The Lookout provides readers with a snapshot of some important
developments in maritime law and the maritime industry that are
being monitored by the Admiralty, Maritime & Energy Litigation
Practice at Lewis Brisbois.
Congressional Research Service Released Its Study on Changes in
the Arctic
In January 2018, the Congressional Research Service released a
study entitled "Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues
for Congress." The 110-page comprehensive study comes as the
Arctic sea ice has diminished, which, in turn, has allowed for
increased commercial activity in the region. The study noted record
low Arctic sea ice over the past decade and projected ice-free
seasons in the Arctic in the coming decades. Notably, the study
said that commercial shipping through the Arctic could increase as
well as exploration for oil, gas, and tourism, which increases the
risk of pollution in the region. Moreover, cleaning up oil spills
would be more difficult in the Arctic.
