Citizen Science & Conservation

Included option

At Poseidon Expeditions, we believe that every voyage should be more than just a journey — it should be an opportunity to make a positive impact on the places we visit and on science itself.

That’s why we actively support Citizen Science projects aboard our expedition vessel Sea Spirit. During our cruises, guests are invited to participate in real scientific research, collecting valuable data on marine life. One notable example is the Happy Whale Project, a global citizen science initiative launched in 2015.

Did you know that the patterns on a whale’s tail are unique, just like human fingerprints? Researchers compare these patterns to track individual whales and observe them over long periods. This helps to better understand their migration routes and population numbers.

Participating in Happy Whale is simple: you take photos of whales and upload them to the platform. If the whale isn’t yet in the database, you can give it a name! And if the tail patterns match a whale already registered, you’ll see where and when that whale has been spotted before.

This platform allows individuals to contribute to photo-identification studies. The images help researchers track individual animals, monitor their health, and understand migration patterns, contributing to global conservation efforts.

Beyond science at sea, Poseidon Expeditions also takes part in environmental initiatives such as Clean Up Svalbard. In partnership with local organizations, our crew and guests help remove marine debris and litter from the Arctic coastline. This hands-on action not only restores the pristine beauty of Svalbard but also protects wildlife from the dangers of pollution.

By combining exploration with meaningful contribution, Poseidon Expeditions ensures that each journey leaves a lasting legacy of care for the polar regions we cherish.