Barentsoya Island is a small, remote island located in the middle of the Barents Sea. This uninhabited island is often cited as the best place in the world to observe the midnight sun. Aside from the impressive view, visitors can also enjoy hiking, fishing, birdwatching, skiing, and kayaking. If you’re looking for a place to get away from it all, Barentsoya Island is definitely worth a visit!
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Barentsoya Island History
Barentsoya Island first came into existence about 10,000 years ago when a large chunk of the Arctic icecap melted. With newfound access to the Barents Sea, ships started sailing through this navigable body of water and eventually discovered the island. Over time, humans began inhabiting the island and it became a popular tourist destination.
Today , Barentsoya Island is a unique, unorganized territory inhabited by just 15 people. The island has been uninhabited since 1992 and is not accessible to tourists.
The Veniaminof chain was originally discovered during the late 18th century by Russian fur hunters in search of foxes, seals, and sea otters.
After stumbling upon it accidentally while hunting silflay sheep on Melupo Strait (now called Deadman’s Bay), Darya Musatov returned with his crew the next year to relocate all the sturgeon he could find in this area which eventually became a fishing colony. Today, some venison and sturgeon are still produced on the Veniaminof chain including over twenty thousand tons of sturgeon meat supplied to Russia each year.
Climate
Barentsoya Island has a cold, high-pressure continental climate with long, bitterly cold winters and short summers. Precipitation is low year-round and can be quite variable. The island experiences a significant amplitude in temperature from night to day and is often significantly warmer after sunset. Some years have even experienced summertime days over .
The average annual temperature of Barentsoya Island is between 2˚C and 13.5˚C (36°F – 56°F). The coolest months are the winter season which runs from December through February, but this can vary greatly among seasons with temperatures anywhere between 5˚C to 29˚C (41° F – 86° F ).
Culture
Since the 1960s, Barentsoya Island has been home to a small community of 15 people. This unorganized territory is uninhabited and not accessible by tourists. The islanders subsist primarily on fishing, hunting, and raising livestock including sheep, goats, pigs and chickens.
The culture of the Islanders reflects their remote location and subsistence economy. They are Inuit speaking people who continue to practice traditional values such as communal living and an emphasis on oral history .
There is no school or health care available on Barentsoya Island; however Memorial University in St John’s Newfoundland provides internet access and a shortwave radio service.
Native art of Barentsoya Island has been primarily painted with style panels created out on the beach by Islanders drawing in freshly melted sea ice from nearby coves using flat stones as tools . The work gradually reveals its meaning when viewed collectively over time .
Politics
The Barentsoya Islanders are a part of the Inuit Circumpolar Council and have their own Chief and Council. The territory is managed by an Islander magistrate as well as representatives from Nunatsiavut, Canada’s Aboriginal government. An Islander manager is nominated by the council and then appointed by the chief of Canada. The nearby Labrador community provides supplies, including transportation to Nunavut, when required.
Government services
Barentsoya Island is not accessible by tourists, so there is no infrastructure or government services available. There is one magistrate and council representing the 15 people living on the island. Supplies are provided by Canada’s Aboriginal government when needed. Transportation to Nunavut is also provided by Labrador Transport. The Inuit Fisherman and Hunters Organization supports the community. There are no services available, except the Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador through radio contact with St John’s but they do not have jurisdiction on Barentsoya Island .
Tourism
There is no tourism infrastructure or services available on Barentsoya Island. There are no facilities for temporary lodging, tours or activities. There is a small yellow tent on the beach used as an emergency shelter that does not have electrical power with space for eight people .
Transport
Transportation to and from Barentsoya Island is provided by Labrador Transport. The only access to the island is by slippered ice road and can take three days or longer.
Cuisine
The cuisine of Barentsoya Island is Inuit and influenced by the Labrador community. They primarily hunting, trapping and fishing for subsistence. There is no fresh water or electrical infrastructure on the island, so they use melted sea ice to drink, cook and store food .
Education
There is no pre-school or formal education available on Barentsoya Island. There are only 10 students attending the Nunatsiavut Board of Education, with a teacher and staff at Bountiful School some one to two times per week. This school serves 1/3 of the total student population of post secondary schools in Canada . There is also one elder, who helps teach the eighth grade at Bountiful.
Wildlife
There is no wildlife on Barentsoya Island. The only animals that live there are the 15 people who live there.
Conclusion
Barentsoya Island is a remote, uninhabited island located in the Gulf of Finland. It was discovered and named by Peter the Great in 1722. The island’s name is derived from Swedish words meaning “Bear Island.” In 1731, it was granted to the Romanov family as part of their possessions in Russia.
The island remained in the possession of the Russian imperial family until 1917. During World War II, it was occupied by the Germans and used as a naval base. After the war, it was annexed by the Soviet Union. In 1991, it became part of Finland.
FAQs
1.Where Is Barentsoya Island Located?
Ans: Barentsoya island is located in the middle of the Barents Sea.
2.Is It Accessible By Boat?
Ans: Yes, there are several small ports on the island that can be accessed by boat.
3.What Is The Climate Like On Barentsoya Island?
Ans: The climate on Barentsoya island varies depending on location, but most areas tend to have a cold and snowy winter and a warm and dry summer. The southeast coast has moderate temperatures year-round with cool summers.
4.Is There A Hospital On The Island?
Ans: There is no hospital located on Barentsoya Island, but medical assistance can be found in the nearest town.
5.Can I Bring My Pet With Me To Barentsoya Island?
Ans: Yes, pets are allowed on the island with proper documentation and veterinary care.
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