Every Nordic nation seems to have an idea of its own of how to project a railroad to the Arctic Ocean. In fact, the way in which a nation wants to smooth its way to the ocean gives fruitful ground for a cross-national comparison.
The low-pressure activity into the Barents Sea has been linked with the ocean circulation and the release of oceanic heat to the atmosphere. This can have both climatic and ecological consequences in the Barents Sea.
It is unlikely that the melting ice in the Arctic will lead to major changes in the fish patterns in the north. Cod and haddock have reached their northerly distribution limits, while redfish, capelin and herring can migrate into the Arctic Ocean to graze as they are pelagic species that swim freely in the water column. There is unlikely to be any commercial fishing in the Central Arctic Ocean for many, many years.
Challenged by rapid changes in their neighborhoods, Barents regional leaders should use the 20 years anniversary celebrations of the Barents Cooperation as an opportunity to reform the political cooperation structures. A five-point plan will help them on the way.
