The animation compares Arctic ice extents for day 105 for some years between 2007 and 2023.  2011 was close to the 17-year average, while 2007 was one of the lowest in the record.  The images show extensive variation in the Pacific (left) basins of Bering and Okhotsk, where typically the most open water appears. There are also fluctuations on the Atlantic side, Barents (top right) as well as Greenland Sea and Baffin Bay.  Overall there was recovery from 2007 to 2011, then some years of lesser extents before 2023 returns to the 17 year average, as shown in the table later below.

Over the last 30 days, there were gains and then losses, mostly in the Pacific basins.  The effect on NH total ice extents is presented in the graph below.  

The average ice loss is 787k km2 for this period.  While 2023 started 235k km2 in deficit, yesterday it nearly matched the 17-year average. SII showed even lower ice extents in mid March, before matching MASIE at the end.

The table below shows the distribution of sea ice across the Arctic regions.

Overall NH extent March 31 was below average by 33k km2, or 0.2%.  The two largest deficits are Sea of Okhotsk and Baffin Bay, partly offset by a surplus in Greenland Sea.  The onset of spring melt is as usual in most regions, with slight surpluses nearly everywhere.