GCIL HOME HIGHLIGHTS Papahanaumokuakea Marine Monument Seabirds R.M.S. Titanic Significant Developments SUBJECT AREAS Antarctic Arctic Biological Diversity Climate Change Environment and Trade Extraterritorial Appl. of Laws Fisheries Heritage Marine Debris Marine Mammals Marine Pollution Marine Protected Areas Marine Turtles Marine Scientific Research Seabed Management Seabirds Ships, Regulation of Survey and Charting Treaties Underwater Sound Zones and Boundaries ACRONYMS INTERNSHIPS REFERENCES

ARCTIC ISSUES The Office of General Counsel for International Law Important environmental, economic and national security issues are emerging in the Arctic and adjacent Alaskan waters from global climate change. The melting of ice is resulting in interest in newly accessible shipping lanes, the exploration and exploitation of oil, gas and other natural resources and corresponding concerns regarding environmental assessment and protection. A number of international institutions are considering these issues including the Arctic Council and the International Maritime Organization. The Arctic Council has six working groups: Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP), Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP), Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF), Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR), Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME), and Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG). Additional reference information: NOAA Arctic web site. The National Ice Center UNEP Regional Seas Programme: Arctic the "Arctic Is" Web site Arctic Governance web site The Arctic Council and its six working groups: Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna (CAFF) Emergency Prevention, Preparedness and Response (EPPR) Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) International Arctic Science Committee Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (2004) Arctic Calendar of Events (conference list) International Polar Year U.S. State Department, Article: "Establishment of the Arctic Council" IMO, "Guidelines For Ships Operating in the Arctic" (Dec. 23, 2002). Available for download.