Task Force Recommends Changes to Arctic Policy

The task force says due to more human activity from shipping, oil and gas development, fisheries, and tourism in the future it is necessary to make an investment in arctic infrastructure.

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by Megan Mazurek

Story Created: Feb 3, 2012 at 5:03 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Feb 3, 2012 at 5:03 PM AKDT

The Alaska Northern Waters task force submitted recommendations for key changes to arctic policy, infrastructure, and resource development.
The task force was created by the state legislature in 2010 to increase government and stakeholder participation in arctic issues. In a news conference task force members and Alaska lawmakers emphasized the need for a new Coast Guard icebreaker and to establish new ports and safe harbors in the arctic.
The task force says due to more human activity from shipping, oil and gas development, fisheries, and tourism in the future it is necessary to make an investment in arctic infrastructure.
The U.S. will become the chair of the Arctic Council in a few years and the task force recommends Alaska's participation.
"is Alaska going to take a back seat to its own future, because other people are going to decide?, " said Representative Bob Herron, a democrat from Bethel. "This summary, and this report, says 'no way.' we're going to be part of this dialogue and we look forward to it."
Other recommendations are in oil and gas policies, establishing an international code for ships operating in arctic waters, and conducting research to create fisheries north of the bering strait.

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