Polar Bears and Iceland : an overview, history and proposed response plan

• Main Author: Stubbing, Alexander
• Other Authors: Háskólinn á Akureyri
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Coastal and marine management; University Centre of the Westfjords; Haf- og strandsvæðastjórnun; Meistaraprófsritgerðir; Ísbjörn; Ísland; Háskólasetur Vestfjarða; Haf; Iceland; Sea ice
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1946/9282

Polar bears are not native to Iceland but occasionally reach Iceland's shores. This is not a new phenomenon and occurred even prior to human settlement. Until recently all such incidents resulted in the destruction of the bear. However, recent media attention has stimulated debate on whether the rescue of some bears might be possible. This thesis gives an overview of polar bear occurrences in Iceland, analyzes relevant ocean current and sea ice movement which contribute to their arrival, and suggests a plan outlining possible response options.