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Summary of Bering Sea Vessel Traffic Risk Analysis

Core Content

This report, conducted by Nuka Research and Planning Group, LLC for Ocean Conservancy, analyzes vessel traffic risk in the Bering Sea and Bering Strait region, focusing on potential environmental and subsistence impacts. It highlights the increasing importance of the Bering Sea as an international shipping route due to climate change and resource extraction, while emphasizing the region's ecological and cultural significance.

Main Points

1. Bering Sea Ecosystem and Resources

• The Bering Sea is one of the world's most productive ecosystems, supporting a wide variety of marine life, including hundreds of fish, crustacean, and mollusk species, as well as 50 species of seabirds and 25 species of marine mammals.
• It is a critical area for subsistence use by Indigenous communities, who rely heavily on marine mammals like walruses and polar bears, as well as fish and birds.
• Commercial fisheries in the Bering Sea are among the most valuable in the U.S., with five of the top 10 fisheries in 2014 located in or near the region.

2. Vessel Traffic Overview

• Vessel traffic in the Bering Sea is dominated by commercial fishing vessels, containerships, and refrigerated cargo ships, with tankers and barges also playing a significant role.
• The Alaska Marine Highway ferry and occasional cruise ships also operate in the region.
• Vessels serve both industrial and community needs, including fuel transport to remote communities via barges from the hub port of Nome.

3. Vessel Traffic Data

• The study analyzed AIS data from 2013–2015, covering 532 unique vessels and 18,321 operating days.
• Tankers and bulk carriers are the largest vessels and contribute significantly to oil exposure.
• Vessels calling at U.S. ports account for the majority of oil exposure, with tankers at U.S. ports and those serving Red Dog mine contributing 46% and 19% respectively.
• Vessels transiting through the Bering Strait account for 13%, while those calling at Russian ports contribute 6% and 5% for cargo and tankers respectively.
• Other vessel activities account for 10% of the total oil exposure.

4. Oil Exposure and Risks

• All vessels in the dataset carry oil (either as fuel or cargo), with tankers having the highest oil exposure due to their size and cargo.
• Oil spills and related pollution pose a significant threat to marine life and subsistence communities.
• Non-persistent oil (used for fuel) and persistent oil (used for cargo) have different environmental impacts. Persistent oil has a longer-lasting effect if spilled.
• A multiplier factor of 1.64 was used to account for the greater environmental impact of persistent oil spills.

5. Potential Impacts

• Vessel traffic can lead to various environmental and subsistence impacts, including oil spills, underwater noise, waste, and marine mammal strikes.
• These impacts can affect both local and global seafood markets, as well as subsistence-based communities.
• The perception of contamination can lead to behavioral changes in communities and economic losses.

6. Key Findings

• Vessels transiting the Bering Strait are the most likely to increase in number and contribute to future oil spill exposure.
• Even without accidents, vessel operations can impact the Bering Sea ecosystem.
• Local and traditional knowledge is crucial for developing effective mitigation strategies and response plans.

7. Recommendations

• Further attention should be given to the safety of lightering (fuel transfer from tankers to barges) activities, especially in areas outside state waters where these vessels are not subject to state oil spill response requirements.
• Risk reduction measures should include vessel routing, planning for places of refuge, and analyzing the ability to mount a rescue based on local resources.
• Local communities should be meaningfully engaged in oil spill response planning and decision-making.
• Collaboration between U.S. and Russian communities is essential for addressing shared risks and impacts, and for developing comprehensive mitigation strategies.

Key Information

• Funding: The study is funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.
• Lead Author: Sierra Fletcher
• Lead Analyst: Tim Robertson
• Contributors: Dr. Bretwood Higman, Mark Janes, Alisha Sughroue, Pete DeCola, Cindy Mom
• Editor: Elise Decola
• Graphics: Kathleen George
• Cover Photo Credits: Provided by Ground Truth Trekking, Andrew Hartsig/Ocean Conservancy, AdobeStock, Nuka Research and Planning Group, LLC
• Oil Exposure: Tankers account for 90% of non-persistent oil exposure and 25% of persistent oil exposure, while bulk carriers account for 38% of persistent oil exposure.
• Impact Multiplier: A factor of 1.64 is used to adjust for the longer environmental impact of persistent oil.
• Regulatory Context: The Bering Sea is subject to a mix of international, federal, and state laws, including those related to navigation safety, waste management, and oil spill response.
• Future Considerations: The report suggests the need for long-term planning for increased vessel traffic, including the development of new routes and the expansion of resource extraction activities.

Conclusion

The Bering Sea is a vital ecological and economic region, and its increasing role as a shipping corridor requires careful risk assessment and mitigation. This study provides a qualitative analysis of current vessel traffic and its associated risks, emphasizing the importance of integrating local knowledge and international collaboration in developing effective response strategies. The findings suggest that while current risks are manageable, future growth in shipping activity demands proactive planning and policy development.