Podcast: Preparing for the Arctic Future
Audio podcast (Making Waves Episode 30, July 8, 2009) , produced by NOAA's National Ocean Service. Within the next two decades, the Arctic Ocean is expected to be free of ice in the summer. That means lots of ship traffic, and lots of ship traffic means the potential for lots of accidents and oil spills. (File format: MP3, size: 9.8 MB)

Preparing for Oil Spills in the Future Arctic
Within the next two decades, scientists estimate that the Arctic Ocean will be free of multiyear ice in the summer. While many people think of the economic opportunities that may open up as the ice thaws, experts from NOAA OR&R are working out strategies to deal with the increased likelihood of oil spills in this remote region.