The Arctic ecosystem, consisting of approximately two-thirds ocean, is characterized by endemic species, freshwater sources from melting glaciers, and extreme periods of light and darkness. In the Barents Sea, one of the most productive regions of the Arctic Ocean, these conditions support numerous bird and marine mammal species.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) 2025 Arctic Report, near-surface air temperatures in the Arctic reached their highest levels since 1900 during the period from October 2024 to September 2025. All of the last 10 years have been recorded as the warmest years in the history of measurement, with the Arctic warming more than twice as fast as the global average since 2006.
Since 2006, the Arctic's annual temperature increase has occurred more than twice as fast as the global average.
Total precipitation in the Arctic also reached record levels between October 2024 and September 2025. Precipitation during the winter, spring, and autumn seasons ranked among the five highest values measured since 1950.
Impact on Arctic wildlife
The loss of sea ice has changed the migration patterns and behaviors of species including seals, walruses, and polar bears. The Marine Mammal Commission evaluated that species relying on sea ice for breeding, resting, and hunting are forced to travel longer distances due to receding ice.
Increased travel distances cause animals to expend more energy, which can lead to decreased reproductive success and a higher risk of population declines. Additionally, the reduction in ice increases the risk of human-wildlife conflict as some species approach human settlements more frequently.
During the 6th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition, which was organized under the auspices of the Presidency and the responsibility of the Turkish Ministry of Industry and Technology, researchers observed polar bears, humpback whales, beluga whales, walrus colonies, various species of seals, and reindeer in the Barents Sea. The expedition was coordinated by the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Center (MAM) Polar Research Institute (KARE).
In 2026, these effects continue.
Prof. Dr. Burcu Özsoy, the coordinator of the expedition, stated that the data obtained through sampling and observation aim to monitor changes in the Arctic ecosystem and understand the effects of climate change on polar wildlife. She also stated that negative consequences are becoming prominent for marine life and animals in the Arctic, making long-term sustainable monitoring and increased scientific studies very important.
