Rosneft and Innopraktika Launch Three-Year White Sea Environmental Initiative
The Rosneft press service announced the start of the first field season in a major environmental program conducted in partnership with the non-state development institute Innopraktika. The initiative focuses on comprehensive study of the White Sea and is planned to unfold over three years.
Two research vessels, Professor Zenkevich and Kartesh, have begun work in the western and eastern sectors of the water basin. During the expeditions, researchers will re-create oceanographic methods used a century ago by Konstantin Deryugin, a foundational figure in Russian hydrobiology, to gain a direct link to early scientific benchmarks.
The overarching aim of the Rosneft and Innopraktika studies is to evaluate how global climate forces and local human activities influence the health of northern sea ecosystems. Scientists aboard Professor Zenkevich and Kartesh will collect samples of bacterio-, phyto-, ichthio- and zooplankton and will examine benthic communities at the same hydrographic points as in the past. By aligning current measurements of climate, hydrology and biology with Deryugin’s data from 1922–1923, the program seeks a precise, century-spanning picture of changes in the Russian Arctic. This long-term, data-driven approach is intended to inform robust responses to environmental shifts and climate pressures observed over the last hundred years.
Ice behavior in the Arctic is a focal point. While ice is perennial in most northern seas, the White Sea exhibits seasonal ice. With warming trends accelerating the formation of first-year ice in the Arctic, the White Sea results gain heightened relevance for understanding climate trends across the Russian Arctic. The project’s scientific director notes that, due to its unique natural features, the White Sea functions as a natural model for portraying the Arctic’s ecological state. By comparing Deryugin’s historical counts with present data, researchers can discern what has changed and what arises from natural cycles or human influence. The goal is not to halt change but to craft strategies that balance nature conservation with human needs.
Alongside traditional sampling, the project will deploy cutting-edge instruments and methodologies. Researchers will survey the seabed with underwater drones and apply molecular genetic analysis to organisms detected in the field. A pioneering sequencing setup, positioned beyond the Arctic Circle, will enable fresh insights into Arctic marine fauna and may reveal species previously unknown to science. This blend of historical perspective and modern technology is designed to elevate the understanding of Arctic biodiversity and ecosystem dynamics.
The project leadership highlights three core priorities for Russia and the wider planet: economic vitality, scientific advancement and environmental stewardship. The Arctic accounts for a substantial portion of the country’s GDP and export activity, underscoring the importance of sustainable management of northern ecosystems. Biodiversity remains a central concern, with many fish, bird and mammal species depending on the Arctic’s ecological balance. Collaboration among scientists, industry players and state bodies is framed as essential for monitoring ongoing processes and guiding responsible development. The initiative is presented as a practical example of such cooperation and a potential building block for long-term Arctic sustainability.
As the Rosneft and Innopraktika program progresses, a comprehensive scientific database will be built and methodological foundations will be created for monitoring the ecological state of the Western Arctic seas with next-generation technologies. The resulting knowledge and tools are intended to support strategic, long-term planning for the region’s sustainable development and resilience in the face of climate change.
To implement this White Sea program, a structured collaboration has been established among leading Russian research centers. Partners include major biology and marine research institutions, as well as a prominent university-based marine station that serves as the project’s hub. This network of experts and facilities underpins the fieldwork, data analysis and training components essential to the initiative’s success.
At the heart of the effort lies a commitment to delivering reliable, actionable science that informs policy, business planning and environmental protection. Through precise, repeatable measurements and transparent reporting, the project aims to chart Arctic change with clarity and to provide a solid knowledge base for sustainable steps in the years ahead. The emphasis is on measurable outcomes, strong collaboration and responsible stewardship of Arctic resources.
In sum, the Rosneft and Innopraktika White Sea program represents a concerted national and international effort to understand and respond to climate-driven and human-induced changes in one of the planet’s most sensitive marine regions. The work blends historical context with modern technology to create a robust foundation for long-term ecological monitoring, conservation and sustainable development in the Russian Arctic. The White Sea service network, supported by top research centers, provides a platform for ongoing discovery and informed decision-making on biodiversity, fisheries and coastal economies.