Scientists left Dutch Harbor, Alas., Aug. 5 for a 3-week expedition as part of a long-term study of marine life in the Hanna Shoal area of the northwest Chukchi Sea.
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said the expedition is the latest effort to gather scientific and environmental information to help develop an offshore Arctic leasing strategy.
The study seeks to identify and measure physical and biological processes that contribute to high concentration of marine life in this area.
Scientists hope to advance understanding of food web dynamics, potential contaminant bioaccumulations, and other environmental considerations, BOEM said.
The Hanna Shoal study will run until 2016. BOEM said the project will occupy more than 30 sampling stations.
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