Dispute Over NW Passage Revived

As the Arctic melts and expands the Northwest Passage, Canada claims sole jurisdiction of the waterway and the US labels it an international passage with free access for all. Canada prefers greater control over the passage to limit environmental or shipping problems – and even a former US ambassador to Canada agrees that stricter Canadian controls would be in the US interest. If foreign ships start using the passage regularly, Canada will lose its claim to oversight, according to one international law professor. With minimal military, search-and-rescue or ice-breaking personnel or equipment in the area, foreign ships will travel at their own risk. Greater activity in the area could also speed the melting of arctic ice and problems associated with global warming. – YaleGlobal