09/25/2026 | Yana Kirichenko
New Animal Species Reported in Svalbard
The new species is not the kind of bear usually associated with the Arctic. Tardigrades are nicknamed “water bears” because of their stocky bodies and bear-like movement on short, clawed legs.A new study describes a previously unrecognised species of water bear found among fallen leaves in Svalbard.
09/24/2026 | Heiner Kubny
Surprisingly large numbers of young cod off Spitsbergen
An Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). Norwegian marine researchers have found an unusually large number of young cod in the glacial fjords of Spitsbergen. Research is now underway to determine whether the species is spreading further north as Arctic waters warm. (Photo: Wilhelm Thomas Fiege / Wikimedia Co
09/24/2026 | Heiner Kubny
Australia plans four major Antarctic research campaigns
The Australian research icebreaker RSV Nuyina cuts a path through thick Antarctic sea ice. As Australia’s most important floating research platform, the vessel will facilitate research into sea ice, the ocean, krill and climate during the upcoming expeditions. (Photo: Pete Harmsen / Australian Antar
09/23/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny
Greenland opens new Pilivik National Park
Musk oxen in Greenland’s barren tundra landscape. These hardy herbivores are among the characteristic inhabitants of the Arctic regions and form part of the diverse wildlife whose habitats are to be protected in the new Greenlandic national park. (Photo: PolarJournal)Greenland has opened Pilivik Nat
09/23/2026 | Heiner Kubny
Antarctica has its very own microbes
Wearing protective clothing, soil samples are being taken at Tramway Ridge on Mount Erebus for microbiological analysis. This geothermally active site, with its steaming fumaroles, forms part of a specially protected area in Antarctica. Strict sterilisation and protective measures are in place to pr
09/22/2026 | Rosamaria Kubny
Gentoo penguins surprise with early return
Gentoo penguins have gathered off the Ukrainian research station Akademik Vernadsky on Galindez Island. This year, thousands of birds returned to their breeding grounds unusually early. (Photo: Oksana Savenko / NASC)Thousands of gentoo penguins have returned unusually early to Galindez Island, near
09/22/2026 | Heiner Kubny
Seas around Svalbard unusually warm
View from one of the research vessels across the Barents Sea during the 2026 Ecosystem Survey. Four research vessels are currently investigating the region’s entire marine ecosystem. Among other things, the measurements are intended to reveal the effects of the unusually high water temperatures arou
09/21/2026 | Yana Kirichenko
What Makes a Good Life in the Arctic?
Tasiilaq on the east coast of Greenland. Researchers argue that life in the Arctic requires its own indicators of well-being. (Image: Christine Zenino / CC BY 2.0 / cropped)How do we know whether people are living well? When measuring life in the Arctic, researchers argue that standard measures may
09/20/2026 | Heiner Kubny
China and Russia are planning a new container fleet for the Arctic
Rendering of a new ice-class Arc7 container ship for the Northeast Passage. The freighter, developed by the United Shipbuilding Corporation, is designed to carry more than 4,800 standard containers and navigate autonomously through first-year ice up to 1.7 metres thick. The project forms part of the
09/19/2026 | Marcel Schütz
Professor Molchanov: Legal dispute over Russian ship in Svalbard
Professor Molchanov (Image: Polar Journal)The Norwegian authorities detained the Russian Professor Molchanov in Barentsburg on 2 September under a court order. The measure stems from a compensation claim by Ukrainian energy group Naftogaz against Russia. All 69 passengers and crew members have now r
09/18/2026 | Yana Kirichenko
Why Are Beavers Moving Into the Arctic?
Beavers are expanding their range in multiple places across the North American Arctic, raising concerns in some local communities. In north-western Canada, some residents have even described them as “pests”. (Image: NPS / Public Domain)Beavers have been moving north across Alaska for decades. Scient
09/17/2026 | Heiner Kubny
Suspicious manoeuvres over Svalbard’s undersea cables
A Russian fishing trawler in the harbour of Båtsfjord in northern Norway. Russian fishing vessels are still permitted to operate in certain Norwegian waters. Several trawlers have recently been repeatedly spotted over the routes of the undersea cables between the Norwegian mainland and Svalbard. (Ph
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