Citizen Science: Exploring with Purpose
Discovering Antarctica, While Having a Positive Impact
When you participate in citizen science with us, you’ll be collecting real scientific data for global organizations like NASA, Happywhale, and London’s Natural History Museum. Our commitment to science has led to recognition as an “Ocean Titan” in a film series produced by World Ocean Council and Special Interest Films. The series highlights companies charting a better future for our oceans.
Pioneers Since 2021
We became the first polar operator to join the Polar Citizen Science Collective
Projects 6 to 7
You’re invited to participate in a range of fascinating projects on every voyage
Supporters Since 2019
Supporting resident scientists like those from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Science Included
There’s no charge. It’s just part of our commitment to science and positive-impact travel
The film: Ocean Titans
Can Travel Itself Be Part of the Solution?
The Ocean Titans docu-series recognizes industry leaders for their efforts to ensure a healthy future for our oceans. Hear how our commitment to science gives us hope for a positive future for the Antarctic environment – and all that it impacts.
Why Citizen Science Matters
“Right now, right here, you are the only person – on a planet of 8 billion people – collecting this data for scientists.”
– Annette Bombosch, Lead Citizen Science Coordinator
When you participate in citizen science, as you snap a photograph of a whale’s fluke, or pull a phytoplankton sample up from the icy waters below, you are playing an important role on behalf of climate research. By partnering with expedition companies throughout the Antarctic travel season, research organizations use citizen science to better understand the effects of climate change on this fragile environment, so they can address those changes through conservation, legislation and restoration.
How it works
Real Science, and the Best Part of Science, Too!
Field work is the part of science that all researchers love most. And that’s 100% of what citizen science is! There are typically six to seven highly engaging projects on every Antarctic voyage. Working alongside our trained Expedition Team staff, you’ll have an opportunity to use a variety of tools and techniques to gather and record data in support of these projects. This data is shared with our research partners around the world, adding to their ever-growing database over years and sometimes decades.
You’re invited to take part in any or all of these daily activities – though fair warning, once you get involved, you’ll likely be hooked!
How Citizen Science Works
When you participate in citizen science, the process is the same as it would be for any scientist in the field.
01
Collect
Observe, employ science tools, or point your camera. Data gathering takes many forms, aligned with the needs of the projects themselves.
02
Record
Record your newly acquired data on an app, a tablet, or with an old-fashioned pen and paper, following strict scientific guidelines.
03
Share
Data is shared with our research partners, contributing to an ever-growing database shedding light on changes in our climate.
04
Contribute
Every data point you collect and share contributes to a more hopeful future for these ecosystems, and for the planet we all call home.
No Experience Needed
If you’re curious and love to learn, and want to help care for this irreplaceable environment, you have all the training you need.
Included in Your Voyage
Responsible travel has always been in our DNA, and citizen science has always been a big part of that effort, so it’s offered at no charge to you.
Led by Trained Experts
Highly trained Expedition Team members will make sure your data meets the same standards required of any scientist.
Something for Everyone
Identify seabirds and clouds from the ship’s bow, measure phytoplankton or photograph whale flukes from a Zodiac – every project will fascinate.
Our projects
Six Ways You Can Help Make a Difference
On every Antarctic voyage, you can engage in up to six citizen science projects, partnering with organizations fighting hard to protect the Antarctic environment. Here’s how.
Positive impact
A Great Big Thank You from the Whales
The data you collect may seem like a drop in the ocean, but as with the ocean itself, all those drops add up. Here are just some of the ways citizen science is making a real difference, and will continue to do so.
- 01Whale observations led to slow down zones that are protecting these magnificent creatures from passing ships.
- 02Learnings from our seaweed search aided the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area Management Plan.
- 03Data from seabird observations helped create a comprehensive picture of seabird distribution that was not possible before.
- 04Snow algae studies are helping scientists identify snow darkening patterns across the West Antarctic Peninsula region.
A Growing Base of Knowledge
More than
120
consecutive Antarctica voyages offering citizen science
More than
3,000
citizen scientists participating
More than
2,000
data points collected for researchers
Scientists in Residence
Side by Side With Scientists in Residence
Each season, we help non-profit scientists and researchers get to the places they need to be, to do their important work on behalf of the Antarctic region. They return the favor by sharing insights into their work with all our guests, further enriching an onboard atmosphere of curiosity, learning, and understanding of our natural world. It’s a practice that began in 2019 when we first partnered with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and has since expanded to include researchers from Oceanites, as well.
Meet the scientist
“What If Travelers Could Also Be Doing Science?”
– Annette Bombosch
Annette Bombosch is a founder of the Polar Citizen Science Collective, and Lead Citizen Science Coordinator for us. At a time when many scientists argued that Antarctica should be reserved for scientists only, Annette wondered why travelers and science couldn’t join hands. In this recent conversation with Annette, she explains why citizen science is so valuable for researchers.
Our Fleet
Science: A Welcome Guest on Every Antarctic Voyage
All four of our ships are notably science-friendly, with plenty of outdoor space for cloud, seabird, and whale observation, and fast, safe Zodiac boarding and launching.
Good to know
Your Questions, Answered
Do I Need a Science Background?
Not at all. If you’re curious and love to learn, you already have all the training you need. Our expedition team shows you everything on board. (Placeholder answer)
Does It Cost Extra?
No. Citizen science is included on every Antarctic voyage. (Placeholder answer)
How Do I Sign Up?
Just come along to the Citizen Science introduction session at the start of your voyage. You’ll find the time in the daily program. (Placeholder answer)
Do I Have to Take Part?
Only if you’d like to. Citizen science is there for everyone who wants to join in, as much or as little as you choose. (Placeholder answer)
Is It Offered in the Arctic and North Atlantic?
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What Should I Bring?
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Can Children Take Part?
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Organizations We Support and Collaborate With
