The new face of the Arctic

Abstract

Due to global warming and climate change the Arctic Ocean loses more ice every summer, affecting all those living in the north. Possible effects include: the listing as polar bears as endangered species; exploitation of hydrocarbon deposits; overfishing of Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) and its eventual displacement by temperate fishes such ast the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua); and, an increase in vector-borne diseases amongst the Inuit as mosquitos migrate to the Arctic. Other species which may be effected by the 'Atlantification' of the Arctic include black guillemot (Cepphus grylle), capelin fish (Mallotus villosus), seals, whales and the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmanus divergens).