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Citizen Science

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  Photo by Peter Barrett
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  Photo by David McMaster
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  Photo by David McMaster
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  Photo by Cam Byrnes
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  Whale ID by Flip Nicklin
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  Photo by Cam Byrnes
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  Photo by Libby Sterling
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  Photo by Jeremy Gieser
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  Photo by Libby Sterling
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  Photo by George Boe
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  Photo by Cam Byrnes
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  Photo by Cam Byrnes
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  Photo by Flip Nicklin
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  Photo by Brandon Droeger
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  Photo by Liz Stahl
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  Photo by Brandon Droeger
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  Photo by Brandon Droeger
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  Photo by Jeremy Gieser
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  Photo by Bob Janes
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  Plankton Photo by Liz Stahl
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  Plankton Photo by Liz Stahl
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  Photo by John Schnell
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  Photo by Flip Nicklin
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  Photo by Cam Byrnes

 

Guide lines

Bob Janes

We conceived this adventure tour because of our desire to increase the appreciation of science on our daily lives. Through activities such as this, we can all contribute directly to the betterment of the environment in a measurable way. As such, we continue to see and learn more each day and we hope you will too.

Get more from your cruise and tour experience. You will play a significant role in providing ongoing documentation and data collection as a part of an ongoing 'citizen science' program. Hands on experiences include collecting water samples, trawling for plankton, identifying whales, and recording marine mammal observations. Your completed observational data-logging will improve scientists` understanding of the local food chain and other environmental variables that affect local marine wildlife populations.

Your trip begins with a citizen science project debriefing from your trip leader en route to the Mendenhall Glacier. Here you will witness the recession of the world's most visited glacier. In the wake of the glacier's retreat, the Steep Creek drainage has blossomed with life. This small stream supports two species of Pacific salmon and in turn provides sustenance for area bears and wildlife. Water quality testing and plant phenophase observations help us understand how the area is impacted by human activity and a changing climate.

Next a short drive brings you to a quaint harbor where you will board a safari vessel on your quest for gathering scientific research & wildlife observations. Our custom built watercraft provides a comfortable cabin, a low to the water vantage and an open bow perfect for wildlife observations. Your group will also perform a plankton pull to see what the smallest plants and animals in the oceans look like. Learn how these phytoplankton or zooplankton support the ecosystem as a whole. As a citizen science observer, you will attempt to track and record the behaviors pertaining to various marine mammals including humpback whales. The time spent on the water will not only provide an opportunity for scientific discovery, but natural interpretation will also be provided by your trip leader. In addition to an amazing tour experience, you will also have the satisfaction of knowing your efforts made a contribution towards safeguarding and deepening our understanding of the delicate marine environment of Southeast Alaska.