The Barents Sea

The Barents Sea is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 230 metres and a maximum depth of around 500 metres. This shallow sea area is highly productive.

The reason for this is that cold Arctic water brings lipid-rich plankton species, which are an important source of nutrition in the Arctic part of the Barents Sea. At the same time, warm, salty Atlantic water flows in from the southwest, bringing with it plankton and fish eggs and larvae of species such as cod, herring, haddock and redfish, which will grow up in the Barents Sea until they reach adulthood. The Barents Sea is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, from small phytoplankton to fish, seals and seabirds. In addition to large local fish populations, large whales visit the area to feed on the rich marine resources. Millions of seabirds from across the Atlantic breed on dozens of islands in the Barents Sea and take their young with them on the long journey back when they are ready.

The climate varies greatly throughout the year and between areas in the Barents Sea. In winter, the northern part is covered with ice, while in summer the water temperature can rise to 15 degrees at the surface in the southwestern part.  Since 1980, the Barents Sea has experienced increasing warming, with a record warm period between 2012 and 2016, which affects all organisms and interactions. The lack or reduction of ice affects the living conditions of Arctic species. In recent decades, larger areas have been covered with warmer water, which increases the distribution of boreal species.

Cod, haddock, blue whiting, redfish, capelin and shrimp are fished in the Barents Sea. In addition, there are catches of halibut, minke whale and harp seal. The management of fishery resources in the Barents Sea is carried out in close cooperation between Norway and Russia. The Institute of Marine Research collaborates with the Russian marine research institute PINRO to monitor and research stocks in the Barents Sea.

Increasing human activity, such as fishing, mineral extraction, maritime transport and tourism (Svalbard), combined with a marked rise in temperature that is expected to continue, constitute the most significant pressures on the ecosystem and species.