Authorities in Alaska are adding capacity to oil spill training programmes, anticipating a rise in Arctic sea traffic.

CBC reports that the coast guard is running a series of spill response programmes with communities in the north of the state as interest in offshore oilfield development increases.

"We really do need to conduct experimental field trials with controlled oil spills in the Arctic," said Ken Lee, director of offshore oil and gas research at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography.

"I'm now interested in putting together an experimental field trial in the Arctic," he added.

Although oil companies have already committed billions of dollars to exploration in the Northwest Territories, Yukon and Alaska, further investment is expected in the coming months and years following President Obama's decision to lift the 28-year moratorium on drilling in waters off Beaufort and Chukchi.

Oil and Gas Directory: Training and Development