Hurtigruten Expeditions strengthens its partnership with California Ocean Alliance, a research, conservation and education organization, to better understand and protect whales and other marine mammals in Antarctica. A pilot launched in late 2019, but was paused due to the pandemic, and restarts with the 2021/2022 Antarctica season. California Ocean Alliance scientists will join several MS Roald Amundsen sailings in Antarctica. The ship is the world’s first hybrid electric-powered expedition cruise ship.

The scientists will collect acoustic data to study ambient noise conditions, the sounds marine animals make and the effect of human presence on the soundscape. The research will allow Hurtigruten and other cruise lines to adapt to minimize interference with whales. They will also collect skin and blubber biopsy samples from whales to evaluate health, population growth rates and stress levels.

Guests can access scientists onboard all Hurtigruten Expeditions cruises, and all ships feature a state-of-the-art Science Center, featuring exhibits and hands-on experiences. The Science Program includes a range of research projects that guests are encouraged to participate in. COA scientists will join sailings departing Jan. 11, Jan. 27 and Feb. 12, 2022.

“Ninety percent of the oceans remain unexplored. We are determined to change that by creating a deeper understanding of the areas we explore. The data collected during our research partnership with California Ocean Alliance, and the many others we carry out with other partners, will be used for executive decision making on future environmental issues, so it is a win-win for all of us,” said Asta Lassesen, CEO, Hurtigruten Expeditions.