The coastline of the Kola Peninsula was developed by the Finno-Ugric tribes in the Stone Age. After the baptism of Rus, Novgorod colonizers came to these lands, who were engaged in the fishing of sea animals and fishing. Russian villages appeared on the shore. In the 17-19th centuries, the population of the peninsula lived mainly on reindeer husbandry and fishing (on an industrial scale). And only at the beginning of the 20th century the Kola Bay was recognized strategically (and not only economically!) Important. Here was founded the seaport - now the largest beyond the Arctic Circle.
Geographical position
The bay is located on the Murmansk coast of the Kola Peninsula. He owes his name to the settlement of Kola, which arose on the river of the same name presumably in the 11th century. A detailed description of the bay was made by Mikhail Frantsevich Reineke, head of the hydrographic expedition exploring the northern maritime borders of the Russian Empire in 1826.
Kola Bay is a classic fjord, narrow (from 200 m to 7 km) and long (about 57 km). It is divided into three knees, each of which has a different depth. The two main rivers flowing into the bay are called Tuloma and Kola. The coast is indented with numerous bays (Catherine’s harbor, Tyva, Pollock). The water area is replete with small islands. The port of Murmansk and the closed city of Severomorsk are located on the eastern shore of the bay, steep and rocky. On a more gentle, western, is the port of Polyarny. The shores are connected by a road bridge.
Natural anomalies
The 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 bay is always warmer than on the continent, and the difference can be very significant. This phenomenon is caused by the warm current, but not by the Gulf Stream, as is commonly thought, but by its continuation - the North Atlantic (Nordkapp). Of course, water freezes off the coast, but the fairway always remains free of ice. That is why the bay is of such strategic importance. The Northern Sea Route was very necessary for Russia during the First World War: it provided communication with the Allies.
The bay froze thoroughly no more than five times in the entire history of observations. The last time this happened recently was in January 2015. The increase in the area and thickness of ice (up to 10-15 cm in the lips and small bays) was caused by a prolonged anticyclone. Drift ice up to 5 cm thick was observed in the southern knee of the bay.
Bridge over the Kola Bay
Ten years ago, a road bridge across the bay with a length of 2.5 km (of which 1.6 km passes over water) was inaugurated. It is considered one of the longest in Russia and in the Arctic as a whole. The construction has not only economic, but also social significance. The bridge connects the western regions of Murmansk with the central ones, simplifies movements within the region and promotes active interaction with Scandinavian neighbors. It has four lanes and is intended for pedestrians as well. In the fall of 2014, the building was repaired.
Kola Bay, Murmansk: sports territory
Over the years the bridge has existed, some interesting traditions have arisen related to it. In addition, it has become a venue for various sports and entertainment events. Here paintball and cycling competitions are regularly organized, and in the summer, in June, an extreme swim starts from the left coast of the bay along the bridge, in which marathon-swimmers from all over the country and from neighboring countries come to participate.
It should be noted that even in the summer, the Kola Bay is not very hospitable: the water temperature in it does not exceed +8 ° C, and warming swimming suits are prohibited at this event. Extreme adds and strong lateral flow. So the “Murmansk Mile” is a serious test for aquaciers (sportsmen specializing in swimming in cold water). It requires excellent health, stamina and long special training.
Fishing
In 1803, the so-called Belomorsk fish company was organized on the Murmansk coast. The bay has long been famous for its abundance. There was also a sea animal. Currently, the resources of the bay are significantly depleted due to environmental problems and massive fishing. Nevertheless, there are still good opportunities for river and sea fishing. The species harvested in the bay are such breeds as haddock, cod, flounder, pollock and herring. Crab also occurs. Trout, char, whitefish, grayling, perch and pike can be caught at river mouths.
However, river fishing (as well as crab fishing) requires a license. In addition, it is important to remember that the semi-daily tides of the Kola Bay influence the success of fishing. According to Reineke, they are very tangible and reach four meters. Many anglers prefer to fish at the mouths of rivers also because they are less polluted than the bay itself.
