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The Arctic This Week May 23 - May 29, 2016

By Mieke Coppes, Doris Friedrich, and Ryan Uljua June 1, 2016

Welcome and thanks for joining us this week! We hope that you find TATW interesting and entertaining to read. If you’re not a subscriber yet, you can sign up here. As always, all editorial choices, opinions and any mistakes are the authors’ own. Anything that we missed? Please feel free to share material with us if you think it deserves inclusion in TATW.

Last week the High North Dialogue 2016 took place in Bodø, Norway and discussed broad questions on the Blue Future of the Arctic. TAI was happy to, once more, participate in the conference and support the organisers as conference partner. We look forward to High North Dialogue 2017.

TAI EVENT

In cooperation with the American Security Project, TAI is hosting a panel discussion on U.S. leadership in the Arctic Council. Join TAI’s Victoria Herrmann and Seth Myers in Washington, D.C. on June 15, 2016. For more information, see the American Security Project webpage.

TAI’s RECENT ACTIVITIES

As part of our collaboration with the Norwegian newspaperHigh North News, Ryan Uljua outlined the U.S.’ ambition to build a $1 billion icebreaker, Malte Humpert summarized the Arctic shipping discussions at this year’s High North Dialogue in Bodø, Norway and Mieke Coppes discussed the issue of suicide, especially among the Canadian Indigenous youth. TAI researcher also contributed to High North News’ The New North series with Arne O. Holm, HNN Editor in Chief, describing the HNN-TAI cooperation here.

THIS WEEK’S TOP STORIES

Sweden and NATO

Sweden and its citizens are still debating the benefits and pitfalls of joining NATO. Russia has made some of the pitfalls clear by informing Sweden of the consequences of this decision. Some claim that Sweden joining NATO could in fact jeopardize opportunities for Sweden in the North (Global Risk Insight). This week, however, Sweden decided to ratified a deal that will allow for closer contact with NATO (IBO).

Putin oversees start of maritime oil shipments of Yamal

Russian President Vladimir Putin personally oversaw the start of oil shipments from the country’s large Novoportovskoye field in the Yamal peninsula via a new shipping terminal (Reuters). Putin tuned in via live video link to watch as the first oil from the oil & gas condensate field, operated by Gazprom subsidiary Gazprom Neft, was loaded aboard ships at the new Arctic Gate (Vorota Arktiki) terminal on the Ob Bay coast (MarEx). The events marks the first time oil from the Yamal Peninsula has been transported by sea, rather than by pipeline (World Maritime News). Putin himself added to the fanfare, saying “this is a significant, big event” (IBO).

US Senate’s early 2017 defense budget emphasizes Alaska, Arctic

The US Senate Appropriations Committee approved a preliminary 2017 defense spending bill that leans heavily towards funding security projects in Alaska and the Arctic more broadly (NM). Most notably, the bill approves a $1 billion appropriation to fully fund a new heavy icebreaker (HNN, see also APM)). Other northern aspects of the bill include $561 million earmarked to go towards Alaskan military construction projects (AJOC). The defense spending bill will be debated before the full Senate in the coming weeks.

Agreement on cod fishing stop in previously untapped Arctic waters

In response to a Greenpeacecampaign on the devastating effects of bottom trawling, the fishing industry has agreed on a precautionary approach to fishing in the waters around Svalbard, Norway. Theagreement states that “from the 2016 season the catching sector will not expand their cod fishing activities with trawl gear into those areas where regular fishing has not taken place before.” The agreement was signed among others by McDonald's, Tesco, Iglo, Birds Eye, Sainsburys, Marcs and Spencer, Norway’s Fiskebåt, Icelandic Seachill, as well as Russia’s Karat Group” (DW,IBO,Guardian).

High North Hero

Paavo Lipponen, Finland’s Prime Minister from 1995 to 2003, was presented with the first inaugural High North Hero award in Norway during the High North Dialogue conference. He was chosen for the honor due to his commitment to attracting attention to the economic potential in the Arctic (HNN).

THE POLITICAL SCENE

The Power of Words

President Obama has signed a bill that removes the words “Eskimo” and “Aleut” as well as “Oriental” from two federal programs, but the words continue to live on in other US laws (EOTA). The new bill does not, as some people on social media have claimed, make those terms illegal or does it ban people from using them (APM).

Transnational

Foregrounder - Talking about tomorrow’s Arctic (High North Dialogue) (AJ).

The New North- A Series in High North News: Towards a New Cold War in the Arctic? (HNN).

Sweden & Denmark: Russia Sees Itself Surrounded by Enemies (HNN).

Canada

Deninu K'ue Members Petition for 1st Annual General Meeting in 8 Years (CBC).

Yukon MLAs Close Session the Same Way They Started It--Debating Fracking (CBC).

MMIW Inquiry Should be Headed by Indigenous Women, Report Says (CBC).

Foreign Ambassadors Head North, Packing Sports Caps and Sunscreen (CBC).

That's a Wrap: Recapping the Yukon Legislative Assembly's Spring Session (CBC).

United States

Legislature Convenes for Special Session (APM).

Trump Energy Plan Calls for More Drilling, Fewer Environmental Protections (EOTA).

Young, Murkowski to do 'Double Whammy' on Energy Bill (APM).

Defense Spending Bill is Heavy with Arctic and Alaska Interests (AD).

Russia

Russian Food Embargo to Continue out 2017 (IBO).

Rogozin: 145 Arctic Development Projects Worth RUB 4.8 Trillion Prepared in Russia (Arctic.ru).

Anti-Russian Sanction to 'Melt Away' - Deputy PM (TASS).

Arctic Promotion for Marina Kovtun (IBO).

Russia: Lack of Information is Greatest Threat (HNN).

Murmansk Court Turns Down LGBT Activist's Appeal (Sputnik).

Murmansk Mayor Won Regional Primaries for State Duma (Sputnik).
Russian Arctic Commission Urges MoD to Specify State Border in Arctic Ocean (Sputnik).

Russia Considers Expanding Its List of 'Historic Waters' in Arctic (Sputnik).

Finland

National Coalition Party Proposes New National Anthem (Yle).

President Niinistö: "I'll Announce If I'm Running Again Next Spring" (Yle).

Finland Offers Helsinki as Venue for Meeting of Putin, Next US President (Sputnik).

Norway

Norwegians are Dissatisfied with Climate Efforts (NRK, in Norwegian).

Future Developments will Depend Heavily on How Ukraine is Managed (HNN).

Referendums Can Change County's Borders (NRK, in Norwegian).

Sweden

Battle Over the Future of Sweden's Right to Roam (EOTA).

Not Rocket Science: Swedish Suspicion Halts EU Climate Change Research Project (Sputnik).

Iceland

Iceland Won't Back Down on Sanctions Against Russia (EOTA).

Greenland/Denmark

Denmark Engages in Arctic Nation-Bending (World Policy).

Democratic Trend (AJ).

Miscellaneous

Indigenous Matters (AJ)

Refugee Worker Compares Best Practices in Finland and Sweden (Yle).

Translating COP21 From Intent into Action....Is Time Running Out? (EOTA).

ENERGY

Canada

An off-grid community goes solar, and gets closer to its roots (NWT) (CBC).

Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation enters the power business (NWT) (CBC).

Who doesn't have a power bill anymore? This guy (NWT) (CBC).

China

COSL starting Arctic seismic shoot (Offshore Engineer).

Greenland/Denmark

Greenland’s Arctic Oil Exploration Unlikely to Bring Results in 5-10 Years (Sputnik).

Norway

Norway: Forget About $100 Crude Coming Back (Bloomberg).

Lukoil is Norway’s new Arctic petro partner (IBO).

Russia

Big Russian Oil clash over new tundra fields (IBO).

United States

Shell continues to wrap up its failed Arctic offshore drilling adventure by hiring a company to remove the offshore anchor systems at its former sites in the Chukchi and Beaufort seas (PN).

UAF works to reduce rural energy costs (APM).

As new companies enter Alaska oil fields, violations spike (APM).

Haines and Hydaburg receive grant to jumpstart biomass renewable energy projects (APM).

Offshore Drilling Foes Invoke 1953 Law to Prod Obama on U.S. Ban (Bloomberg).

Politics, Policy and Power: Dlouhy on Arctic Drilling (Audio) (Bloomberg).

API calls for more US Arctic leases as Norway expands Arctic drilling (American Energy News).

U.S. needs Arctic oil and gas policy changes (NM).

Hanging in there: Alaska oil producers outline their response to low oil prices (PN).

State wants more info included in PODs (PN).

Savant evaluates Badami (PN).

Hilcorp Alaska expanding Milne Point pad (PN).

BP to market Anchorage headquarters (PN).

State approves Kitchen Lights plan (PN).

BlueCrest applies for Cosmopolitan IHA (PN).

Company executives’ tax worries (PN).

Doyon set to spud; Ahtna awaiting rig (PN).

HB 247 conference committee named (PN).

Chenault: Oil price plunge causing chaos (PN).

ConocoPhillips completes Tinmiaq well (PN).

Hopkins resigns from board for Senate run (PN).

CONAM Construction receives award from ConocoPhillips (PN).

AECOM in Alaska announces three new appointments (PN).

State regulators hammer BLM for violations (PN).

Transnational

Why The Arctic Oil Dream Is Not Over Yet (Oilprice.com).

LEGO ends 50-year tie-up with Shell after anti-Arctic oil campaign by Greenpeace (RT).

China on the prowl: Beijing ready to open Canada free-trade talks but infrastructure progress needed (PN).

SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE

To hunt or not to hunt? Restriction on caribou hunting in NWT and Alaska

In Canada’s Northwest Territories, the Wek'èezhii Renewable Resources Board argues for a complete ban on hunting the Bathurst caribou herd (CBC). In Alaska, the Department of Fish and Game worries over the Federal Subsistence Board’s decision to close the hunting of the Western Arctic caribou herd to outsiders (AD).

Grizzly-polar bear hybrids

The killing of a grizzly-polar bear hybrid in Nunavut, Canada, earlier this month has again sparked the debate about the consequences for the polar bear populations. While the hybrids could have a negative impact if polar bear populations decrease, the biggest threat to their survival remains climate change (CBC,Daily Mail).

Earth sciences, climate and weather

Persistent Arctic and sub-Arctic warmth expected to continue for months (AD).

Researchers explore seabed in Barents borderland (IBO).

Swedish icebreaker to help Canada map Arctic shelf (IBO).

Barrow posts record-early spring snowmelt (AD).

Warns that Earth can become ten degrees warmer (NRK, in Norwegian).

Eagle River wildfire was human-caused, firefighters say (AD).

Never registered an earlier spring in the Arctic (NRK, in Norwegian).

Fancy a dip? Lake waters now warmer than average (Yle).

Arctic Ocean Methane Does Not Reach The Atmosphere (Science 2.0).

Methane does not seep out of the Arctic Ocean in summer (forskning, in Norwegian).

No more Arctic as we know it (RCI).

Current atmospheric models underestimate the dirtiness of Arctic air (SD).

NASA Explains Sea Ice Increase In Antarctica, Melts In Arctic (Science World Report).

Arctic could warm by 17C if all known fossil fuels are burned, study finds (Carbon Brief).

Water staircases in seas (The Hindu).

Wildlife and ecology

The Norwegian broadcaster NRK plans to allow viewers to experience a bird nesting site in Finnmark county, Norway, live on “slow TV” (IBO).

Alaska's 'moose flies' are efficient machines for lapping up your blood (AD).

Finland's beaches get good marks from European Environment Agency (Yle).

WHO: Finland's air third-cleanest in world (Yle).

Study: Cormorant guano damaging Baltic Sea (Yle).

AK: Young ‘Bio Blitzers’ explore and examine the Arctic environment (APM).

The frozen crystal ball (forskning, in Norwegian).

‘Spicy’ ocean levels could spell trouble for marine mammal hunting (APM).

Prion disease found in Norwegian moose (forskning, in Norwegian).

Observation group launches info hub on Cook Inlet beluga whales (APM).

Scientists use deer pellet DNA to study populations in Southeast Alaska (APM).

Environmental management

Small beads of micro plastic litter (NRK, in Norwegian).

Historic agreement gives Kuskokwim tribes say in fish management (APM).

Cruise ship arrives in Seward with dead endangered whale draped against its bow (AD).

Research and university news

Memo shows feds concerned QEC not ready to power High Arctic Research Station by 2017 (CBC).

US-Russia Cooperation in Arctic Focused on Environment, Science (Sputnik).

First meeting of potential network on Arctic migration (UArctic).

Scientists across fields focus on Aleutians (APM).

Archaeology and history

Archeologists to search for artifacts at Yukon's Faro mine site (CBC).

Paleo Study: Global Warming May Boost Arctic Snowfall And Slow Greenland Ice Sheet Decline (Reporting Climate Science).

MILITARY / SEARCH & RESCUE

Canada

Canadian Military Looks to Expand Arctic Footprint (Defense News).

Battle for the Arctic: Canada Boosts Military Presence in the Far North (Sputnik).

Finland

Three soldiers injured in during military exercise in Arctic Finland (EOTA).

Finland: Increased militarization brings more infrastructure to the Arctic (HNN).

Norway

Norway patrolling Russia’s military activity in Arctic with new intelligence vessel (EOTA).

New intelligence vessel for Barents Sea makes port call to Kirkenes (IBO).

An army of applicants for the defense (NRK, in Norwegian).

Russia

Paratrooper exercises over Arctic Russia (EOTA).

Russia may be without aircraft carrier for 2-3 years (IBO).

Russia getting helicopters for Arctic operations (UPI).

Russian Defense Ministry to receive 5 combat copters for Arctic operation (TASS).

‘Unprecedented steps’: Russian military explores Kuril chain island as potential Pacific Fleet base (RT).

Warriors of Steel: Meet Russia's Robot Army (VIDEOS, PHOTOS) (Sputnik).

Sweden

NATO deal expected to pass in Sweden (EOTA).

United States

The Crazy Tech Behind America's Arctic Missile Defense (Seeker.com).

MINING

Canada

Federal inspectors find unreported spills at Cantung Mine, issue warning to company (NWT) (CBC).

Nunavut Inuit group shows its members the mining money (CBC).

Victoria hits more gold between Olive, Shamrock (Yukon) (PN).

Ekati expansion project gets NWT approval (NWT) (PN).

TerraX remains intrigued by Hebert-Brent zone (NWT).

IDM prioritizes large Yukon gold portfolio (PN).

Seabridge raises C$12.04 million for KSM, Iskut (PN).

Finland

Finland says no bailout for state-owned, troubled Talvivaara mine (EOTA).

United States

Brazil Resources works fast in Alaska (CMJ).

The $6 billion question: Are Novagold, Barrick ready to pull the trigger on Donlin Gold development? (PN).

SuperLig-One pilot plant recovers scandium from Bokan Mountain (PN).

Freegold raises C$7.28M; funds Alaska exploration (PN).

Graphite One’s STAX excels in battery anode tests (PN).

FISHERIES, SHIPPING AND OTHER BUSINESS NEWS

Fisheries

Recent trend of small sockeye continues at Copper River (AJOC).

Alaska holds its perennial spot atop NOAA fisheries rankings (AJOC).

Canada OK’s GE salmon; Senate panel requires labelling (AJOC).

Big catch for Nenets fisheries (IBO).

Russian crabber arrested in Kirkenes (IBO).

Requires labelling of farmed fish (NRK, in Norwegian).

Sandberg gets fisheries duty investigation before Christmas (NRK, in Norwegian).

Looming budget crisis could trigger commercial fishing shutdowns (AD).

Great Pacific Seafoods files for bankruptcy, shuts down operations in Alaska and elsewhere (AD).

Researchers study economics of permit ownership, loss (APM).

Revealed contamination in hatcheries - considers police report (NRK, in Norwegian).

Shipping

These should save the environment in Western Norway (electric ferries) (NRK, in Norwegian).

US Unlikely to Request Russian Expertise to Build Icebreakers (Sputnik).

Russia to Start Producing Fuel for 'Arktika' Nuclear Icebreaker in 2016 (Sputnik).

Northern Sea Route development project requires revision — deputy PM (TASS).

Why Arctic sea routes won’t be the preferred shipping choice (Open Canada).

Ruby Marine purchases Inland Barge Service as barge season begins (Alaska) (APM).

Northwest Passage - Editor’s Briefing | A passage for China (AJ).

Leaner ferry budget could lead to selling of ferry Taku (APM).

Aviation

Thousands of Yukoners take up Air North's free $50 credit offer (CBC).

Alaska Airlines: Virgin merger will improve efficiency, freshen brand (APM).

Flight taxes are too low (forskning, in Norwegian).

Tourism

Yukon government disputes claims money wasted by tourism department (CBC).

No labour shortage for Klondike tourist season, Dawson City businesses say (CBC).

Space weather is a hidden risk to Arctic cruises, and it could be a significant one (WP).

Brown bears draw hundreds to Alaska Peninsula for spendy spring hunt (APM).

North Norwegian tourism: - More should rely on Sami tourism (NRK, in Norwegian).

Other business and economic news

High North Dialogue - Unarresting development (AJ).

United States

Alaska nonprofits try to do more with less amid oil slump, economic uncertainty (AD).

Insurance Director tells lawmakers individual market could collapse (APM).

$200,000 in state funds spent on PR for beer festival (APM).

Cold climate house cuts costs in the Arctic (KTVA).

Canada

Whale blubber soap takes off...even Justin Trudeau likes it (CBC).

Not all wood pellets are carbon-neutral, says environmental advocate (CBC).

New development near Mayo will destroy special area, say skiers (CBC).

Chicks on a plane! And coming to a Yukon home near you (CBC).

Russia

Approaching International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg (RT).

Russia Prioritizes 145 Arctic Projects Worth Over $71.6Mln (Sputnik).

Nordics

Finnish consumers spending less (Yle).

Unemployment at 9.8 percent in April (Finland) (Yle).

Commissioner Dombrovskis urges Finland to tap globalisation fund (Yle).

Taste Greenland - networking meeting (ABN, in Danish).

Wants to upgrade North Norwegian companies (HNN, in Norwegian).

Trine Skei Grande wants a tougher Svalbard message (HNN, in Norwegian).

HEALTH, YOUTH, SOCIETY AND CULTURE

Canada’s suicide crisis

Nunavik, an Inuit territory in Quebec, has decided not to declare a state of emergency due to the recent suicides, however they are concerned with the situation. The head of the Inuit Tapirit Kanatami is expected to release a national suicide prevention strategy (CBC).

Health

'Boots on the Ground' Key to Mental Health Care for Rural Yukon, Says Retired Nurse (CBC).

Pond Inlet Nurses Treating Anyone with Symptoms to Stem Whooping Cough Outbreak (CBC).

Retired Mental Health Worker in Behchoko, N.W.T., Still Taking House Calls (CBC).

An Acute Crisis in Northern Health Care (EOTA).

Fresh group graduates from rural Alaska college program that teaches as it heals (AD).

Youth

A group of Quebec Cree headed to Attawapiskat to deliver letters of hope to a community dealing with a suicide crisis (CBC).

High School Attendance Reaches 'Critical' Low in N.W.T.'s Beaufort-Delta (CBC).

State Educators Adapt to New Every Student Succeeds Act (APM).

Society

An Iqaluit man is using free Amazon shipping to help make food donations to schools in the north (CBC).

Warming World, Melting Arctic: Business as Usual (AlJazeera).

Yellowknife Muslims Seek New Home for Islamic Center (CBC).

'America Extrema': Across a Continent by Paddle, Pedal and Foot (CBC).

Kwalin Dün FN Hiring Safety Officers for Whitehorse's Most Violent Neighbourhood (CBC).

Iqaluit MLA Wants Workplace Bullying Addressed as Legislative Assembly Resumes (CBC).

Letter from: Vorkuta, Decaying Coal Town in the Russian Arctic (The Calvert Journal).

In Arctic Bay, Nunavut, Precious Pop Sells Online for Stomach-Churning Prices (CBC).

Land of Hope and Glory: Brit Explains Appeal of Moving to Russian Far East (Sputnik).

49 Voices: Bret Connor of Anchorage (APM).

Winter in the World's Coldest City (Cryopolitics).

Americans to Visit Chukotka in Effort to Reunite Arctic Island Families (Sputnik).

Culture

One of Manitoba’s most popular attractions will be welcoming a new retail space for promoting and selling Inuit art. The Winnipeg Art Gallery is opening a space at The Forks on June 25th (CBC).

App Uses Gwich'in Elder's Recording to Teach Language (CBC).

Looking to the North: Canmore-Based Company Releases Arctic Comics (Calgary Herald).

Plaques, Pucks and Trophies: Inside Jordin Tootoo's Childhood Home (CBC).

Literary Iceland: Rugged Lands, Independent People (Arctic Deeply).

A Guide to Yukon Arts and Culture This Weekend (CBC).

Jamie Becomes and Iceman on Arctic Adventure (Northumberland Gazette).

From Women's Leadership to Children’s Literature, Website Spotlights Labrador Inuit (EOTA).

The Arctic: Best Photos of the Year Exhibition Opens (The Arctic).

Finnmark County Will Have a New Theater Building (NRK, in Norwegian).

Great Interest in Greenlandic Book Launch in Paris (KNR, in Danish).

Aboriginal Hip-Hop Artist Cody Coyote Visits Yukon for Music Video Shoot (CBC).

Benefit Concert Tonight in Yellowknife for Syrian Refugees (CBC).