The Arctic This Week September 26 - October 2, 2016
By Ella Daly, Pavel Devyatkin, Helen Hallang, Vincent-Gregor Schulze, Yashwinie Shivanand, and Ryan Uljua October 5, 2016
Welcome and thanks for joining us this week! We hope that you find TATW interesting and entertaining to read. If you’re not a subscriber yet, you can sign up here. As always, all editorial choices, opinions and any mistakes are the authors’ own. Anything that we missed? Please feel free to share material with us if you think it deserves inclusion in TATW.
Photo: Mads Phil, Flickr
Note that there will be a TATW break next week as some of us travel to Iceland to attend the 2016 Arctic Circle Assembly. The Arctic Institute looks forward to meet you there.
TAI’s RECENT ACTIVITIES
As part of our collaboration with the Norwegian newspaper High North News, Malte Humpert discussed recent shipping activities by the Chinese shipping company COSCO on the Northern Sea Route and Mieke Coppes wrote about Canada’s efforts to complete the seismic mapping of its Arctic continental shelf.
We would also like to welcome a new slate of interns who will be writing TATW for the next several months:
Ella Daly will cover the Health, Youth, Society, and Culture section of the newsletter. Ella is currently a student at the University of Guelph in Guelph, Ontario pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
Pavel Devyatkin is covering the Military & Security, Search & Rescue, Energy, and Mining sections of the newsletter. Pavel is also an intern at the United Nations, where he works on environmental policy in Central and Eastern Europe as well as Central Asia. Pavel is currently a student at University College London (UCL), where he studies politics, economics, and international affairs. He is also writing his undergraduate dissertation on militarization in the Arctic.
Helen Hallang is covering the Science, Environment, and Wildlife section of the newsletter. Helen holds a Master’s degree in Ecosystem Services from University of Edinburgh, and a Bachelor’s degree in Geography and Development Studies from King’s College London and School of Oriental and African Studies.
Vincent-Gregor Schulze is covering the Fisheries, Shipping, Business, and Infrastructure sections of TATW. Vincent is currently working towards the completion of a Ph.D. in European Studies at the University of Leipzig. His main interests in the Arctic are issues of governance, regime building, and the small states in the Arctic, with a particular focus on Northern Europe.
Yashwinie Shivanand will cover the Political Scene section of TATW. Yashwinie is currently a Master of Global Affairs student at the Munk School of Global Affairs, specializing in international environmental policy and Arctic security.
THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES
Canada-Russia Conference on the Arctic to be held in late November
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will host a Canada-Russia Arctic conference in Ottawa in late November (My Kawartha). Despite political disagreements, including over the situations in Crimea and Syria, the Canadian government issued a statement declaring “Arctic co-operation as a priority for the Liberal government” (Toronto Star). This is PM Trudeau’s first major act in Arctic policy, an area that he has engaged with minimally thus far since taking office in November 2015 (G&M, 570 News).
First Arctic Science Ministerial held in Washington, D.C.
Last Wednesday, science ministers from 25 countries convened in Washington, D.C. for the inaugural Arctic Science Ministerial meeting, where participants united around the urgency of harnessing resources to address the transforming Arctic environment (MarEx, TAJ, CBC). The event was attended by representatives from the eight Arctic Council member states, permanent participants, observers to the Arctic Council, the European Union, and indigenous leaders (HNN). The ministers called for improved international collaboration and the inclusion of indigenous groups in research and decision-making to improve scientific knowledge of the Arctic (NN, EIN News). Key outcomes of the gathering include: an Arctic Observing System, weather and climate modelling/predictions, research on the Arctic Ocean’s marine ecosystem and biogeochemical functioning, and the community-led EyesNorth program, which aims to recruit Indigenous knowledge (Sputnik, WP).
Canada reconsiders US missile defense
A Canadian parliamentary committee has recommended the government reconsider its earlier rejection to contribute to US missile defense, moving participation in the ground-based missile system—or a new Arctic sensor system that could track ballistic missiles as well as ships and aircraft—closer to reality (Defense News, Watertown Daily Times).
Icelanders swap city lights for northern lights
Residents of Iceland’s capital city, Reykjavik, were encouraged to turn off their lights last Wednesday to minimize light pollution to provide optimal conditions for viewing the northern lights. Tourists and residents alike were warned to be careful during the viewing because streetlights were also switched off for an hour. The northern lights in Iceland have been especially vivid for the past few weeks, with Wednesday’s display being described as “‘beautiful,’ but not ‘as impressive as on Monday’” (AD). Here’s to hoping the light show continues through Arctic Circle Assembly!
Upgrade to improve internet for 20,000 Greenlanders
Due to the extension of an undersea cable and an upgrade to modern microwave networks, two-thirds of the Greenland population should see an improvement in internet access, speed, and performance (TAJ).
THE POLITICAL SCENE
A Sami Minute?
A proposal was submitted to the Sami Parliament where an extra 20 seconds of speaking time is given to representatives speaking in Sami instead of Norwegian (NRK, in Norwegian). Critics of the move, now in place as a trial, describe it as discriminatory on the basis of language against non-Sami speakers (NRK, in Norwegian).
Transnational
High North News – Climate and Development Head the Arctic Council’s Agenda (HNN).
Canada
We’ll use Arctic Council to reach out to Russia, Ottawa says (NN).
Not just the face of climate change: Inuit want a say in Canada's climate strategy (CBC).
On 20th anniversary, experts say it's time to review Arctic Council mandate (CBC).
4 young women from the North join PM's Youth Council (CBC).
North of 60: Shaping Canada’s Arctic Policy (Arctic Deeply).
Finland
Foreign Minister: No word from Russia on Finland’s role in air crash probe (Yle).
Iceland
The Arctic Council at 20 – View from Iceland (EOTA).
Norway
Kronikk: Is it unworthy to ask about facts, Bjørnar? (HNN, in Norwegian).
Ellingsen: This is not something new regional selection (HNN, in Norwegian).
Aspaker: Brexit Provides Preliminary more questions than answers (HNN, in Norwegian).
Their struggle is our struggle (NRK, in Norwegian).
Russia
Shifting Boundaries: Norway Moves Its Controversial 'Anti-Russia' Border Fence (Sputnik).
United States
The Arctic Frontier (CBS).
Murkowski presses Forest Service on delayed land swap (AJOC).
Kotzebue considers local option change (Arctic Sounder).
Will Obama look north for his legacy? (APM).
Elections division to make one more push for eligible, unregistered voters (APM).
ENERGY
Russian oil & gas projections
Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Rogozin estimated that large-scale Russian development of the Arctic will commence in 2020-2022 (PNR). However, the recent Russian megaprojects in the Arctic (see last week’s TATW) may take a turn for the worse in the wake of recent taxation changes proposed by the Russian Ministry of Finance. According to proposed plans, oil export duties may be abolished (OP).
United States
Technology designed to detect US energy pipeline leaks often fails (AD).
Alaska needs to reclaim its fair share of oil revenue (AD).
BLM wants to soften blow of development before it begins on part of North Slope (AD).
State oil and gas commission turns attention to disused wells (AD).
2 projects to help unlock giant accumulations of thick Alaska oil put on hold (AD).
Native corporation starts 1st well in effort to bring cheaper natural gas to villages (AD).
Keep the door open for Arctic energy (Exxon).
Hilcorp applies for Moose Pad development to tap 7 square miles of oil reserves (AS).
Hilcorp seeking E pad expansion at Milne (PN).
MOU presents issues (PN).
Point Thomson Pipeline settlement reached (PN).
Norway
One month after production halt, Eni resumes oil tapping at Goliat (IBO).
Arctic AHTS vessel adds to Bourbon’s extensive capability (OSJ).
Parliament must ask for energy study for Svalbard (HNN, in Norwegian).
RAL supports global ban on heavy oil (KNR, in Norwegian).
One month after production halt, Eni resumes oil tapping at Goliat (EOTA).
Norwegian minister says Russia, Norway in talks over gas exports to Europe (TASS).
Keep Calm and Drill On (ABC).
Russia
On its way out of the Arctic, Yamal oil will be reloaded twice (IBO).
Oslo stops Russian advance on Norwegian shelf – Gazprom (IBO).
Rosatom takes on new role in Gulf of Ob (IBO).
No fortune for Statoil in Russian wells (IBO).
Large scale development of Russia’s Arctic to begin in 2020 – 2022, says Dmitry Rogozin (PNR).
Tax Troubles Threaten Russia’s Arctic Megaproject (OP).
Sweden
Construction of 41 new wind generators starts in Lehtirova (IBO)
General
Oil in the Arctic (AJ)
MILITARY / SEARCH & RESCUE
Military & Security
On border to Russia, a bonfire in protest against Norwegian defense cuts (IBO).
Why the Next NATO-Russia Crisis Could Go Down in the Arctic (National Interest).
Apple of Discord: Russia and NATO 'Main Contenders for Arctic (Sputnik).
Cruise missiles fired in Russian Northern Fleet's Arctic drills (TASS).
Search & Rescue/Coast Guard
Coast Guard gets Hawaii help hearing distress call from sinking sailboat (AD).
Vanishing sea ice gives Norway more waters to patrol, orders new Coast Guard vessels (IBO).
Cutter SPAR Returns to Kodiak after Arctic Shield 2016 Patrol (ANN).
US Lawmaker Wants Pre-Owned Ice Ship Over Coast Guard Objections (Defense News).
Sikorsky Delivers AK’s First S-92 Search & Rescue Helicopter (American Security Today).
Sikorsky delivers SAR-roled S-92 for Arctic operations (Flight Global).
Sikorsky S-92 begins Alaska SAR mission (AINonline).
MINING
Canada
Inuit organizations to intervene in Supreme Court seismic testing appeal (CBC).
Nunavut's newest gold mine will be up and running in 2017, company says (CBC).
Giant arctic gold mine takes one step closer (Mining.com).
Silver Range Finalizes Up Town Gold Option Agreement With Rover Metals (Digital Journal).
TMAC Resources Receives Amended Doris North Project Certificate (Digital Journal)
Wellgreen Platinum Announces Results of 2016 Annual General and Special Meeting (Edmonton Journal)
Golden Predator Common Stock to Begin Trading on OTCQX (Digital Journal)
Metallic Minerals Corp. Announces Additions to Executive Management Team (Edmonton Journal)
JDS and Denham join forces to bring Silvertip mine into production (CMJ)
Casino cooking with gas (Mining Journal)
Golden Predator bridges the gap at 3 Aces (CMJ)
Fission continues to hit high grades at PLS (CMJ).
Largest new diamond mine opens in NWT (PN).
TerraX expands gold discovery at Mispickel (PN).
Exceptional diamond, plant restarts at Ekati (PN).
Klondike hits Nugget gold; Lone Star next (PN).
Goldstrike finds new Lucky Strike gold zone (PN).
United States
Producers explore for gold closer home (MN)
White Rock identifies new drill targets at Red Mountain (MN)
Vista begins geophysical surveys at Stellar project (MN)
Little Squaw placer gold mine hits production highs in 2016 (MN)
Redstar takes fresh approach to exploring historic gold property in Alaska (MN)
Russia
Norilsk Nickel expands mining along border to Norway (IBO).
SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
Melting Greenland ice may expose toxic waste
A former US army base buried beneath the Greenland icecap may be uncovered within decades as the temperatures rise and the ice sheet melts (The Guardian, EOTA). The top-secret military project from the Cold War era contains toxic waste and pollutants that could leak into the environment as the ice cover melts (Phys.org, RCI).
Earth sciences, climate and weather
Vanishing Arctic: how warming climate leaves remote permafrost islands on the precipice (ST).
Yukon’s climate, notoriously cold in Gold Rush days, is transforming (AD).
Unprecedented Arctic change demands action (WMO).
WMO: Rapidly Melting Arctic Sea Ice Signals Accelerated Global Warming (VOA).
Global warming taking place at an 'alarming rate', UN climate body warns (The Guardian).
As Arctic Ocean Ice Disappears, The Global Climate Impacts Intensify (Yale Environment 360).
Doing something about the forecasting, at least (TAJ).
Wildlife and ecology
Nightmare before Christmas: Siberia plans to cull 250,000 reindeer amid anthrax fears (The Guardian).
Flies are the key pollinators of the High Arctic (Phys.org).
Podcast: Arctic Pollinator Faces Uncertain Future (Scientific American).
More Arctic Tourists Mean More Conflicts With Polar Bears (Skift).
As Norway's Arctic draws visitors, more polar bears get shot (Inforum).
New chemicals may be less toxic, safer for Arctic wildlife: researcher (CBC).
Arctic river flood plains are home to hidden carbon (Nature).
Polar bears struggle to survive in the warming Arctic (Regal Tribune).
Environmental management
GreenStalk Vertical Gardens Make it Possible to Grow in the Arctic (PR Urgent).
Canada calls for Arctic wildlife enforcement network (RCI).
New chemicals may be less toxic, safer for Arctic wildlife: researcher (CBC).
Strong demand opens first sales of musk skins (KNR, in Danish).
Facing catastrophic erosion, Shaktoolik chooses to 'stay and defend' current location (AD).
North Star Borough looks to reduce wintertime smoke pollution (APM).
Research and university news
Arctic Science Moves to Center Stage (Atlantic Council).
Researchers refining Arctic climate history through diatoms (Phys.org).
Nunavut Arctic College welcomes campus growth in Cambridge Bay (NN).
Meet Maine’s Arctic experts (Portland Press Herald).
University of Alaska reorganization planning advances toward second phase (APM).
Tracking the amount of sea ice from the Greenland ice sheet (Science Daily).
Poland joins effort to enhance Arctic research (Radio Poland).
White House: No nation an island on Arctic science (KTOO).
The Arctic Freshwater Synthesis (EOS).
The sound of the northern lights (NRK, in Norwegian).
The Science Of Our Shared Arctic (HP).
Russia and China to exploit Arctic (Pravda).
The Arctic Is Melting, and Fast. But Maybe Data Can Save It (Wired).
Arctic Melting Defies Scientists (EcoWatch).
Saving the Polar bears (Flathead Beacon).
Archaeology and history
Famed arctic explorer Amundsen's ship raised to surface after 85 years (CNN).
Arctic explorer Roald Amundsen's former ship raised to surface, awaits trip home to Norway (CBC).
Canada confirms discovery of second ship from doomed Franklin Arctic voyage (AD).
Naval Whodunit: How the Doomed Crew of Arctic Expedition Died (Live Science).
FISHERIES, SHIPPING AND OTHER BUSINESS NEWS
How will Arctic shipping affect Maritime Law?
As the sea ice is declining and shipping increases, there are several unanswered questions about the rules governing Arctic shipping (MarEx). However, it is of utmost importance to clarify the status of Arctic waters and the ‘ownership’ of the Arctic ocean early (HNN, in Norwegian).
Fishing
Attendance record at Polar Fish fair in Greenland (Arctic Business Network, in Danish).
Fisheries Service to assess Cook Inlet IHAs (PN).
Cook Inlet salmon short on forecast (AJOC).
Finland to farm savoury russian Nelma (Sputnik).
Norway and Finland have signed Tana-Agreement (NRK Sápmi, in Norwegian).
Fishermen, state, in flux after circuit court overturns state control over Cook Inlet salmon (APM).
New satellite-based technology aims to crack down on illegal fishing (APM).
Shipping
As Arctic shipping is expected to grow, Svalbard plans an oil exercise (AD).
The last barge of the year means last chance to get big items to Bush city (AD).
First of four Arctic tugs launched (Maritime Journal).
China’s COSCO shipping company expands activities on Northern Sea Route (HNN).
Shipping companies snub Russian Arctic route (EOTA).
Tourism
Sovietworld: Abandoned Arctic outpost reborn as retro tourist attraction (ABC).
Luxury cruises don’t signal, expert says (APM).
Finland aims to close gap in race to attract tourists (Yle).
Hurtigruten opens new US headquarters (MarEx).
Economy and Business
Time for the North to move to a knowledge based economy, says UArctic President (CBC).
Recruiting young Barents Entrepreneurs (Barents Secretariat).
Greenland is becoming increasingly active in expanding its domestic economy (World Policy Blog).
NANA shareholders won’t get a dividend this year (AD).
How Sanctions are benefiting Russia (Sputnik).
US keeps an eye on Chinese Investor in Greenland (KNR, in Danish).
Finland falls to 10th place in global competitiveness ranking (Yle).
State cuts will stifle Southeast’s economic growth (APM).
Technology
Mark Zuckerberg shares pictures from Facebook’s cold, cold data center (The Verge).
Finnish firm creates roofing with integrated solar cells (EOTA).
Formula E conducts successful run in the Arctic (Autoindustrya).
HEALTH, YOUTH, SOCIETY AND CULTURE
Lance Mackey withdraws from 2017 Iditarod
4-time Iditarod champion and cancer-survivor Lance Mackey has withdrawn from the 2017 Iditarod (CBC). The Iditarod Trail Committee has said on Facebook that Mackey is on a “journey to improving his health” and they hope that he will be able to participate again in 2018 (APM). Mushing fans have rallied around the Iditarod and Yukon Quest champ and are wishing for his quick recovery (AD).
Residential school settlement approved in time for Orange Shirt Day
A $50M CAD settlement nine years in the making was given approval in the Newfoundland and Labrador Supreme Court (CBC). The settlement was approved just in time for Orange Shirt Day, celebrated yearly on September 30 to reflect the story of the survivors of Canada’s residential schools. The day was inspired by the story of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day of residential school and never returned (CBC).
Health
Scientists meet on Greenland health (KNR, Danish).
Nutrition North budget 'certainly not enough,' says major Northern retailer (CBC).
Alaska settles complaint over Medicaid payment system (APM).
Youth and Education
An Alaskan school district received $1.5M USD grant to enhance Alaska Native language proficiency in both English and Yup’ik (APM).
SHI program trains educators to see Thru the Cultural Lens (APM).
3 Southcentral Alaska schools earn national Blue Ribbon honors (AD).
4 young women from the North join PM's Youth Council (CBC).
Nunavut Arctic College welcomes campus growth in Cambridge Bay (NN).
With youngsters in focus (NRK, Norwegian).
Society
Residents in the Alaskan town of Kotzebue set to vote on the legality of alcohol within its city limits (AD).
The Mohawk band council of Akwesasne has created the first Canadian by and for Indigenous people in Canada (CBC).
Maine and the Arctic: International Experts Convene at Bowdoin to Discuss Challenges in the Arctic (Bowdoin College).
Extractive Industries and the Unmaking of Arctic Places (Arctic Deeply).
Quebec gin-maker must invest in region: Makivik Corp. (NN).
Custom adoptions only for Inuit, says NTI vice president (NN).
Indigenous children for sale: The money behind the Sixties Scoop (CBC).
Inuit women's groups ask for apology after senator accuses them of racism (CBC).
'Indeed racist': Inuit want Ottawa police to suspend sergeant over online comments (CBC).
Culture
The Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska planning 3-acre Immersion Park to teach tourists about Southeast Alaska Native cultures (APM).
Brent Kaulback, the N.W.T. publisher behind hundreds of Chipewyan, South Slavey, and Cree educational books, is set to retire (CBC).
Yukon woman's 'powerful moment' with the Duchess of Cambridge (CBC).
Whitehorse royally pleased: Pictures of Will and Kate's Yukon adventure (CBC).
'World's most popular 3-star hotel': Where Will and Kate stayed in Yukon (CBC).
Why This Arctic Language Doesn't Use An Alphabet (Gizmodo).
Burning the masks of ‘Aggravated Organisms.’ (APM).
No funding increase for the Sami House in Oslo (NRK, Norwegian).
INFRASTRUCTURE
Maritime Infrastructure
Iqaluit’s deep sea port inches forward (CBC).
Murmansk prepares for boosts on nickel shipments (IBO).
As WRDA bill passes in Senate, Nome Arctic deep draft port back in conversation (KTOO).
Aviation
Alaska Airlines will fly to Cuba starting in January (AD).
Abbreviation Key
Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN)
Aftenbladet (AB)
Alaska Business Monthly (ABM)
Alaska Dispatch News (AD)
Alaska Journal of Commerce (AJOC)
Alaska Native News (ANN)
Alaska Public Media (APM)
Al-Jazeera (AJ)
Arctic Info (Russian) (AIR)
Arctic Institute (TAI)
Barents Nova (BN)
Bristol Bay Times (BBT)
BusinessWeek (BW)
Canadian Mining Journal (CMJ)
Christian Science Monitor (CSM)
Eye on the Arctic (EOTA)
Fairbanks Daily News-Miner (NM)
Financial Times (FT)
Globe and Mail (G&M)
Government of Canada (GOC)
Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT)
High North News (HNN)
Huffington Post (HP)
Independent Barents Observer (IBO)
Indian Country Today Media Network (ICTMN)
Johnson’s Russia List (JRL)
Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR)
Lapin Kansa (LK)
Maritime Executive (MarEx)
Mining News (MN)
Moscow Times (MT)
National Geographic (NG)
Natural Gas Europe (NGE)
Naval Today (NT)
New York Times (NYT)
NORA Region Trends (NORA)
Northern Journal (NORJ)
Northern News Service Online (NNSO)
Northern Public Affairs (NPA)
Norwegian Polar Institute (NPI)
Nunatsiaq News (NN)
Offshore Support Journal (OSJ)
Oil & Gas Journal (OGJ)
Oil Price (OP)
Ottawa Citizen (OC)
Petroleum News (PN)
Port News.ru (PNR)
RIA Novosti (RIAN)
Russia Beyond the Headlines (RBTH)
Russia Today (RT)
Voice of Russia (VOR)
Wall Street Journal (WSJ)
Washington Post (WP)
Whitehorse Star (WS)
Winnipeg Free Press (WFP)
Yukon News (YN)
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