Editing Arctic Ocean (section)

== Strategic and economic importance ==
The position of the Arctic Ocean between North America, Europe and Asia gives it strategic importance. The shortest routes between parts of these continents cross the northern region, and states bordering the ocean maintain patrol and monitoring systems there. Naval planning is affected by the ocean's restricted passages and the movement of sea ice.

Fishing supports communities and commercial fleets in the more accessible marginal seas. Energy exploration has concentrated on continental shelves where geological conditions permit offshore extraction. Ports provide supplies and maintenance for ships operating along northern routes.

Shipping services have expanded where seasonal conditions allow vessels to travel through Arctic waters. The Northern Sea Route follows the Russian coast, while passages through the Canadian Arctic Archipelago provide an alternative route between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Both remain more difficult to navigate than established routes farther south.

The ocean is also the subject of maritime boundary and resource claims. Governments conduct surveys to determine the extent of their continental shelves. Scientific cooperation is required because currents, sea ice and marine ecosystems extend across national boundaries.