Fulmar fly-by

A Fulmar passes the ship on stiff wings, powering into the same wind we use to advance under full sail.

Fulmars and Plastic

Almost all populations of Northern Fulmars studied in Svalbard have been found to ingest microplastics. It is thought that they mistake small plastic fragments for prey, with tragic consequences - these fragments can be highly toxic to the birds, and can also block their digestive tract and lead to starvation. These majestic seabirds frequently soared past our ship as we sailed the coastline, and it was heartbreaking to think of the impacts plastics are having on these immense ocean wanderers.

The robber

An Arctic Skua forces an unfortunate Kittiwake to give up its meal after an intense pursuit which lasted 10 minutes. These are the amazing organisms existing in this spectacular place, and we have an obligation to protect and conserve them.

Arctic Fox yawn

Not only does the plastic issue impact the marine foodweb, but land are sea are inextricably linked in the Arctic, and so even terrestrial species like this charismatic Arctic Fox are also impacted by the issue.