There is abundant life under the ice and researchers can prove it. In Alaska waters there is abundant life despite the low temperatures. Scientists have discovered phytoplankton in these icy waters. Photosynthetic marine plants also grow in these Arctic waters. People talk about the climate change and global warming every day in the United States. Alaska has warmed two times the rate of the rest of the United States. Alaska has earlier spring snow melts and reduced sea ice that leads to abundant life in the low temperature waters. The warming to these waters has been happening for the past 50 years.
Marine species like pollock are plentiful in Alaska. Longer summers lead to a drier climate that has increased tourism, outdoor and commercial activities. Throughout much of Alaska, there are many closed-basin lakes. National wildlife refuges in Alaska cover about 77 million acres. These refuges provide habitat for millions of shorebirds and wildlife in the region. Wetlands in this state are abundant with wildlife and fish. The natives of Alaska hunt and fish in the wetlands. The natives live in villages that are located near the wetlands.
Alaska has more coastline than the rest of the United States combined. Sea ice-free seasons are more common since the climate is becoming warmer, and that means more wildlife and fish. An ice-free sea provides more opportunities for exploration, fishermen and more. The United States gets most of its salmon, crab, halibut and herring from Alaska. Commercial fishermen supply the rest of the nation with their catches. Populations of fish and other marine life are plentiful in the Alaska waters. Natural resources like oil and gas are easily accessible. The melting sea ice is causing some problems for the walrus and seal populations. They depend on shallow coastal feeding grounds for survival, and many are having to relocate.
Scientists are continuing to study the warmer climate and changes in Alaska as the ice continues to melt. Some natural ecosystems are also being affected. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has set standards for travel across the tundra. The days in which travel are allowed have been decreased. Decrease in travel means fewer visitors, which allows populations of wildlife and fish to increase. This also means oil and gas exploration and extraction has decreased by 50%. This will allow for an increase of natural resources if they are not being extracted. The global warming and increase in climate change are becoming well-known all across the world.
