DOT announces the establishment of the Arctic Shipping Federal Advisory Committee (ASFAC) and solicits nominations for membership to serve on the ASFAC.

Much has happened since Sixty Degrees North published a general U.S. Coast Guard Update/round-up article in December. Although covering discrete news items is important, I find writing these articles helpful in maintaining the big picture of operations and procurements. Hopefully the help my readers as well.

Sperm whales rest while drifting under the surface in a unique stereotypical vertical position. This position is thought to enable them to sleep effectively by buffering them from surface wave action, while avoiding the costs of transiting to deeper depths. While resting, sperm whales release bubbles, hypothesised to help them regulate their buoyancy. As sperm whales are breath-hold divers, if they slowly drift up while resting, the gas in their lung will slowly expand following Boyle–Mariotte's gas law.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy are strengthening their partnership in the Arctic with a joint training operation in the Bering Sea. The U.S. Coast Guard says the Coast Guard Cutter Munro, Coast Guard Cutter Storis, and Coast Guard Cutter Fir conducted a combined sail in the Bering Sea alongside the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Max Bernays on July 21st.

The UK Carrier Strike Group—led by flagship HMS Prince of Wales, supported by destroyer HMS Duncan, tanker RFA Tidespring and air wing of F-35B jets and rotary wing plus uncrewed autonomous systems—have completed the first part of their mission, Operation Firecrest, which will continue in the autumn in northern European waters.

Learn about the INSTAAR measurement program & tour the radiocarbon & stable isotope labs. This is part of Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research’s (INSTAAR) 75th Anniversary seminars.

The Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue (ASDD), hosted by the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies, brings together military leaders, government officials, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and international partners to discuss security issues affecting the Arctic. The dialogue focuses on topics such as defense capabilities, homeland security, military readiness, technology, infrastructure, and cooperation among Arctic nations and allies. Through presentations, panel discussions, and working sessions, participants share information, discuss emerging challenges, and identify opportunities for coordination on Arctic security and defense priorities.

Early registration for ASDD 2026 will open in June, and it is by invitation only. This event is not open to the media.  Due to the size constraints of the venue, early registration is encouraged. If you would like more information, please contact us at TSC-Engagements@groups.af.mil.

Hosted by the Sitka Sound Science Center, Sitka WhaleFest brings together scientists, educators, artists, conservation leaders, and community members to explore marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and coastal culture through public presentations, wildlife experiences, educational programming, and community events focused on the North Pacific environment.

SAVE THE DATE! The Joint (AC)3 - MOSAiC Conference 2027 (JAMC27) offers a forum for open, multi-disciplinary scientific exchange on the overarching theme of "Drivers and Impacts of a Changing Arctic." The international polar research community is invited to present and discuss scientific results achieved over the past decade, including findings from (AC)3, MOSAiC, and other Arctic research activities. Conference goals are to synthesize recent advances, inform future research actions, and enhance societal uptake of research outcomes. Abstract submission will open in October 2026.

Hosted by the Arctic Council as part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s Chairship program, the Arctic Biodiversity Summit will bring together scientists, policymakers, Indigenous Peoples, youth leaders, and other Arctic stakeholders to strengthen collaboration on biodiversity conservation across the Arctic region. The summit is intended to serve as a strategic platform for advancing knowledge exchange, supporting sustainable development, and helping transform scientific and Indigenous knowledge into action-oriented policy and conservation efforts focused on protecting Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity for future generations.