Wilson Center | Polar Institute

New Blog Post | Polar Security Cutter Operations in the Southern Ocean ?? Our latest blog post by Lawson Brigham, “Polar Security Cutter Operations in the Southern Ocean,” explores the vital role of US #icebreakers in the #SouthernOcean and their importance for future polar research. Lawson dives into the multi-faceted operations of Polar Security Cutters (PSCs) and how they are crucial to maintaining the US presence in the region. https://lnkd.in/g_gRsqCE

New Video | Empty Nets: Big Changes in a Great American Fishery Check out the latest installment of our video series on?Alaskan #fisheries: "Empty Nets: Big Changes in a Great American Fishery." This mini-documentary explores the ongoing crisis in #Alaska's fisheries through the voices of scientists, fishers, managers, and other community members. The interviews highlight the critical role these fisheries play in supporting local communities, the state of Alaska, and the nation, while presenting diverse perspectives on the challenges and potential solutions for the future. We are incredibly grateful to those who contributed their expertise to this series. Their voices have helped us paint a comprehensive picture of what’s at stake and the changes underway in one of the United States' most important natural resources. https://lnkd.in/gX5DdGGs

New Article | "Facing Up to Climate Risk: Arctic Sea Ice, Tipping Points, and Possible Interventions" Check out this new article from Brad Ack and Kerry Nickols, Ph.D. of Ocean Visions, featured in Wilson Center | Environmental Change and Security Program's New Security Beat. https://lnkd.in/gmsyYguj

New Video | Empty Nets: Big Changes in a Great American Fishery We're pleased to share our latest video excerpt from our ongoing Alaskan fisheries project "Empty Nets: Big Changes in a Great American Fishery." "Chapter 2: The Effects" shows how the #fisheries crisis ripples through Alaska’s communities by highlighting the economic losses felt by fishers, families, and businesses, and explores the broader impacts on livelihoods, traditions, and the resilience of one of America’s most vital industries. Stay tuned for more! https://lnkd.in/ggyGgByX

New Blog Post | Alaska’s Fisheries, and Those Who Depend on Them, Are in a Sea of Troubles Alaska’s #fisheries, vital to the state’s economy and culture, are facing an unprecedented crisis. Collapsing fish prices, processor bankruptcies, and community-wide financial struggles are compounded by climate change, rising costs, and global competition. While federal interventions have provided some relief, long-term solutions are needed to address structural challenges like aging infrastructure and declining public investment. Written by Taylor Holshouser, this blog post highlights the urgent need for policy reforms to sustain Alaska’s fisheries and the communities they support. https://lnkd.in/gk-nBY-e

The Wilson Center’s Polar Institute is launching a special series focused on the crisis in Alaska’s #fisheries. These fisheries are a critical resource, providing livelihoods for thousands of Alaskans, supplying a significant portion of the world’s seafood, and playing a vital role in the state's economy and many communities’ cultural heritage. The scale of change and its rapid onset are wracking communities, industries, and management bodies, with some fisheries crashing and others thriving amid uncertain causes. This project explores the future of Alaska’s fisheries through?a collection of videos?and blog posts, featuring insights and experiences from scientists, managers, fishers, and community members. Follow along on our webpage as we share more content in the upcoming days. https://lnkd.in/gG7yhy5Q

On Tuesday, we had the opportunity to host an ICE Pact Industry roundtable with representatives from Seaspan ULC, Bollinger Shipyards, Aker Arctic Technology Inc, Davie, and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). We were also joined by our Finnish and Canadian colleagues working on ICE Pact coordination (Reko-Antti Suojanen, Marjut Akola, Jarkko Toivola, Siobhan Harty, Joanne Lostracco) and US colleagues. Many thanks to all of the participants--we look forward to continuing this insightful dialogue between industry, the interagency, and our international partners. Thank you to Wilson Center | Global Europe Program, Wilson Center | Canada Institute, and the Wilson Center Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition for their support of this endeavor.

New Blog Post | “Ever Forward: The Unique Relationship Between Arctic and Space” In his recent blog post, David Marsh discusses the critical connection between the Arctic and space exploration by introducing the Fram2 mission, inspired by the historic ship Fram, which redefined polar exploration in the 19th century. Fram2 will embark on a groundbreaking journey to orbit the Earth’s poles, conducting scientific research that reflects a modern spirit of space exploration and technology. https://lnkd.in/gZisHixf

New Blog Post | Norway’s Supposed Arctic Seafloor Treasures: What Does the Data Show? In our newest blog post,?Henry Ruehl?examines Norway’s decision to permit seabed mineral exploration across a large section of its Exclusive Economic Zone, a move met with sharp environmental and international criticism. The Norwegian government points to essential resources like cobalt and rare earths for green tech, but?critics question the economic viability, noting limited evidence of economically viable deposits and challenging extraction logistics in harsh #Arctic conditions. Click the link below to read the full post. https://lnkd.in/gHGfuJ4X

Announcing the US Polar Leadership Project ???? As we near the next IPY and US Chairship of the #Arctic, US leadership in the poles will be more important—and more closely scrutinized—than ever before. But our ability to demonstrate leadership, and to exert the influence of our presence in the Arctic and Antarctica—is on thin ice. The years leading up to these events is an excellent time to launch new initiatives, platforms, and capabilities for maximum visibility and effect. It’s time to start now. The US Polar Leadership Project is a multiyear, multi-agency initiative spotlighting?the necessity and benefits of American engagement in the poles.?Visit the US Polar Leadership Project webpage (https://lnkd.in/gXNSRJaf) to follow along as we highlight opportunities for US leadership in the polar regions. U.S. Coast Guard National Science Foundation (NSF) Us Arctic Research Commission The Wilson Center