The Navy’s chief of naval research, Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, met this week with leaders from U.S. and Canadian government agencies to address research efforts in the Arctic, in response to dramatic and accelerating changes in summer sea ice coverage.
“Our Sailors and Marines need to have a full understanding of the dynamic Arctic environment, which will be critical to protecting and maintaining our national, economic and security interests,” said Klunder. “Our research will allow us to know what’s happening, to predict what is likely to come for the region, and give leadership the information it needs to formulate the best policies and plans for future Arctic operations.”
The Arctic Summit, held Dec. 11 at theOffice of Naval Research (ONR) headquarters in Arlington.
“Vital and varied Arctic research is taking place across a number of agencies,” Klunder said. “We are identifying areas of common scientific interest-and ideally come up with a comprehensive mutual understanding of everyone’s current and planned efforts.”
In the wake of last week’s widely reported release of NOAA’s Arctic Report Card-co-edited by ONR program officer and Arctic science expert Dr. Martin Jeffries-new concerns have arisen over record-low levels of sea ice and snow in the Arctic.
Changing Arctic conditions are opening the region to more human enterprise that could impact naval operations, including:
- Oil, mineral and other natural resource extraction
- Shipping
- Commercial fishing
- Tourism
- Scientific research
Source: ONR
About the Office of Naval Research
The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research (ONR) provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 70 countries, 1,035 institutions of higher learning and 914 industry partners. ONR employs approximately 1,400 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel, with additional employees at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, D.C. Learn more here.
