Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #146: Arctic Shipping in a Changing North  (ASICN)

Outline
The Arctic is in a period of drastic change. Climate change is transforming the physical nature of the north. The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment Report establishes that the Arctic is warming. In turn, the impact of this warming is reducing the ice cover of the arctic. As this occurs, there will be increased shipping in all eras of the Arctic as the waterways become more accessible. The rate of melt will vary within different region, so there is a need to examine current trends set against expected change. This project seeks to examine the impact of increased shipping in the Northwest Passage, the Northern Sea Route and through the Polar Cap. It will assess the impact of the following types of shipping: 1) shipping related to local resource development (oil, gas and other minerals); 2) fishing; 3) eco-tourism (ie cruise vessels); 4) adventure/pleasure craft; 5) transpolar freight shipping (ie Panamex and Post-Panmex size container vessels and bulk carriers); 6) naval (surface and subsurface) and 7) coast guard vessels (icebreakers). The following issues will be examined: 1) Current arctic shipping. What is the current nature of arctic shipping and what is the expected increase in the face of climate change and increase resource development in the arctic? 2) International and national legislation governing arctic shipping. What are the current rules and regulations? What requirements do the arctic nations place on shipping occurring within waters bordering their northern coasts? 3) Environmental and safety standards and challenges. What are the existing rules and regulations both domestic and international? Where are their weaknesses and what can be done to address these? 4) Impact, challenges and opportunities on northern aboriginal peoples and other northerners. As shipping increases, what will be the impact on the way of life for the northern aboriginal peoples? Increased shipping will affect hunting and fishing and introduce new forms of diseases. However, at the same time, there may be new employment opportunities associated with an increase in shipping. How can this be managed to provide the maximum benefits? 5) International challenges and opportunities (sovereignty and security). Russia and Canada have declared the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage respectively to be internal waters while the United States views both as international straits. As more shipping begins to enter these waters what will be the impact of these diplomatic differences? This examination will end with a study of the requirements for improved international cooperation. What is needed to ensure that the increase in shipping is done in a manner that best protects the environment; is done in a manner to maximize the benefits to northerners; improves international cooperation; and benefits all northern nations.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Status: There have been only limited efforts to understand arctic shipping. The Protection of the Marine Environment (PAME) working group of the Arctic Council is engaged in determining a “snap-shot” of current shipping. However, no study exists that examines in detail the different types of shipping and what climate change means to each. Change: The Arctic Climate Impact Assessment focuses on increased shipping as one of the most significant human changes as a result of a warming arctic. The reduced ice cover and resulting increase in activity will be one of the most important changes that the Arctic region has ever faced. Global Linkages: Increased arctic shipping is an international phenomenon. It links southern shipping interests with each of the northern states as well as each of the arctic states to each other. It also links the northern people to the south. New Frontiers: Increased arctic shipping is already occurring. Yet there is almost no comprehensive understanding of this new frontier. Vantage Point: Since shipping has been limited to date, there is a rare opportunity to develop a system of governance that anticipates the growth of new shipping rather than reacting to it. Human Dimension: Increased shipping will have an impact on all northerners. It is of critical importance that these new industries be managed in manner that minimizes the negative and impacts and maximizes the benefits to those living in the north.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Russia – Northern Sea Route, Murmansk Shipping Company; United States – United States Arctic Research Commission; UK Lloyds of London (ship insurance).

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
No field work would be required. What is needed is a series of workshops and conferences to bring together the necessary stakeholders, northerners, industry personal, government officials and experts. These will be done in Canada, Russia and United States and possibly other arctic states.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
None needed except for administrative support.

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Military support
Commercial operator
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This will be an expansion of project 4.6 of ArcticNet. This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Healthy and Sustainable Communities: Policy and Governance

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Expansion

It will be an expansion of project 4.6 of ArcticNet “Marine Transport in an ice free Canadian Arctic.”

How will the project be organised and managed?
The administration of this project will be headquartered at the Centre for Military and Strategic Studies at the University of Calgary. The research into the core questions of the project will be undertaken by Canadian and international researchers. The conferences and workshops will also organized through the University of Calgary in partnership with other arctic research organizations.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education, outreach and communication are key component of the project. Graduate students will be used for data gathering for the questions outlined in section 1.3. Each of the conferences/workshops will be open to the public and media to provide information on the issues to the citizens of the arctic nations.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
To be developed. Initial plans call for the data to be stored at the University of Calgary.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
ArcticNet is already providing $110,000/year for four years. To expand this project to include all international shipping would require additional 200,000/year.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
Climate change is changing the face of the arctic. One of the most immediate changes will come through increases in a variety of different types of shipping. Since the current amount of shipping is still low, now is the time to assess this phenomenon to allow the international arctic nations to develop best practises.

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Rob Huebert
2500 University Drive, NW, Calgary, AB


T2N 1N4
Canada

Tel: (403) 220-3995
Mobile: no
Fax: (403) 282-4773
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation