The Polar Citizen Science Collective
Historically some ships would try to engage in science programs. One way is to invite a scientist for a one-off trip. This might help collect some data but was often not rewarding for passengers. Other vessels tried to invent projects or partner with a scientist. With rotating expedition guides between vessels, some guides more engaged than others, and with only the data from one vessel or company, the data would end up incomplete and with varied quality. Each operator was having to re-invent the wheel.
In early 2017, five polar tourism guides began to seriously think about how polar expedition vessels could have a real impact. The collective fleet of tour vessels spend 5 months a year in Antarctica and another 5 in the Arctic each season. These are the regions that are often logistically difficult and expensive for research vessels to access. Additionally, many of the expedition staff are trained natural scientists with research backgrounds. The natural progression of the discussion of the five guides led to the creation of the Polar Collective. The goal was to have a more coordinated effort in the development of onboard science programs which would provide real value and robust data to researchers, while enhancing the travel experience for guests.
Where the Polar Collective fits into the Puzzle
Scientists are keen for data- often data that is “easy” to collect and requires non-specialist training. However, where does a scientist even start when trying to connect with a polar tour operator? There are now over 50 IAATO operators – does a scientist just cold call all of them? Also, what is the rhythm of a typical polar trip and how can data collection best fit in. How do the logistics of the tour operator work? There are so many barriers to entry for the lone scientist into the tourism world, often it is easiest to give up trying.
Meanwhile the Operators have challenges of their own. How do they know that a scientist who sends an email is doing valid science (tour operators get many emails asking for free trips ranging from Photographers to influencers to scientists!). How do they effectively do the science onboard if it doesn’t fit in with operations of the vessel? How do they effectively involve passengers?
The Polar Collective sits in the middle. Scientists can contact the Polar Collective and work to develop a data collection strategy, training materials for crew, and education materials to present to passengers. The Polar Collective can also work together with the scientists for which vessel and operators might be the best fit for their project. Meanwhile, Operators can come to the Polar Collective knowing that the science projects that the Polar Collective works with are valid and that the challenges of data collection on a ship or on a ski tour have been considered. There is also a benefit to the guides themselves. If there are common science projects across multiple companies, then if guides move from company to company during the season, they can easily continue data collecting with guests, without having to relearn new projects and protocols.
And then, of course, there are the benefits to the passengers themselves. Often the typical Polar traveler is well educated, interested in current events, and wants to “do more”. These passengers are more and more seeking out trips that have science onboard as they want to be more than just be “tourists”.
The overall goal for the Polar Collective is to be a win for scientists, a win for Operators, and a win for passengers.
Outcomes
The most basic of outcomes is more data leading to a better understanding of the polar regions. Another outcome is using that data to make better policy decisions or even having data to make decisions at all! One example from the Polar Collective is how the understanding of whale distribution in the Antarctic Peninsula, has led IAATO tour operators to agree to a designated “go slow” zone during the months of highest whale aggregation. This data came mostly from citizen scientists snapping whale tail photos for the project Happywhale. The other, and often less tangible, but highly impactful outcome is the understanding that guests leave with. Imagine the expedition cruise passenger who then goes home and gives a presentation to his or her grandchild’s second grade class. Instead of showing some cute penguin photos and a few icebergs, they can talk about that cute penguin and explain the food source of fish and krill and explain the Antarctic food chain, because on their trip they got to collect krill as part of one of the Polar Collective’s endorsed projects. Those passengers also leave more aware of science in the polar regions and more likely to read an article on the subject or more likely to support certain policies when voting.
What’s Next
The Polar Collective is always looking to partner with scientists who need data in Antarctica and the Arctic, especially data that someone with some training, but without a PhD can collect. The ideal project is more than one season and can be deployed across more than one vessel. Part of the process is ensuring that training is in place for guides who will lead the data collection and ensuring that there are supporting educational materials. However, if you have a project that needs data, and the Polar Collective might be able to help – please reach out!
