One Ocean Expeditions Antarctic Season ends with an Exciting Array of Special Guests and Scientists Onboard
Guests travelling on One Ocean Expeditions’ (OOE) last Antarctic voyage of the season, ‘Marine Mammals of Antarctica’, are in for a treat as they witness first-hand whale research with top marine biologists.
The leading expedition cruise specialist has designed an exceptional program on this annual voyage, with a strong focus on education and science, with passengers traveling alongside a group of accomplished marine scientists led by Dr Ari Friedlaender. With the aim of achieving new findings, testing new technology and sharing educational opportunities and advancements, OOE’s guests will enjoy the transformative beauty of the white continent during this 10-night voyage.
The 21 March 2019 Marine Mammals voyage will be the definitive expedition of the 2018/2019 season for RCGS Resolute, concluding her first season in Antarctica. At the same time each year, Dr. Ari Friedlaender, Associate Researcher at UC Santa Cruz and Research Director for the California Ocean Alliance (COA), and his team of marine biologists, continue their long-term research on whale behaviour in the Antarctic region. By analysing non-invasive suction cup tag-derived data, the team is learning about how whales interact with their environment and how they are being affected by climate change.
A team of educators from Ocean First Education will be working with OOE, Dr Friedlaender and Dr Caroline Casey, Director of Education at COA. The Ocean First Education team will film the scientists collecting data in order to convey the important research being carried out. The videos created by Ocean First Education will contribute to the development of classroom curriculums and provide thought-provoking, engaging marine science courses to students around the globe.
For the first time ever, One Ocean Expeditions will be implementing satellite-based video conferencing technology through Connected North, a ground-breaking program that delivers virtual education to rural and remote indigenous communities. Alongside OOE’s long-term partner Ocean Wise who, with the realization of Cisco units on board OOE vessels, gives digital access to thousands of international students, mentors, teachers and other classrooms by way of virtual field trips and ‘Ocean Literacy’ sessions with experts.
Marine scientist, Chris Johnson, head of the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Antarctic Conservation Program, will be traveling on board to support this innovative whale research. WWF works to safeguard the diverse Antarctic wildlife for future generations. Mr. Johnson has been diligent in coordinating a global effort, bringing science to policy by working to establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through the Antarctic Treaty and the Commission of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).
Guests on the voyage will also enjoy a special screening of the film ‘Map to Paradise’. This is Bluebottle Films’ official Antarctic continental premiere, after the world premiere that took place at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival earlier this year. The film is a colourful collection of character-driven stories, conveying the quest of individuals, communities and nations as they strive to protect the last wild and pristine marine places on Earth.
A remarkable voyage offering a spectacular array of science and education, art, and a unique variety of guests. Passengers will enjoy the ‘One Ocean difference’ with the exceptional programming offered on this Antarctic voyage.
