- It is only enough for the animals in the Arctic.

It is not enough for humans to also go there and fish, says research leader Pauline Snoeijs Leijonmalm, professor of marine ecology at Stockholm University.

Yes - there are fish in the Central Arctic.

The research team was the first to experience.

But the stock is very small and not suitable for commercial fishing, according to the report presented in the scientific journal Science Advances.

First fish fished

From a depth of 400 meters, it was pulled up - the very first fish caught in the Central Arctic.

And to the great surprise of the researchers, it was not a polar cod - but an Atlantic cod, which usually does not live that far north.

The researchers also found octopus and could thus see that fish follow the warmer Atlantic currents that enter the Central Arctic from the south.

For the polar bears, seals and walruses that live in the otherwise barren environment, the small fish stock is absolutely crucial.

The researchers' discovery shows that there is a functioning ecosystem around the North Pole, even though it is very sensitive.

- These fish can live there, but they can never be many, because the water has a very small amount of nutrients.

Risk of overexploitation

The Central Arctic Ocean is international waters - outside all national economic zones.

Right now, only strong icebreakers can get there, but global warming is happening faster in the Arctic than anywhere else.

The melting ice makes the area more and more accessible.

According to climate models, the area is estimated to be navigable for other boats within a few decades - then there is a great risk that the sensitive fish stock will be overexploited, the researchers say.

But in this case, the world seems to want to proceed cautiously.

The EU and nine other countries, such as the United States and Russia, have signed an agreement banning fishing in the Central Arctic for the next 16 years.

First, the area should be examined according to the precautionary principle.

- In general, there is very little fish there.

It is important to know that if you plan to fish there - there are no fish, says Pauline Snoeijs Leijonmalm.