Citizen Science

???? What Is Citizen Science on a Polar Cruise?

Citizen Science involves travellers participating in structured research projects alongside expedition scientists, naturalists, and research partners. Activities vary by voyage but may include:

• Identifying whales, seals, and seabirds

• Monitoring penguin behaviour and nesting success

• Photographing wildlife for population surveys

• Recording cloud cover, sea ice, or weather data

• Contributing plankton, water, or microplastic samples

• Assisting with glacier and climate observations

• Helping classify images for long-term studies

Data gathered by guests supports scientific institutions, conservation organisations, and global databases that track environmental change.

???? Why Citizen Science Matters in the Polar Regions

The Arctic and Antarctica are among the fastest-changing environments on Earth. Researchers rely on extensive, ongoing data collection to understand:

• Climate change impacts

• Sea ice decline

• Wildlife distribution and behaviour

• Ocean temperature and salinity trends

• Ecosystem shifts over time

Expedition cruisers—already travelling through remote areas—are uniquely positioned to help fill knowledge gaps.

???? Examples of Citizen Science Projects

Citizen Science programs vary by operator but often include:

Penguin Monitoring Projects

Guests photograph and record penguin colonies, contributing to research on nesting, chick success, and long-term population health.

Marine Mammal Identification

Travellers photograph whales and seals, helping build catalogs of individual animals through fluke and dorsal fin identification.

Cloud & Weather Observations

Data collected contributes to global climate models that help scientists analyse atmospheric patterns.

Plastic & Water Sampling

Participants help gather samples to study microplastic pollution and ocean health in remote waters.

Sea Ice & Glacier Tracking

Guests assist with visual and photographic measurements of ice cover, useful for climate scientists monitoring annual change.

Plankton Studies

Sampling activities offer insights into food webs and ocean productivity.

???? Who Citizen Science Is For

Perfect for:

• Curious travellers who enjoy learning

• Wildlife enthusiasts

• Photography lovers

• Students, families, and lifelong learners

• Anyone wanting deeper engagement with the polar environment

• Passengers excited to contribute to real scientific research

No experience required

Citizen Science activities are designed for all ages and backgrounds.

???? What to Expect During Citizen Science Activities

✔️ Daily or regular sessions

Science activities may be offered multiple times during the voyage, often during sea days or scheduled times between landings.

✔️ Hands-on instruction

Scientists and expedition staff teach methods, explain goals, and support guests during data collection sessions.

✔️ On-board workshops

Participants may attend lectures, image review sessions, research briefings, and project updates.

✔️ On-location contributions

Activities take place:

• On deck while observing wildlife

• On land during penguin or seabird monitoring

• In Zodiacs during whale sightings

• In the laboratory for simple analysis or sample processing

✔️ Real scientific impact

Data is shared with researchers, institutions, and conservation programs working to protect polar ecosystems.