Presentation
Measuring Human Impact in the Arctic Ocean
The expedition in brief
The Arctic Expedition 2020-2024 consists of a 5-year tour of the Arctic Ocean from the west aboard the sailing ship Mauritius.
Three scientific programs will be conducted during the expedition.
The voyage will operate within the framework of the Decade of Ocean Sciences for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) proclaimed by the United Nations in 2017.
Scientific programs
The scientific objectives of this expedition are:
- to better understand the role of the polar oceans in the context of global warming;
- to collect water samples from the Arctic Ocean to measure the degree of microplastic pollution;
- to map the polar oceans soundscape for the preservation of marine fauna in a context of increased noise pollution.
Greenhouse gas monitoring
This scientific program will continuously measure greenhouse gas (methane and carbon dioxide) concentrations, temperatures and other important data in both the polar atmosphere and surface ocean waters.
It is conducted in collaboration with the F.-A. Forel Department of Environmental and Water Sciences (DEFSE) of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, under the direction of Dr. Daphne Donis and Prof. Daniel F. McGinnis.
Ear to the Wild
This scientific program will help map the ocean soundscape and determine its pollution. It is conducted in partnership with the biologist and engineer Michel André, director of the Laboratory of Bioacoustic Applications (LAB) of the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in Barcelona.
Logistical support
The Fondation Pacifique has 10 years of experience in conducting oceanographic expeditions around the world.
Its sailboats are regularly chartered by researchers and scientific organizations to better understand man’s impact on the oceans and to raise public awareness of sustainable development issues.
It is pleased to partner with individuals and institutions by providing the logistical support necessary for the proper conduct of these scientific programs.