On February 10-11, 2025, unusually mild weather in Nome led to shorefast ice breaking free from the coastline, leaving deep blue water visible where ice had long persisted.

Shifting sea ice patterns resulting from climate change are imperiling the subsea cable in ways the company did not plan for.The subsea cable is owned by Quintillion but affects companies delivering internet access to residents, schools and local governments.

Local fire chief Clas Tallberg stated that fish washed up on Hanko's shore showed injuries suggesting they were crushed by a fishing trawler's net, leading to a mass die-off of brisling sardines. Meanwhile, volunteers are cleaning up white clumps on the beach believed to be vessel wash water.

Finnish fuel firm Neste confirmed that white clumps on Hanko's shore likely resulted from wash water containing used oils from one of its vessels, prompting cleanup efforts and an ongoing investigation.