Arctic Daily Update: September 13, 2011

Arctic oceanography publication. The September issue of the journal Oceanography, "The Changing Arctic Ocean: Special Issue on the International Polar Year (2007-2009)," is now available from The Oceanography Society, here. This issue, co-sponsored by the USARC, NOAA, and NSF, contains 30 contributions on a wide range of Arctic-related subjects such as marine geology, research vessels, outreach, science policy, ocean observing, physical, biological and chemical oceanography, modeling, sea ice, and other topics. The issue was edited by Ellen Kappel, with assistance from guest editors Joseph Ortiz, Kelly Falkner, Patricia Matrai, and Rebecca Woodgate.

Despite a lingering desire for further spending cuts, House GOP leaders appear content with a budget deal struck at the end of this summer that would make only modest cutbacks. A continuing resolution, or CR, slated for release later this week will keep the government funded into early fiscal 2012 and likely adhere to budget caps set in the debt limit deal (PL 112-25). House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-Va., on Monday reiterated his view that the CR will conform with the $1.043 trillion cap in the debt agreement, or only $7 billion below the fiscal 2011 level. Earlier this year, Republicans had hoped to cap fiscal 2012 discretionary spending at $1.019 trillion. Congressional Quarterly

Cantwell Says She Will Oppose Mine if Project Would Harm Salmon Populations. Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington waded into the debate over a proposed hard-rock mine in Alaska, stating Monday that she would oppose its development should the EPA determine it would hurt salmon populations. The EPA launched a scientific review in February of the effect a large-scale development project would have on the Bristol Bay watershed, which is home to salmon runs that yield millions of dollars a year to commercial and recreational fisheries. Congressional Quarterly

Murkowski: Preemptive Veto Would Trample Scientific Process. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, today released the following statement in response to a news report that Washington Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell may seek a preemptive veto from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the proposed Pebble Mine: "Attempts to prejudge development in the Bristol Bay area before a permit application has even been submitted would make a mockery out of the federal environmental review process. A preemptive veto makes no more sense than a preemptive approval. "I am fully committed to protecting Bristol Bay and the fishing industry it supports, but a preemptive veto represents a serious violation of Alaska's state's rights and would undermine the science-based approach long promised by this administration. Senator Lisa Murkowski

Canadian Ozone Network Faces Axe. A key source of information about the health of the ozone layer above the Arctic looks set to be choked off. In a year that saw the first genuine 'ozone hole' appear in the Northern Hemisphere, atmospheric scientists say they are shocked to learn that Environment Canada, the country's environment agency, has decided to drastically reduce its ozone science and monitoring program. Nature

New Canada-wide Project to Study Permafrost. Over the next four years scientists and northerners will work together on a project to better understand the frozen land which stretches from Labrador to Yukon. The $4-million project, called Arctic Development and Adaptation to Permafrost in Transition or ADAPT, will involve 10 universities, 15 laboratories and many collaborators in Canada and abroad. They'll study the changing permafrost and snow conditions affecting the northern landscape, water, and wildlife as well as their impact on northern communities and industries. Nunatsiaq Online

Murkowski to Co-chair Oceans Caucus. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski says she will be co-chairwoman of a new bipartisan caucus focused on oceans. The Senate Oceans Caucus will meet for the first time Tuesday, when other leaders will be chosen. Murkowski says the caucus will educate members with briefings on ocean research and policy. Democrats in the caucus are Mark Begich of Alaska, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Barbara Boxer of California, Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray of Washington, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Tom Carper and Chris Coons of Delaware, Daniel Inouye and Daniel Akaka of Hawaii, Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, John Kerry of Massachusetts, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island and Ron Wyden of Oregon. Mercury News

US Coast Guard, Canada, Partner Agencies, Port Stakeholders to Hold Joint Contingency Exercises in St. Marys River. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie is scheduled to conduct a series of full-scale contingency exercises on the St. Marys River on Wednesday and Thursday. These exercises - involving about 270 participants from Canadian, federal, tribal, state and local agencies - are designed to evaluate the multi-agency, international response to oil spills and maritime security incidents. During the exercises, the public may observe law enforcement patrol cars and boats with emergency lights and sirens activated. Marine traffic on the river may experience temporary delays due to additional safety and security measures. Additionally, boaters may encounter safety zones around oil spill containment equipment deployed in the water. US Coast Guard

The Senate will consider a Burmese import restrictions bill that may be used as a vehicle for extending other federal programs. The House is in session and expected to consider several legislative items under suspension of the rules.