Photo : RSC Publishing
Photo : RSC Publishing
ANTARCTICA
Antarctic ecosystems at risk without long-term monitoring
On 19 August, a new paper led by University of Wollongong researchers called for the urgent expansion of long-term monitoring programs to better understand and protect Antarctica’s often overlooked ecosystems. The study, by scientists from Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF), warned that as climate change and environmental pressures reshaped the southernmost continent, sustained research equipped conservationists and governments. They were equipped with critical data needed to devise effective management strategies, anticipate challenges, and craft policies ensuring protection of Antarctica’s unique biodiversity. It emphasised that large-scale monitoring would be required to safeguard all Antarctic life, not just species like penguins, but also flora and fauna essential to ecosystem function. Researchers noted that loss of Antarctic biodiversity would have global consequences for ecosystems and communities. ("Antarctic Ecosystems At Risk Without Urgent, Long-term Research," Mirage, 19 August 2025)
Chilean scientists produce first Antarctic bird flu genome maps
On 15 August, a team of Chilean scientists sequenced the first complete genomes of the H5N1 avian influenza virus recovered from birds in Antarctica. This marked a milestone in virological surveillance on the continent. The achievement provided the first genomic insight into the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain in Antarctic seabirds. It also enabled detailed comparisons with global viral variants. Researchers conducted the sequencing using samples obtained during field surveillance operations, though the specific sampling period was not disclosed in the report. The genetic data offered valuable information for tracking the virus’s evolution and transmission routes. (Osvaldo Silva, "Scientists sequence avian flu genome found in Antarctica," UPI, 15 August 2025)
BIODIVERSITY
Arctic reindeer are projected to decline by up to 80 per cent by 2100
On 15 August, researchers found changes in reindeer (caribou) abundance and distribution across the past 21,000 years using fossils, ancient DNA, and computer models. Researchers also compared these patterns to future climate projections. They found that reindeer, an Ice Age species, have already lost nearly two-thirds of their global population over the past three decades due to climate change. The models projected that North American caribou populations were at highest risk, with declines of up to 80 per cent by 2100 unless there were major cuts to greenhouse gas emissions and increased wildlife management and conservation investments. The losses were expected to carry major ecological consequences and further exacerbate the vulnerability of both North American caribou and Eurasian reindeer when facing warming and other stressors. (University of Adelaide, "Arctic Reindeer Could Decline by 80% by 2100," UC Davis, 15 August 2025)
DEFENCE & SECURITY
US coast guard monitors Chinese research vessels in US Arctic waters
On 18 August, Gcaptain reported that the US Coast Guard deployed a C-130J Hercules aircraft from Air Station Kodiak as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel to monitor five Chinese research vessels operating over the US's Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) in the Arctic on 13 August. The vessels identified included Xue Long 2, Shen Hai Yi Hao, Ji Di, Tan Suo San Hao (all China-flagged), and Zhong Shan Da Xue Ji Di (Liberia-flagged, owned by Sun Yat-Sen University) This mission reflected a broader trend of increased Chinese research activity in US Arctic waters and underscores growing strategic interest in the region. The Coast Guard, supported by US Northern Command and Alaska Command, continued to use both aviation and new surface assets like the recently commissioned icebreaker Storis and fast response cutter Earl Cunningham, to maintain surveillance and safeguard US maritime sovereignty. (Malte Humpert, "US Coast Guard Sends C-130J on Extensive Arctic Patrol to Monitor Five Chinese Research Vessels Off Alaska," Gcaptain, 18 August 2025) .
SHIPPING
Chinese shipping firm cut transit to Europe via 18-Day Arctic route
On 18 August, a Chinese operator launched the first liner-type container service via the Arctic, named the China–Europe Arctic Express, which connected Qingdao and Shanghai with Ningbo–Zhoushan and European ports Felixstowe, Rotterdam, Hamburg, and Gdansk. The Arctic journey, traversing the Northern Sea Route from Ningbo to Felixstowe, took 18 days-less than half the time of conventional Suez Canal voyages. The inaugural voyage was scheduled on 20 September 2025 and was fully booked. The 4,890-TEU Istanbul Bridge, a low ice-class container ship, was used. The route was planned to be seasonal until ice-class vessels could extend operations into winter and spring. China’s Ministry of Transport began releasing live sea-ice monitoring data to support safer Arctic navigation. (Malte Humpert, "China Launches 18-Day Arctic Express Containership Route to Europe with Stops in UK, Germany, Poland," High North News, 18 August 2025)
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Arctic Bioscience reports improved visual field from herring caviar oil
On 18 August, Arctic Bioscience announced that a clinical study published in International Ophthalmology showed that daily supplementation with ROMEGA herring caviar oil significantly improved the visual field measurement Mean Deviation (MD) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) who controlled intraocular pressure (IOP). The three-month study included 50 patients, and those in the intervention group received a 500 mg daily ROMEGA capsule. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in MD, whereas the control group showed no similar gain. Best-corrected visual acuity and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness remained stable, IOP was maintained, no adverse events were observed, and the treatment was well tolerated. The company planned larger studies to confirm these promising results. ("Arctic Bioscience - Achieves significant vision improvement in Clinical Glaucoma Study," Reuters, 18 August 2025)
TOURISM
Greenland tourism soars as new flights begin to Nuuk
On 17 August, Travel and Tour World reported that Greenland experienced a surge in tourism after United Airlines launched direct seasonal flights from Newark to Nuuk in June 2025. It was expected to improve accessibility and transform Nuuk into a vital Arctic entry point. The new route eliminated the need for multiple connections via Europe and prompted excitement among locals and visitors. Despite growing demand, Greenland’s tourism infrastructure struggled to cope, Nuuk had fewer than 600 hotel beds, and extreme weather frequently disrupted travel plans, leaving some travelers stranded in makeshift accommodations. Projects were underway to expand tourism capacity, including the development of new airports in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, expected by 2026. A government-backed 10-year plan aimed at doubling visitor numbers to 2035 by extending the season and dispersing tourists across the region. ("Greenland Tourism Soars with New Flights to Nuuk: Is the Arctic Ready for a Surge?," Travel and Tour World, 17 August 2025)