Warming and freshening of the Beaufort Sea in 2008 compared to the 1970s. The 2008 areas are outlined in black in the 1970s panels. 2010 Canadian Marine Ecosystem Status and Trends Report

There have been significant changes in the water mass characteristics of the Beaufort Sea which may impact species distribution and primary production. The freshwater and heat content of the Beaufort gyre has significantly increased relative to the 1970s. The temperature increase has been related to a twofold increase in the temperature of the Atlantic water layer. This warmer Atlantic water enters the Arctic via the Fram Strait, and has contributed to the net warming of Arctic waters. The freshening of the Beaufort gyre is related to input from both Pacific waters and Arctic Ocean surface waters. Melting sea ice has contributed to the increasing freshwater content of the Arctic Ocean surface layer.

Canadian Science Advisory Secretariat Science Advisory Report 2010/030, 2010 Canadian Marine Ecosystem Status and Trends Report [pdf], July 2010