Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Specialists from Rosneft's Arctic Research Center and scientists from leading Russian research institutes summarized the results of the Company's large-scale environmental project in the White Sea. The project was implemented jointly with the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika, with the participation of the Marine Research Center of Moscow State University, the Faculty of Biology of Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University, the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Biotechnology Campus (BTK) Center for Whole-Genome Sequencing.
The research, which began in 2023, included two field seasons on the research vessels Kartesh and Professor Zenkevich, as well as unique office work. Project participants retraced the route of the 1922-1926 expeditions of renowned Soviet hydrobiologist Konstantin Deryugin, who detailed the flora and fauna of the White Sea.
The goal of Rosneft's project is to analyze secular changes in the region's marine ecosystems using Deryugin's methods and modern technologies, as well as to assess the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on the Arctic ecology. This information is essential for long-term planning for the sustainable development of the Russian North.
During a press event, scientists shared preliminary results of their work. They concluded that the White Sea ecosystem remains stable. This allows the region to be considered a benchmark for comparison with other Arctic regions.
At the same time, studies have shown that the fauna of the Arctic seas remains insufficiently studied: up to 30% of species remain of uncertain taxonomic status, and much work remains to be done to revise the fauna of the Arctic seas. At the same time, specialists have managed to describe species new to science.
As part of the project, scientists used both traditional hydrobiology equipment and the latest devices and innovative technologies. This included surveying the White Sea floor using remotely operated underwater vehicles and conducting molecular genetic analysis of the organisms discovered. This work utilized the world's only sequencer, located above the Arctic Circle.
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Rosneft is implementing the largest Arctic region research program since Soviet times. Over 13 years, more than 60 expeditions have been conducted, during which scientists have studied the region's hydrometeorological, geological, and biological features, as well as bioindicator species of Arctic ecosystems. This has allowed them to gather a unique array of information on the Arctic's climate, nature, and wildlife. More than ten ecological atlases have already been created based on the research results: "Seabirds of the Russian Arctic," "Species – Biological Indicators of Marine Arctic Ecosystems," "Marine Mammals of Russia," "The Kara Sea," "The Laptev Sea," "The Barents Sea," and others.
Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft December 10, 2025
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