Ian Hartwell and Mark Bradley retrieving a Smith McIntyre grab sampler on the NOAA RV Ron Brown in the Arctic Ocean. Credit: NOAA

NCCOSled a month-long sampling cruise in estuaries in the Arctic Ocean aboard the NOAA RV Ron Brown in August. Sediment, biota and water samples were collected for chemical contaminant analyses, biological community health assessment, and stable isotope analyses and water quality parameters. This project was a continuation of offshore analyses begun in 2010. The target areas of interest were in the path of oil exploration and development activities currently under way in the Arctic Ocean. Selected samples were also collected in specific locations identified by industry as target areas for infrastructure development. Most of the sampled areas have no background data for ambient contamination levels.

NCCOS partnered with OR&R, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the University of Alaska Fairbanks who all contributed people and resources.

Blog posts from the mission can be found at the links below:

Blog Post #1

Blog Post #2

Blog Post #3

Blog Post #4

For more information contact Ian.Hartwell@noaa.gov

NOAA RV Ron Brown crew members taking a break from sampling in the Arctic Ocean.
Front left to right: Ian Hartwell, Max Hoberg (UAF).Back left to right: Rachel Pryor (OR&R), Terri Lomax (Alaska DEC), Brian Stillie (Alaska DEC), and Katie Beaumont (student). Credit: NOAA