Photo : Illustration by Ocean Visions
Photo : Illustration by Ocean Visions
BIODIVERSITY
Scientists find prospering marine life beneath Antarctic ice sheet
On 13 January, A Chicago-sized iceberg, A-84, broke off from the George VI Ice Shelf, giving scientists a brief opportunity to map the seafloor below. International foray aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute ship Falkor, studied newly revealed ocean floor and recorded discoveries in much diversified marine biodiversity at 1,300 meters depths.Scienitists aboard found giant sea spiders, ice fish, octopuses, and coral settlements with some unidentified species likely being discovered. Patricia Esquete of the University of Aveiro said: "We took advantage of the opportunity. to see what was going on down below." Sasha Montelli of University College London said: "The Antarctic ice sheet makes a significant contribution to global sea-level rise." The crew also used autonomous underwater gliders to study glacial meltwater impacts, and they discovered signs of high biological productivity. Schmidt Ocean Institute executive director Jyotika Virmani said: "Serendipitous findings like this allow us to learn more about deep-sea ecosystems." ("Scientists were in Antarctica when a giant iceberg broke free. Here’s what they found in its shadow," Euronews, 23 March 2025)
ENERGY
President Trump proposes to extract oil and natural gas from Alaska
On 21 March, the Trump Administration, proposed a deal to look for oil and gas in the Arctic. President Trump wants to expand oil and gas drilling across Alaska. This will include Arctic National Wildlife Refuge as well as the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska. The government plans to extract USD 700 billion, 10.4 billion barrels of oil. Alaska’s native communities oppose this move citing threats to wildlife and sacred lands, rich biodiversity, its a home to species such as the grizzly bears, polar bears, gray wolves, caribou, and more than 200 bird species. . The Interior Department outlined steps to open the entire 1.5 million acre coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to be drilling. The White House also wants to open up 82 per cent of the 23 per cent million acre National Petroleum Reserve Alaska for oil and gas development. Additionally the administration indicated plans to revoke a Biden era decision blocking the construction of a controversial mining roads in Alaska and support further development of a gas pipeline project. (Jack Aylmer “Trump admin proposes expansion of oil and gas drilling in Alaska’s Arctic regions,” Straight Arrow News, 21 March 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
Canada's ocean carbon removal experiment sparks debate
On 24 March, the UNB NEWS reported that Canada's east coast, Halifax-based Planetary Technologies is conducting a contentious global warming experiment by discharging magnesium oxide into the ocean. The firm maintains that this will enhance the capacity of the ocean to trap carbon dioxide, but critics are claiming there are uncounted environmental costs. The company says this will increase the ability of the ocean to absorb carbon dioxide, but critics are saying there are untold environmental consequences.Supported by a USD one million grant from the foundation of Elon Musk, Planetary Technologies is one among an increasing number of companies pursuing ocean-based carbon capture. Planetary Technologies' chief ocean scientist Will Burt, said: "We have to figure out whether this method works as soon as possible.” Marine carbon credits, in the form of carbon dioxide sequestered from the air, have experienced increasing sales by 2,000 in 2019 to more than 340,000 in 2023. The industry, however is still mostly unregulated. University of California, Santa Cruz's Adina Paytan said: "It's the Wild West everyone is jumping on board.” In spite of the concerns, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reiterates that carbon removal is imperative to fight global warming. University of Hawaii oceanographer David Ho warned: "The alternative is letting climate change keep going unchecked.” ("Ocean dumping or climate fix? Industry bets on ocean carbon,” UNB NEWS, 24 March 2025)
GEOGRAPHY
New Arctic coastline discovered in Greenland
On 24 March, Greenland discovered a new coastal zone in the Arctic. With the ice melting, and rising temperatures, in the Arctic,this causes glaciers to retreat only to land, exposing 100 km of coastline, with potential geopolitical consequences. Jan Kavan from the University of South Bohemia in the Czech Republic and his colleagues used satellite images from 2000 and 2020 to study the changes of the glaciers. (Madeline Cuff, “Greenland has gained over 1600 km of new coastline as glaciers retreat,” New Scientist, 24 March 2025)
GEOPOLITICS
Chilean president reaffirms Antarctic sovereignty amid regional tensions
On 22 March, rfi recalled Chile’s President Gabriel Boric visit in January to Amundsen-Scott station in Antarctic, becoming the first American president to ever set foot at the South Pole. He emphasised his country's sovereignty over Antarctica, saying that Chile is "the primary gateway to the world in Antarctica.” According to Chilean law, Chile claims Antarctic territory, as does six other countries, not counting the U.S. and others who do not officially recognize any claims. The Antarctic Treaty that has been in place since 1961, stops claims and protects the area for science and peaceful study.Boric's visit also helped confirmed Chile's effort to become an important logistical and scientific hub. There are plans to build an Antarctic research center in Punta Arenas to service international scientific endeavors.However, the Madrid Protocol of 1991 bards mineral resource development in Antarctica, a ban that can be reviewed in 2048. Although certain nations, such as China and Russia, have opposed conservation measures, the treaty system now protects the continent.Scientists emphasize the pivotal position Antarctica plays in the study of the climate. "The Antarctic ice sheet is the most important location on Earth," glaciologist Éric Rignot mentioned, pointing out its importance concerning global sea level and ecosystems. ("Antarctica: how geopolitics plays out at the end of the Earth,” RFI, 22 March 2025)
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Germany’s Isar Aerospace to postpone their launch due to bad weather
On 24 March, A Munich based company, Isar Aerospace, made a statement, it had cancelled Monday’s flight due to unfavorable winds, and were working to find a new launch date. A re-scheduled launch would be the first flight of an orbital launch vehicle from the European continent, and this would be Europe’s first flight financed almost exclusively by private actors. Less expensive small launches like the Spectrum usually developed by private actors are a welcome compliment to put miniature satellites. The rise of these new actors and new European launch services is a part of a common objective to guarantee independent and sovereign access to space. This role is expected to strengthen in the coming years. Adding to Isae Aerospace, Europe is home to Germany’s Hylumpulse and Rocket Factory Augsburg, French Groups Latitude and Maiaspace and Spain’s PLD Space, all racing to establish themselves as the key players in the sector. (“A German start-up on Monday postponed a test flight of its Spectrum rocket from Norway's Andøya Spaceport in the Arctic, seen as a key step in Europe's new space economy,” The Local News, 24 March 2025)
SECURITY
Norway’s 845 and 847 Naval annual Arctic aviation training ends
On 21 March, the Norwegian air base in Bardufoss, comprising 845 Naval Air Squadron (Merlin Mk4 helicopters) and 847 Naval Air Squadron (Commando Wildcats), delivered battlefield support for the Royal Marines. Operation Clockwork, the Royal Navy’s annual Arctic aviation training is designed to prepare the new air and ground crew for survival and operational effectiveness in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees celcius. An important component of this Arctic training was the deployment of three Mobile Air Operation Teams, that will establish temporary landing sites, enabling helicopters to refuel and rearm in the field, which is essential capability for sustained Arctic operations. (George Allison, “Commando Helicopter Force wraps up intense Arctic training,” UK Defence Journal, 21 March 2025)
SHIPPING
Chinese NewNew shipping line to extend from Shanghai to Arkhangelsk in 2025
On 24 March, Chinese box carrier NewNew shipping Line announced its expansion of the Arctic service in 2025. In the 2024 shipping season, the company completed 13 voyages between Shanghai and Arkhangelsk, which will carry more than 20,000 TEU. The company provided transit service via the northern sea route, Russia’s route to the Arctic. For 2025, the NewNew Shipping line will deploy larger box carriers along the Arctic express service. Chinese operations have grown 10 fold increase in the container size at the port. (Malte Humpert, “Chinese NewNew Shipping Line To Expand Arctic Container Service After Profitable 2024 Operation,” GCaptain, 24 March 2025)