Scientists Conduct First Surveys in Chukchi Sea

For the first time a comprehensive oceanographic and fisheries research vessel is preparing to survey the Chukchi Sea. The Chukchi Sea is a marginal sea of the Arctic Ocean. It is bounded on the west by the De Long Strait, off Wrangel Island, and in the east by Point Barrow, Alaska, beyond which lies the Beauford Sea. The Bering Strait forms its southernmost limit and connects it to theBering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The sea has an approximate area of 595,000 km² (230,000 mi²) and is only navigable about four months of the year. The main geological feature of the Chukchi Sea bottom is the 700 km (435 mi)-long Hope Basin, which is bound to the northeast by the Herald Arch. Depths less than 50 m (164 ft) occupy 56% of the total area. The Chukchi Sea has very few islands compared to other seas of the Arctic. Wrangel Island lies at the northwestern limit of the sea, Herald Island is located near its northern limit, and a few small islands lie along the Siberian and Alaskan coasts. The sea is named after the Chukchi people, who reside on its shores and on the Chukota Pininsela . The coastal Chukchi traditionally engaged in fishing, whaling and the hunting of wa;rus in this cold sea. Scientists from both state and federal agencies along with marine scientists from the University of Alaska will carry out the surveys with funding from NOAA, the Bureau of Ocean energy Management (BOEM), and Alaska’s Coastal Impact Assistance Program. Several topics of importance in the survey include shellfish and plankton, the number of fish as well as the environmental and biological connections between the Bering and Chukchi seas. Scientists will be studying the biology of various fish and other marine species that are sources of food for seabirds. The initial survey will take 60 days and will concentrate on the southern Chukchi Sea as well as the north Bering Sea and parts of the Northern Chukchi Sea. Following the first research vessel, a second will conduct benthic surveys using a trawling net. The second cruise will last 47 days.