Citizen Science in the Polar Regions
Since the launch of our ‘Citizen Science’ program in 2014 on board our Antarctic cruises,  our guests have been given the chance to engage with scientists through conversations and presentations. By combining passenger tourism with meaningful scientific research there is an incredible opportunity for our guests from around the world to contribute to major research studies focused in Antarctica. How cool is that?
WHOI researchers using non-invasive tagging on humpback whales under research permit numbers ACA2019-018, C2018-0020
Since 2018, Polar Latitudes has partnered with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and other researchers for our Citizen Science program, offering the opportunity for their scientists to gather data, research and study a range of topics such as the feeding habits of humpback whales, microplastics and phytoplankton. Developing meaningful Citizen Science and conservation programs raised some unique challenges for our Expedition Team, but we were happy to design special programming that would allow our guest scientists to successfully conduct their research. And what do you know? Our guests were thrilled to be a part of it all too!
The chance to experience awe-inspiring, informative and interactive Zodiac excursions to conduct research could be one of the most unforgettable moments of your life. In the remote and untouched bays of Antarctica, assisting in important scientific work while guided by our qualified staff, allows you to be a part of something even greater than your trip itself.
Guests participating in a phytoplankton study for the FjordPhyto project from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
As a guest, you can get a first-hand look at some of the incredible science being done. Interested in the microbiology of phytoplankton? Sign up! Want to learn more about microplastics? No problem! Interested in learning how they count penguins? Go for it! Participate in as much or as little as you like, it’s entirely up to you. Programming changes depending on itinerary, but it’s easy to inquire about what’s happening on your voyage once you are on board.
The more time you spend engaging and learning from these incredible experts in our Citizen Science program, the more Antarctica will become ingrained in your heart.
Interested in being a part of the Polar Science movement?
Citizen Science projects are available free of charge to all guests on all voyages.  Join us!