LJR -

I would think, given the prolific nature of Prudhoe Bay, that both the US and Canadian oil companies have thoroughly looked into the Beaufort area and beyond.

I'm sure they have.  I am wondering if there are areas that are now ice free during the summer that could not be comprehensively assayed before due to the thickness of the ice.  I guess they could drill through the ice in specific spots but now they can trawl open water - that's seems like it would be much more effective.