A brief history of this symposium and a few suggestions …

1. A brief history of this symposium and a few suggestions… Fran Ulmer Chair, US Arctic Research Commission 7/18/17

2. April 2001: “Naval Operations in an Ice Free Arctic” Sponsored by: ONR, NIC, Oceanographer of the Navy, and USARC • Objectives: • Assess potential needs against operational requirements • Identify and document shortfalls and limitations • Impact of limitations on operating in ice-free Arctic

3. Conclusions: • US Navy may be required to operate (on the surface) in the Arctic, but the timeline for such may extend decades into the future. • The operational implications of an ice-free Arctic are neither well known nor well appreciated outside the oceanography community. • Significant research & subsequent education and awareness effort is required. • U.S. Naval operational missions in the Arctic must be identified in the nearer term to ensure that the necessary operational capabilities exist when future Arctic missions present themselves.

4. Given the growing interest in the Arctic region, USARC and the National Ice Center began • co-sponsoring a biennial symposium in 2007 • The meeting now includes nearly 300 in-person participants representing over 100 organizations. • We are now being live webcast globally...

5. Intersection of Arctic Research and Arctic Operational Environment

6. Symposium Objectives • Review our current scientific understanding of the Arctic marine environment, laws, regulations, and policies • Describe how these are impacting Arctic operations of government organizations, researchers, the private sector and indigenous communities • Project and forecast how future operations will evolve and anticipate changes and needs

7. Challenges • Prioritizing Arctic activities so that resources meet basic needs • Securing and outfitting new icebreakers to meet national needs • Arctic shipping seaway, ports, harbors, SAR • Implementing the IMO Polar Code • Reducing use of heavy fuel oil

8. Opportunities Sharing resources and information Example: Alaska Ocean Observing System “Research Assets Map” A visual inventory of in situ marine and coastal monitoring instruments and efforts in time, as well as ship and aerial transects. The map assists with scientific planning and coordination, and increases public awareness of research efforts. (http://portal.aoos.org/research-assets.php)

9. Opportunities • Scientifically instrument vessels of opportunity • Arctic Tourism • Commercial/Industry • Ferry system As vessel traffic increases in the Arctic, the opportunity to instrument vessels with equipment to monitor oceanographic variables/features should be explored and expanded in order to advance our understanding of the region.

10. Opportunities U.S. should be a significant sponsor • Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) • A year-round expedition into the central Arctic exploring the climate system • Budget will exceed $70 Million • 2019-2020 • Designed by an international consortium of leading polar research institutions • NSF can fund proposals • USCGC HEALY could do a summer resupply (people, fuel, food, etc.) in 2020, and DHS could provide $ • Other agencies (such as DOE, ONR, NASA, NOAA, etc.) provide $, equipment, in-kind support What can the U.S. do?

11. Conclusion • 50+ distinguished speakers and panelists over the next 3 days • Are we reaching the right audiences? • What could we do differently or better? • Don’t forget U.S. support for MOSAiC… • Enjoy the symposium…