Barentsøysundet

Barentsøysundet is a strait in the Svalbard archipelago of Arctic Norway. The waterway lies between Barentsøya to the east and Spitsbergen to the west and forms part of the maritime routes around the Barentsøya area. It connects the Barents Sea with the coastal and inland waters surrounding the islands, and its character is shaped by Arctic currents and sea ice.

The name Barentsøysundet reflects its location beside Barentsøya and its association with the Dutch explorer Willem Barentsz, after whom Barentsøya is named. The strait has been known to polar explorers since the early 17th century, and it has since seen use by various visitors to Svalbard, including whalers, traders, and researchers. Today, Barentsøysundet falls within the jurisdiction of Norway as part of the Svalbard archipelago, and activities there are subject to Norwegian and Svalbard environmental regulations.

Geography and environment in Barentsøysundet are typical of high Arctic waters. The strait experiences seasonal ice cover and strong tidal and wind-driven currents. Conditions can change rapidly, affecting navigation and expedition planning. The surrounding shores host Arctic wildlife such as polar bears, seals, and seabirds, while the marine ecosystem supports a range of cold-water species.

Barentsøysundet is one of several waterways around Barentsøya and Spitsbergen that together define the coastal geography of western Svalbard. It is primarily of interest for navigation, Arctic research, and the ecological and climatic context it provides within the Barents Sea region.