The Arctic Seafloor Is Full of Life — And We’re About to Destroy It

The Arctic Ocean is emerging as a new area for economic exploitation.

Estimates suggest that the deep sea holds as much as 13% of the world’s undiscovered oil reserves and 30% of its untapped natural gas.

But fossil fuels are just the tip of the iceberg.

The organisms that thrive here are fragile organisms that have adapted to the cold, nutrient-scarce environment over millions of years .

New study creates one of the most comprehensive reviews of Arctic data.

The promise of untapped wealth can drive a modern-day gold rush, but the risks to the region's fragile ecosystems are immense.

Decisions made today will determine whether the Arctic remains a vibrant, living ecosystem or becomes an industrial wasteland.