OP/EDCOLUMNThe Arctic RegionAn Emerging Maritime FrontierBy CAPT Jonathan S. SpanerThe Commandant of the United involve transportation via passenger vessel, which will fur-States Coast Guard, Admiral Bob Papp, ther increase activity in Arctic waters. Each of these activi-Jr. spoke of the Arctic as an emerging ties carries maritime risk, which must be managed through frontier during the 2013 State of the appropriate maritime governance. Coast Guard Address in February 2013. The Arctic region presents numerous operational chal-He said: lenges including extreme weather, limited infrastructure, “… one example of what our future vast distances, and remote communities. The Coast Guard holds can be seen in the emerging frontier currently employs mobile command and control platforms of the Arctic, where there is a new ocean such as the National Security Cutter, as well as air and appearing. In September 2012, we observed the lowest sea ice communications capabilities to meet seasonal Arctic infra-extent in recorded history, and there are vast areas of open wa- structure requirements. Our approach assists in providing ter where there used to be ice…As the receding ice increasingly border security, environmental protection, community re-gives way to commercial ventures, and human and economic silience, and other maritime governance priorities. presence increases, so do our responsibilities. We must continue Overall, activities of economic growth and develop-to re