Hurtigruten has moved to better understand and protect whales and other marine mammals in Antarctica in collaboration with research conservation organisation California Ocean Alliance (COA).
A pilot trial was launched in late 2019 but paused due to the pandemic.
As Hurtigruten Expeditions restarts its 2021-22 Antarctica season, COA scientists will be part of several sailings on board battery hybrid-powered expedition cruise ship Roald Amundsen.
The team will collect acoustic data to study ambient noise conditions, the myriad sounds that marine animals make, and the influence of human presence on the soundscape.
The research of how different whales behave near humans will allow Hurtigruten Expeditions and other cruise lines to adapt to ensure they minimise interference with whales.
COA associate researcher Dr Ari Friedlaender said: “Our research will be some of the most challenging we have ever conducted, in one of the most difficult parts of the world. So to have a partner like Hurtigruten Expeditions that supports us is a huge gift to us.
“With this research, we can create programs that are tailored so guests can have close encounters with whales while ensuring minimal impact on the different whale populations in Antarctica.”
Hurtigruten Expeditions chief executive Asta Lassesen added: “Ninety per cent 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.”