10 Things About Chukchi Sea You Might Not Know

Location and Size

Situated between Alaska and Russia, just above the Bering Strait, the Chukchi Sea spans approximately 595,000 square kilometers, making it slightly larger than Madagascar but slightly smaller than Ukraine. This relatively shallow sea, averaging a depth of 50 meters, is only navigable for about four months each year, with ice covering its expanse for the remainder.

Currents and Nutrient Distribution

The Chukchi Sea’s currents play a crucial role in nutrient distribution. Darker blue areas represent nutrient-rich waters, while lighter blue regions signify nutrient-poor waters. The green areas denote the Siberian Coastal Current, active during summer and fall but weak or absent in winter and spring. The red areas depict the Atlantic Waters, and the purple regions represent the anticyclonic circulation of the Beaufort Gyre.

Biodiversity and Food Web

The Chukchi Sea is home to an impressive array of organisms, from primary producers like ice algae, benthic microalgae, and phytoplankton to top predators like Odontocetes, Mysticetes, and Carnivora. Interestingly, ice algae are most common around ice flows, while phytoplankton are prevalent nearer to the shore.

Fisheries Management

On the U.S. side, the federal and state governments share the responsibility of regulating fishing in the Chukchi Sea. The National Marine Fisheries Service, a part of NOAA, manages all groundfish in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In Alaska, the fish and shellfish that inhabit the state’s waters are regulated by the Department of Fish and Game. The Russian Federation also regulates fisheries through the Federal Fisheries Committee based in Moscow.

Commercial and Subsistence Fisheries

There are no major fisheries in the EEZ of the Chukchi Sea due to weather conditions and other factors. However, a sizeable subsistence fishery and a small nearshore commercial fishery exist in Kotzebue Sound. Subsistence fishing is a lifeline for many native Alaskans who depend on fishing and hunting for survival, given the high costs and limited availability of resources in these remote areas.

Historical Use

The Chukchi Sea has seen several significant historical events. In 1778, James Cook sailed into the Chukchi Sea. In 1884, a successful exploratory hunt led by Captain Thomas Roys in the Bering Sea kicked off six decades of whaling. In 1959, Alaska became a state and assumed control of its own fisheries management.

Habitat Change

The melting sea ice in the Chukchi Sea is leading to significant habitat changes, affecting both predators and primary producers that rely on ice for survival. The melting ice is not just changing the habitat but also leading to its complete destruction. The decline in ice coverage could lead to a decrease in primary production, affecting the region’s ability to support its current biodiversity.

Invasive Species

With climate change affecting the Chukchi Sea, invasive species are likely to become a significant issue in the future. The warming waters are allowing species to extend their range northward. As a result, species like pink salmon and walleye pollock have moved into the Chukchi Sea, while Bering flounder and Pacific cod have migrated into the Arctic Ocean.

Oil and Gas Resources

The Chukchi Shelf is believed to hold approximately 30 billion barrels of oil, though development is currently on hold. But there’s a growing demand to open up the ocean for drilling as the ice keeps melting because of climate change; this could cause major ecological changes.

A Final Note

While the Chukchi Sea might seem like a barren landscape, it teems with life and remains one of the few ecosystems that hasn’t been irreparably damaged. However, with the ongoing threat of climate change and potential exploitation, the future of this unique ecosystem hangs in the balance.