Past, modern, and future state of the Pechora Sea

The Pechora Sea is quite unique among Arctic seas as it is a region directly influenced by both Atlantic and Polar waters as well as river waters (Fig. 1). This area has important economic value due to the existence of extensive oil and gas fields, but it is also home to traditional fishing and reindeer breeding. Because exploitation of the natura) resources will start in the nearest future, an establishment of regional sustainable development strategies seems necessary. Since the Pechora Sea will soon be increasingly influenced by these anthropogenic factors, such strategies should be based an a detailed analysis of the ongoing situation, but even more so, should consider those environmental changes which occurred in this area during the past. Hence, there is a need to investigate the preanthropogenic phase in Order to better understand any possible future environmental changes. Such investigations were carried out by various groups from Russia, Germany and Norway between the years 2000 and 2002, in a project which was financially supported by Intas (No. 1489-99). 1