The mostly relatively mild weather of the last months is only of secondary importance for the fact the the fjords on Spitsbergen’s west coast are currently largely ice free. The warm water temperature is the most important factor. The water temperature in the entrance to Isfjorden is currently at 1,5 degrees Celsius or even more through the whole water column. Seawater freezes near -1,7 degrees C. Normally, parts of the water column should be below zero.
The reason is the currently strong influence of the West Spitsbergen current (“gulf stream”) that has pushed colder arctic waters out and away from the west coast. This changes not only the physical characteristics of the west coast fjords from high arctic to rather sub arctic, but also the local flora and fauna. Cod has been found more and more commonly in the bottom waters, together with haddock (another member of the cod family). Living blueshell have been observed for the first time in Isfjord in 2004 and has now been found in the harbour of Longyearbyen. Herrings ready for reproduction as has now been found is another “first” for these waters.
It can be assumed that these species have come to stay. Consequences for local ecosystems are difficult to predict.
Outer Isfjord seen from Alkhornet.
Source: Marine biologists from UNIS, Jørgen Berge, Ole J. Lønne, Tove M. Gabrielsen, in Svalbardposten 17/2012.
Bear Island (Bjørnøya), situated half way between Skandinavia and Spitsbergen, has always had a bad reputation for difficult landing conditions: the island does not have any harbours or well sheltered fjords. Landings and any transport by boat are accordingly highly depending on weather conditions.
The situation is supposed to see some improvement for the Norwegian weather station on the north coast of Bear Island. A 26 metre long concrete wave breaker is supposed to make boat operations on the small pier easier. Construction work is scheduled to start in late July 2012. Currently, the pier can not be used during heavy weather.
Ships will, however, have to stay at anchor off the coast. Small boats will have to be used for any ship-to-shore operations also in the future, when construction works have been completed.
The current “port” at the weather station on Bear Island on a rare fairweather day.