT

Federal fisheries managers have voted to bar all commercial fishing in U.S. waters from north of the Bering Strait and east to the Canadian border in light of the rapid climate changes that are transforming the Arctic.

Editorial: Diverse Interests Agree on No Harvest in U.S. Arctic

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:50:00 GMT

Melting arctic ice is an ecological dilemma that will be forcing scientists and diplomats along with the fishing and energy industries to rethink how they do business in U.S. waters off Alaska's north coast.

United States Protects America’s Arctic From Industrial Fishing

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 18:55:00 GMT

The North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) voted today to prevent the expansion of industrial fishing into all U.S. waters north of the Bering Strait for the foreseeable future to limit stress on ocean ecosystems in light of the dramatic impacts of global climate change in the Arctic.

Letter to North Pacific Fishery Management Council on Arctic Fishery Management Plan

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:30:00 GMT

This letter to Chairman Olson at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council from members of the scientific community commends the council for taking a proactive approach to fisheries management of U.S. Arctic waters.

Threats to America's Arctic

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:10:00 GMT

America’s Arctic, located entirely in Alaska, is one of the most beautiful and forbidding places on earth.

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