coastline of the Kola Peninsula was assimilated Finno-Ugric tribes in the Stone Age.After the baptism of Rus these lands came Novgorod colonialists, who were engaged in fishing marine animals and fishing.On the bank of any Russian village.In the 17-19 th centuries, the population of the peninsula lived mainly reindeer and fish production (industrial scale).Only in the early 20th century the Kola Bay was recognized as a strategic (and not only economically!) Important.It was founded by the sea port - now the largest in the Arctic Circle.
Geographical location
Bay is located on the coast of the Kola Peninsula, Murmansk.It owes its name Cola settlement that has arisen on the eponymous river probably in the 11th century.A detailed description was made by Michael Bay Frantsevich Reynard, head of the hydrographic expedition, explore the northern sea borders of the Russian Empire in 1826.
Kola Bay - a classic fjord, a narrow (from 200 m to 7 km) and long (about 57 km).It is divided into three elbows, each of which has a different depth.The two main rivers flowing into the bay, called Tuloma and Cola.Banks slashed numerous bays (Catherine harbor Tyuva, Side).The water area is replete with small islands.Port of Murmansk and Severomorsk closed city located on the eastern shore of the bay, the steep and rocky.On a more gentle, West, is the Arctic port.The banks are connected by road bridge.
Natural anomalies
Kola Bay has one important feature: in winter, the water in it does not freeze, even if the air temperature is below -20 ° C.The Gulf is always warmer than on the continent, and the difference can be substantial.This phenomenon is caused by a warm current, but the Gulf Stream, as they think, and its continuation - the North Atlantic (North Cape).Of course, off the coast of the water freezes, but the channel is always free of ice.That is why the bay has a strategic importance.The Northern Sea Route was very necessary to Russia during the First World War, he provided a link with the Allies.
Bay thoroughly freezing up to five times on record.Last time this happened recently - in January 2015.Increasing the area and thickness of the ice (up to 10-15 cm in the lips and small bays) was caused by a prolonged anticyclone.In the southern Gulf of knee watched drift ice up to 5 cm thick.
Kola Bay Bridge
Ten years ago, was inaugurated road bridge across the bay 2.5 km long (of which the water runs 1.6 km).He is considered one of the longest in Russia and in the Arctic in general.The construction has not only economic but also social significance.The bridge connects the western regions with the central Murmansk, facilitates movement within the region and contributes to active cooperation with the Scandinavian neighbors.It has four lanes and is intended also for pedestrians.In the autumn of 2014 the building was renovated.
Kola Bay, Murmansk area sports
For several years the bridge had some interesting traditions associated with it.In addition, it has become a platform for a variety of sporting and entertainment events.It regularly organizes competitions in paintball and cycling, and in the summer, in June, on the left shore of the bay along the bridge starts extreme heat, which take part in the marathon attracts swimmers from all over the country and from neighboring countries.
should be noted that even in the summer the Kola Bay not too hospitable: the temperature of the water in it does not exceed 8 ° C and warming swimming costume at the event is prohibited.Extreme adds and a strong lateral current.Thus, the "Murmansk mile" - is a serious challenge for akvayserov (athletes specializing in swimming in cold water).It requires excellent health, stamina and prolonged special training.
Fishing
In 1803, on the shores of Murmansk was organized by the so-called White Sea fish mining company.The bay has long been famous for its abundance.Calculation was done here and the sea beast.Currently, the resources of the Gulf significantly depleted due to environmental problems and the mass fishing.However, here there are still good opportunities for river and sea fishing.The fishery in the Gulf are such breeds as haddock, cod, plaice, saithe and herring.Meet and crab.In estuaries can catch trout, char, whitefish, grayling, perch and pike.
However, river fishing (as well as for the extraction of crab) license is required.In addition, it is important to remember that the success of fishing affect semidiurnal tides of the Kola Bay.According to Reinecke, they are very noticeable and reach four meters.Many anglers prefer to earn one at the mouths of rivers also because they are less polluted than the Gulf.
Environmental problems
Job mining and concentrating enterprises and the oil industry continue to have a detrimental effect on the Kola Bay.Photo its shores often produce a painful impression: everywhere piled rusted construction debris and plants, has long ceased to work.Murmansk port remains one of the most polluted areas of the shelf.
In other parts of the Gulf situation is slightly better, but the concentration of hydrocarbons, iron and copper exceeded the permissible and the cause of diseases of the local people.Currently environmentalists call management companies to ensure that conservation measures and equipment upgrades.
