Environmental Monitoring Begins along the Northern Sea Route

For the fifth consecutive year, Rosatom, in partnership with the Marine Research Center of Lomonosov Moscow State University, is conducting a comprehensive environmental and biodiversitymonitoring program across the NSR. The project incorporates advanced international conservation practices and frameworks.


The primary objective of these studies is to ensure the sustainable development of the Northern Sea Route. By systematically evaluating the region's environmental health amid the intensification of Arctic shipping, the program aims to minimize the impact of growing cargo volumes on vulnerable marine ecosystems.


Over the course of the project, marine ecosystem experts from leading scientific institutions across Russia, China, India, Egypt, Turkey, and other countries have participated in developing the research program and providing expert support. Since its inception, the initiative has drawn more than 130 specialists from 29 organizations. The latest findings demonstrate that current levels of shipping along the Arctic route have no negative impact on the environment.


The project has earned widespread recognition from the international scientific community and has been featured at major Russian and international events dedicated to the Arctic, marine ecology, sustainable shipping, and the climate agenda, such as Arctic Frontiers Conference, he World Conference on Marine Biodiversity, the Ecumene Global Forum, the UN Climate Change Conferences (COP 28 and COP 29), the ATOMEXPO International Forum, the Eastern Economic Forum, the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, the Marine Congress, the NEVA International Exhibition and Conference, the BRICS Municipal Forum, and the BRICS Working Group on Oceanology, Polar Science and Technology, among others.


This year, major resource developers operating in the Arctic Zone of the Russian Federation have also expressed interest in the project. These companies maintain responsible environmental policies and employ a systematic approach to environmental protection across their business operations. The expanding roster of participants reflects a shared commitment among Arctic shipping stakeholders to unified principles based on high environmental standards.


This year’s environmental monitoring will cover the entire expanse of the Northern Sea Route, including the Kara, Laptev, East Siberian, and Chukchi seas. It will also encompass inland waters—the Gulf of Ob and the Yenisei River—along with the port areas of Sabetta, Utrenny, Dudinka, Tiksi, and Pevek.


Three research teams will carry out fieldwork across 53 monitoring stations. The data collected will provide up-to-date insights into the current status of marine ecosystems at present levels of shipping intensity. Furthermore, the project will review the cumulative performance over its six-year duration, as scientists synthesize data collected from 2021 through 2026.