Specialists from Rosneft's Arctic Research Centre and scientists from the country's leading research institutions summed up the results of a large-scale ecological project in the White Sea. The project was implemented jointly with the non-governmental development institute Innopraktika, with participation from Moscow State University's Marine Research Centre, Moscow State University's Faculty of Biology, St Petersburg State University, the P.P. Shirshov Institute of Oceanology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the Biotechnology Campus Centre for Whole Genome Sequencing.

The research, which began in 2023, comprised two field seasons aboard the research vessels Kartesh and Professor Zenkevich, as well as unique laboratory work. Project participants retraced the route of expeditions conducted between 1922 and 1926 by the prominent Soviet hydrobiologist Konstantin Deryugin, who provided detailed descriptions of the White Sea's flora and fauna.

Rosneft's project aims to analyse century-long changes in the region's marine ecosystems using both Deryugin's methods and modern technologies, whilst assessing the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on Arctic ecology.  This information is essential for long-term planning of sustainable development in Russia's north.

At a press briefing, scientists shared preliminary findings. Specialists concluded that the White Sea ecosystem remains stable,  allowing the region to serve as a reference point for comparison with other Arctic territories.

However, the research revealed insufficient understanding of Arctic marine fauna: up to 30 per cent of species retain uncertain taxonomic status, indicating considerable work remains in revising the fauna of Arctic seas.  Nevertheless, specialists succeeded in describing species new to science.

Scientists employed both traditional hydrobiology equipment and cutting-edge instruments and innovative technologies. They surveyed the White Sea floor using remotely operated unmanned underwater vehicles and conducted molecular genetic analysis of discovered organisms.  For this work, they deployed the world's only DNA sequencer located beyond the Arctic Circle.

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Rosneft
December 10, 2025