December 2023
A look back at the Antarctic Expedition 2023: A Commitment to Protecting the Poles
SEDNA helped organize the expedition Antarctica 2023: A Crossing Into Commitment, which ran from December 28, 2023 to January 8, 2024 aboard the Commandant Charcot. This unique adventure, led alongside H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, took passengers to the heart of the Weddell Sea, a key region in the debate over the creation of a new Marine Protected Area.
SEDNA coordinated the expedition's itinerary, as well as its scientific aspects, in partnership with international researchers. Passengers were able to immerse themselves in the wild beauty of Antarctica, while actively participating in fieldwork. These immersive activities enabled them not only to better understand the importance of preserving this fragile continent, but also to lend a hand to the scientists in their research.
One of the highlights of this expedition was the MARE program, led by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and supported by a consortium of international laboratories. The aim of this program was to monitor the health of Antarctic marine ecosystems, using the emperor penguin as a sentinel species. Research focused on three main areas:
Passengers were able to attend scientific lectures and participate in hands-on workshops that raised their awareness of critical environmental issues. In collaboration with researchers, they contributed to the collection of crucial data on emperor penguin colonies and marine biodiversity, reinforcing conservation efforts in the Southern Ocean.
The results obtained during this expedition, notably through the MARE program, will be used to inform and consolidate conservation strategies for polar ecosystems, with a focus on the creation of new Marine Protected Areas, thus ensuring better protection of key Antarctic regions.
As well as being a scientific success, the expedition also enabled participants to experience total immersion in research, reinforcing the link between science and exploration.