Warning fund for Arctic waters
Arctic sea ice continues to decline and temperatures continue to rise. Photo: NASA
New meteorological and navigational warning services in the Arctic will provide enhanced accessibility to weather data and navigational shipping information.
This reflects a belief that activity in the area is expected to increase due to reduced ice coverage and increasingly navigable waters.
Although the Arctic areas to be covered are largely Canadian waters, including the Northwest Passage and adjacent waters north of Alaska and along part of the western coast of Greenland, this $34.8m investment provided by the Canadian government will also help the most northerly European and Russian shipping and workboats.
The five year funding will go towards ensuring that weather and ice forecast services and warning operations will be provided around the clock. Bulletins will be disseminated as part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, where satellite coverage exists, and also through Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ high frequency radios where satellite coverage has not yet been established. Enhanced information will also be available through existing domestic channels.
‘This government is making significant investments in the delivery of meteorological and navigational services in the Arctic to meet Canada’s commitments to the International Maritime Organization, said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Member of Parliament for Nunavut, Minister Responsible for the North, and Minister of Health. ‘This commitment reaffirms our position as a sovereign and environmentally responsible polar nation.’
A new satellite reception and processing station has recently been established in Resolute Bay, Nunavut. Data from this station will enhance access to satellite images to support the delivery of weather and ice information to mariners in these areas.
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