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Journey to the Kara Sea: To Khatanga

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Little is known about the polar bears, walrus and whales of Russia’s Kara Sea. As sea ice melts and industry heats up in Russia’s Arctic, there’s a small window of opportunity to plan for conservation in the Kara Sea. This spring, WWF sponsored an expedition to this remote Arctic sea for a preliminary survey of the region’s wildlife.

Dmitry Ryabov of WWF-Russia reports:

Meet the team

The Kara Sea expedition team. © Dmitry Ryabov / WWF-RussiaThe Kara Sea expedition team. © Dmitry Ryabov / WWF-Russia

The expedition members are WWF polar bear experts, researchers from the Association of Maritime Heritage, Russian Arctic National Park, Moscow State University, and the author of this story – the Press Secretary for WWF’s Murmansk office, Dmitri Ryabov (far left).

One reason the area is poorly researched is logistical. Simply getting to the Kara Sea is a challenge. The expedition members travelled first to Krasnoyarsk, then on to Khatanga, near Russia’s Arctic coast.

Khatanga at -15C

In the local language of Evenki, “Katanga” means “many waters”. Apparently, frozen water. Frosts can occur all year round, and -50C is not uncommon in the winter. In this village of 2,500 people, skis and snowmobiles are the easiest ways to get around.

Skiing in Khatanga. © Dmitry Ryabov / WWF-RussiaSkiing in Khatanga. © Dmitry Ryabov / WWF-Russia

The sun will stay above the horizon for nearly 3 months starting in May.  Even now, the sun doesn’t set until nearly 23:00. But we have a long day tomorrow, so it’s time to head to sleep at the best (and only) hotel in the village.

Hotel in Khatanga. © Dmitry Ryabov / WWF-RussiaHotel in Khatanga. © Dmitry Ryabov / WWF-Russia

Tomorrow, we head out to the Kara Sea.

Read part 2 >

« Managing resources; managing tensions | Journey to the Kara Sea: Leaving land »

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