The Arctic
region, one of the last frontiers on Earth, is expected to become a larger hub
for commercial activities as the result of climate change.
The economic opportunity is ripe; the
area could be a profitable venue for numerous industries including:
- port and shipping;
- oil and gas;
- mineral
exploration;
- fishing; and
- tourism.
Thus, Arctic
marine safety and security is becoming increasingly important.
The Artic Will See
Increased Activity
With the
melting of the polar icecaps, there are some changes on the horizon. The region
has a profound amount of resources. Not only are there are rare minerals on the
seabed, but Canadian Air Force Brig. Gen. A.D. Meinzinger estimates, according
to the American Forces Press Service, that a quarter of the world's oil and gas
reserves are beneath the Arctic waters.
Furthermore,
eco-tourism in the area is expected to rise much like it did in Antarctica, and
shipping companies will have new, shorter routes for commercial sea travel between
Europe and Asia.
The influx of
people and commerce means increased Arctic marine security and safety concerns.
Piracy and other criminal activity may rise, and regional governing tensions
may enflame.
U.S. Interest in the
Artic
With economic
potential as well as mounting security concerns, the U.S. has a great interest
in the area. The U.S. is one of the permanent members of the Arctic Security
Forces Roundtable, and is one of the forerunners in Artic maritime safety and
security.
The
Department of Defense (DoD) released the Artic
Strategy in November 2013 that details U.S. objectives and strategies in
the region.
In the
report, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel explains: “As the president noted,
‘The Arctic region is peaceful, stable, and free of conflict,’ and it’s the
role of the Department of Defense to ensure this observation remains true for
future generations.”
DoD Strategies for
Keeping the Artic Free of Conflict
One of the chief
objectives of the DoD in the Arctic region is to ensure security and support
safety. The U.S. plans to use its diplomatic, informational, military, and
economic power to meet the objectives.
The DoD aims to use eight strategies
for meeting its goals in the Artic:
- “Exercise
sovereignty and protect the homeland;
- engage public and
private sector partners to
improve domain awareness in the Arctic;
- preserve freedom of
the seas in the Arctic;
- evolve Arctic
infrastructure and
capabilities consistent with changing conditions;
- support existing
agreements with allies and
partners while pursuing new ones to build confidence with key regional
partners;
- provide support to
civil authorities, as directed;
- partner with other
departments and agencies and
nations to support human and environmental safety;and
- support the
development of the Arctic Council and other international institutions that promote
regional cooperation and the rule of law.”
The DoD
expounds on each of these approaches in the Arctic Strategy
publication.
Keep Tabs on Latest
Industry Developments
Commercial mariners with interest in the Arctic want to keep
tabs on the political and policy developments for the region. You can stay
up-to-date by subscribing to the DoD newsfeed, and by regularly visiting the Marine Education Textbooks blog.