The Bering Sea was of vital importance for the population of the American continent, today, thousands of years later, its environment has changed and if it continues like this, the prospects are not good.
The Bering Sea is a part of the Pacific Ocean that covers an area of two million km2. It is bordered to the north and east by Alaska, to the west by Siberia in Russia, and to the south by the Alaska Peninsula and the Aleutian Islands. The sea receives its name in honor of its discoverer, the Danish navigator Vitus Bering.
In the last ice age, sea levels were low enough to allow people and animals to migrate from Asia to North America on foot, through what is now the Bering Strait, located north of the sea. This is commonly called the “Beringian Bridge” and is believed to be the first point of entry for people to the American continent. Furthermore, this sea is rich in fishing resources.
What is happening to the Bering Sea?
According to the most recent report from the International Arctic Research Center:
The amount of sea ice in the Bering Sea this winter was the lowest since 1850. Communities throughout the region were significantly affected.
Along the Bering Strait there was a late development of ice off the coast. With little or no sea ice, the communities had limited protection from the ocean. Floods, power failures and damage to the infrastructure affected the area.
What to expect?
- Rest of this year: Sea ice spread across the Bering Sea in early March reversed on March 21. As a result, the sea ice continued to be broken up or thinned for the remainder of April. The combination of thin ice and large areas of ice with little insulation from snow will cause early breakup of sea ice and very rapid sea ice retreat.
- Coming Winters: Communities need to prepare for more winters with little sea ice and more difficult conditions. Although not every winter will be like this one, it is likely that there will be similar winters in the future. Ice formation is likely to remain low if warm temperatures in the Bering Sea continue.
Let’s protect our planet!
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