According to a White House press release, the increase in maritime traffic through the Arctic region will necessitate a high level of stewardship in order to maintain the open seas to allow for research, search and rescue and global commerce. In meeting this challenge the United States will develop and maintain a higher volume of access to the polar regions.
Beginning with the increased acquisition of ice breakers, the US Government also plans to expand scientific observations of the area to increase the understanding of it. At the moment the US have two fully functioning ice breakers and one heavy duty ice breaker, compared to Russia's 40.
With diminishing Arctic sea ice marine traffic from fishing, exploration, tourism, fishing and cargo fishing is expected to increase. In February, the Arctic sea ice reached an all-time record low of approximately 1.1 million km2 below average. As the Arctic Ocean presents a challenge to safe operating procedures, the Obama Administration has announced new strategies consistent with the 2013 National Strategy for the Arctic Region.
In order to achieve this the administration will look at acquiring a replacement heavy ice breaker between 2020 and 2022. They will work with Congress to ensure the resources are available to fund this strategy.
With the Arctic Ocean expecting a massive increase in seagoing traffic, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with the US Coast Guard (USCG) plan to promote safe marine transport and operations. NOAA and USCG will undertake a joint survey of the route through the Aleutians and Bering Straight. Working with the State of Alaska, NOAA and the USCG will update and create maps utilising satellite data.
