Bering Sea Blue

In the shallow, freezing waters of the Bering Sea, a fleet of "dwarf" mining ships battles some of the harshest conditions on the planet. This is underwater gold mining — a high-risk gamble where the paystreak sits on the ocean floor.

The Bering Paystreak

The gold in Nome isn't from the sea; it's from ancient beach lines that were submerged as sea levels rose thousands of years ago. These "paleo-beaches" are now under 10 to 30 feet of water. The gold is concentrated in a layer of glacial "til" or "cobble" that sits just above the clay bedrock.

Technical Logistics: The Suction Dredge

A suction dredge is essentially a high-powered vacuum cleaner for the ocean floor.

• The Nozzle: A diver (the "nozzle-man") works on the sea floor, manually moving the 6-to-10 inch intake hose to vacuum the auriferous gravels.
• The Sluice: On the surface, the dredge platform carries a massive sluice box. The sea water and gravel are pumped through, with the gold settling into specialized matting.
• Diving Safety: This is commercial-grade diving. Divers must deal with zero visibility, shifting cobble, and the constant threat of "dredge-clogs."

Maritime Survival

The Bering Sea is unpredictable. A sudden "South-Wester" can turn a calm harbor into a graveyard of metal.

The Permitting Minefield

Unlike casual panning, offshore dredging is highly regulated. You need Alaska DNR (Department of Natural Resources) permits and, in some cases, Coast Guard certification for your vessel. The "Recreational Sluicing" areas in Nome are limited, so most professionals stake their own offshore claims.

Summary

Dredging for gold in Nome is the final frontier of the gold mining world. It requires a unique blend of maritime skill, diving expertise, and sheer grit. For those who can handle the "Bering Blue," the rewards are as massive as the risk.