PROJECTS
Scientific Research
Since the creation of ArcticStern, our mission has gone far beyond navigation. We aim not only to offer memorable adventures, but also to play an active role in scientific research and environmental awareness during our voyages.
That's why we're proud to participate in innovative initiatives and collaborate with world-renowned organizations.
Our collaboration with the International SeaKeepers Society
Our commitment to scientific research began in Panama, with the International SeaKeepers Society's S.A.R.A.H. program.
Through this program, we collected seawater samples throughout our cruises to study the presence of microplastics and better understand ocean currents. This was a key step for us, where even simple gestures like deploying a net contributed to studies crucial to the health of our oceans.
Watch our explanatory video here to find out more.
The SeaBed 2030 project with Kyoto University
Today, we're stepping up our scientific involvement through a partnership with the Nippon Foundation and the SeaBed 2030 project, an ambitious collaborative initiative to map our planet's entire seabed by 2030.
How do we contribute?
We use a data logger on board our sailboat Venus. This system records our itineraries and sea depths throughout our voyages. This data is then transmitted to enrich the GEBCO Ocean Map, an open-access global map of the seabed.
Why map the seabed?
The seabed remains largely unexplored: only 25% has been mapped to date! Yet they are essential for :
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Understanding ocean currents and their impact on climate.
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Study the geophysical phenomena that shape the oceans.
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Protect marine ecosystems, which are vital to our planet.
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Taking part in this project is a privilege that reminds us every day of the importance of preserving this mysterious and fascinating environment.
Sailing while contributing to scientific research fills us with pride and gratitude. We look forward to continuing this adventure and further exploring the depths of our blue planet.
Would you like to find out more or collaborate?
Educational and Environmental Activities
At ArcticStern, we firmly believe that every stopover is an opportunity to share, learn and take action to preserve our planet. Over the years, we've organized many educational and environmental activities, and we're determined to continue doing our part on future voyages.
Educational days to inspire the next generation
We've had the privilege of sharing our passion for sailing and preserving the oceans with the very young, notably during educational days such as those organized at the Ua Pou school in the Marquesas Islands. These encounters are precious moments for us: they allow us to share our adventures, raise awareness of the importance of the oceans and answer questions from pupils curious to discover the marine world.
Working together for the environment
Our commitment doesn't stop at raising awareness. We have also organized:
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Beach litter pick days: At each stopover, we mobilize crew and local volunteers to clean up the shorelines and restore a little beauty to these precious places.
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Underwater collection campaigns: Armed with flippers and nets, we dive to recover the invisible waste that pollutes the seabed, while raising awareness of its impact on ecosystems.
These actions, though modest, are our way of giving something back to the places that offer us so much.
Meeting those who take action locally
At the same time, we take advantage of each stopover to meet with local organizations committed to protecting the environment. These exchanges enrich our knowledge and enable us to share these initiatives with a wider public.
In Tahiti, for example, we were lucky enough to meet Tamari'i Pointe des Pêcheurs, an organization that works to protect and cut coral. Their inspiring work reminds us of the importance of supporting local projects to preserve marine biodiversity.
A lasting commitment
We are determined to pursue and develop these initiatives on our future voyages. Every stop is an opportunity to contribute, whether it's raising awareness, taking action or collaborating with local communities to protect and celebrate our oceans.
Interested in joining us or collaborating on a project? Contact us here. 🌍