Scientists from the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution will perform an aerial survey of polar bears and marine mammals in Russia’s Arctic zone.

They plan to examine 12,000 sq km, including the Laptev Sea and the East Siberian Sea. All aerial surveys will be conducted from an L-410 laboratory aircraft.

The second stage of the project will begin in June: scientists will study the Franz Josef Land archipelago, using the Mikhail Somov research vessel and the Mil Mi-8 helicopter it carries.

“We will be able to examine the islands and water areas of Franz Josef Land without additional long flights,” noted Ilya Mordvintsev (Ph.D. in Biology), a leading research fellow at the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution.

During the expedition, the scientists will study the distribution of polar bears and marine mammals, tag the bears with satellite tracking equipment, and collect biological samples from each animal.

“It will help us track where the animals go from the islands, if they really leave or part of them has to stay behind. That is, we will be able to monitor the general migration of different bear family groups, mother bears guiding their cubs and hunting together with their offspring,” explained Ilya Mordvintsev.

The expedition will provide up-to-date information on the distribution and number of polar bears on the islands and the sea shore and evaluate the ice cover condition and the human impact on the area.

The expedition will arrive in Yakutia as early as this week. Its members will hold several educational events on environmental protection for Tiksi residents.