What is the Bering Sea?
The Bering Sea is a body of water located in the Northern Hemisphere, bordered by Alaska, Russia, and the Aleutian Islands. It is named after the Danish explorer, Vitus Bering, who was the first European to sail into the sea in 1728. The sea has a rich history, from the indigenous peoples who have lived in the region for thousands of years to the modern-day environmental issues that affect the area.
Mapping out the Bering Sea
The Bering Sea covers an area of approximately 2.3 million square kilometers, making it one of the largest seas in the world. It is located in the Pacific Ocean, between the North American and Eurasian continents. The depth of the sea varies from shallow waters near the coast to depths of over 4,000 meters in the center. The sea is known for its turbulent weather patterns, which can include severe storms, high winds, and heavy fog.
Indigenous Peoples and the Bering Sea
The Bering Sea has been home to various indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Yupik and Inupiaq peoples have a long history of living in the region, relying on the sea for their livelihoods. They have developed a deep understanding of the sea, including its currents, tides, and wildlife. Many of these indigenous peoples continue to live in the region today, maintaining their traditional way of life.
The Russian Connection
The Bering Sea was first explored by the Russians in the early 1700s, who were searching for a sea route to Asia. The Russian explorers established settlements on the coast of Alaska, and began to trade with the indigenous peoples of the region. They also began to exploit the sea for its abundant resources, including fish, whales, and fur-bearing animals.
Vitus Bering: The Man and His Expedition
Vitus Bering was a Danish explorer who worked for the Russian Empire in the early 1700s. He led two expeditions to the region, both of which were aimed at exploring the sea and establishing a sea route to Asia. Bering’s first expedition, in 1728, was his most successful, as he was able to sail through the strait that now bears his name and reach the Kamchatka Peninsula. His second expedition, in 1741, was less successful, as his ship was wrecked on an island in the Aleutians, and Bering himself died of scurvy.
Naming the Sea after Bering
The Bering Sea was named after Vitus Bering by the Russian explorer, Alexei Chirikov, who sailed into the sea in 1741, shortly after Bering’s death. Chirikov named the sea after his former commander, in recognition of Bering’s achievements as an explorer and his contributions to the Russian Empire.
Early European Explorers and the Bering Sea
After Bering’s expeditions, other European explorers began to explore the region, including the British, French, and Spanish. These explorers were also interested in establishing a sea route to Asia, as well as exploiting the sea’s resources. They established trading posts and whaling stations along the coast of Alaska and the Aleutians, and played a significant role in shaping the history of the region.
American Expansion and the Bering Sea
In the mid-1800s, the United States began to expand into the region, purchasing Alaska from Russia in 1867. The Americans were interested in the region’s resources, particularly its gold and fish. They also established naval bases along the coast, in order to protect their interests in the Pacific.
The Bering Sea Arbitration of 1893
In 1893, a dispute arose between the United States and Great Britain over the boundaries of the Bering Sea. The Americans claimed that the sea was an internal body of water, while the British argued that it was an international waterway. The dispute was eventually settled by an arbitration panel, which ruled in favor of the United States, but imposed limits on the American fishing industry in the region.
The Bering Sea in Modern Times
Today, the Bering Sea remains an important region for fishing and other industries. It is home to some of the most productive fisheries in the world, including those for salmon, crab, and pollock. The region is also important for oil and gas drilling, as well as tourism and shipping.
Environmental Issues in the Bering Sea
The Bering Sea is facing a number of environmental challenges, including climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The warming of the sea has led to changes in the ecosystem, including declines in certain species and the appearance of new invasive species. Overfishing has led to declines in certain fish populations, while pollution from oil spills and other sources threatens the health of the sea and its wildlife.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Bering Sea’s Name
The name of the Bering Sea is a reflection of the region’s rich history, from the indigenous peoples who have lived in the area for thousands of years to the European explorers who first mapped the sea. Today, the sea remains an important region for fishing and other industries, while facing a number of environmental challenges. The legacy of Vitus Bering and his expeditions lives on in the name of the sea, reminding us of the importance of exploration and discovery in shaping our understanding of the world.
