Polar Tourists Boost Science, Enjoy Deeper Experience

Travelers engaging in citizen science initiatives during polar expeditions report overwhelmingly positive impacts, enhancing their overall experience and contributing to vital research efforts in fragile environments.

Citizen Scientists Aid NASA Project

The FjordPhyto citizen science project, a NASA initiative, enlists tourists aboard expedition cruise ships to gather data and samples during the polar summer. Participants, guided by trained experts, assist in collecting phytoplankton and ocean data to better understand how microalgae communities are changing due to melting glaciers.

Travel Experience Enriched

A recent study analyzing participant experiences in the first two years of FjordPhyto revealed that 97% of respondents felt that participating in citizen science significantly enriched their travel. The new paper marks a pivotal understanding of how these projects affect the tourism experience.

“I was worried that I would feel guilty being a tourist in a place as remote and untouched as Antarctica,”

—Anonymous FjordPhyto participant

Many tourists share the sentiment of feeling more connected to the region. They appreciate the opportunity to contribute to scientific understanding, rather than just being passive observers. As of 2023, citizen science projects have engaged over 2.4 million participants in the U.S. alone, contributing billions of hours to research (National Geographic).

“But being able to learn and be a part of citizen science, whilst constantly being reminded of our environmental responsibilities, made me feel less like just a visitor and more a part of keeping the science culture that Antarctica is known for alive and well.”

—Anonymous FjordPhyto participant

Sign Up

For more information and to sign up, visit the FjordPhyto website.