MANS IMPACT ON THE BARENTS SEA

The Barents Sea ecosystem is a polar system with high biological produ ction. Production takes place during a short season, mainly along the ice margin. As biological production is very limited in both space and time, the ecosystem is vulnerable to the influence of human activity. Fishing activity represents the most significant environmental load b y man on the Barents Sea. In recent years offshore oil and gas explora tion activity has increased, resulting in environmental problems as we ll as conflicts with fishing operations. Heavy metals and organic cont aminants of man-made origin have been observed in both sediments and o rganisms at different trophic levels. Both long-range atmospheric tran sport and transport by ocean currents are important. Organic contamina nts accumulate mainly in the body fat of the organisms; northern ecosy stems are therefore especially vulnerable because fat has much greater ecological importance in such systems than in more southerly ecosyste ms. In recent years there has been public concern in both Norway and R ussia over the possibility of radioactive pollution. Nuclear power pla nts, nuclear vessels and weapons are present in the area and produce r adioactive wastes. Reports of wastes have influenced public opinion in many countries. The Barents Sea is strongly influenced by ocean clima te variations. Global climate models forecast that the most elevated o cean temperatures due to possible greenhouse effects will probably occ ur in polar regions.