SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025 OUR COMMITMENT IN ACTION
OUR COMMITMENT TO THE POLAR REGIONS IS A PROMISE TO CONSERVE THE PLANET’S MOST FRAGILE FRONTIERS. Because the future of every coastline, community, and climate system begins at the top and bottom of the world.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Quark Expeditions acknowledges and affirms the Articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and recognizes Indigenous Peoples’ inherent rights and historical territories. We prepared this report in the Toronto, Canada, region, the traditional territory of many Nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat Peoples. This land is covered by Treaty 13, signed with the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the Williams Treaties, signed with multiple Mississaugas and Chippewa First Nations. The Arctic, subarctic, and coastal regions of southern South America that we visit are the traditional homelands of many Indigenous Peoples. These include the Inuit within Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit of Kalaallit Nunaat, and the Yagán and the Selk’nam of present-day Patagonia. These places have complex colonial histories, about which we have much to learn. We offer our gratitude and respect to Indigenous Peoples for their enduring stewardship of these lands and waters, and we honor the ancestors and guardians who continue to protect them. Reconciliation is ongoing, and we are committed to learning from Indigenous communities so our presence supports their lands, cultures, and connections as we work toward a sustainable, equitable, and collaborative future.
Photo: Acacia Johnson
Photo: Michelle Sole
CONTENTS
Land Acknowledgement
1
President’s Message
5
Our Framework: Conservation & Community
6
2025 by the Numbers
8
Conservation: Action Across the Polar Regions
11
Supporting Scientific Research
12
Strengthening Global Forecasting Through Weather Data Supporting Ocean Health with Blue Marine Foundation Our Guests’ Impact: Helping Fund Conservation Projects
14
16
18
Measuring our Greenhouse Gas Footprint
24
Supporting Industry Committees
28
Reducing Waste
30
Community: Connections That Make a Difference
33
Co-created Community-Based Experiences
34
Engaging Meaningfully with Communities
38
Building Strong Relationships Through Industry Associations
40
Our Guests’ Impact: Supporting Communities & Education
42
Our Commitment in Action
44
Photo: Michelle Sole
Photo: Michelle Sole
4 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The polar regions are places where change is part of the natural rhythm, and over more than three decades we’ve seen those patterns shift in noticeable ways. Earlier ice movement, different wildlife behaviors, and evolving local conditions are part of what we observe each season. These long-term observations help explain why our commitment to conservation and community remains so important to our work and why we’ve committed to invest $2.5 million over three years to support partnerships and projects aligned with these priorities. Research deepens our collective understanding of how the polar regions are changing. Advancing polar science requires access to remote regions that are otherwise difficult and costly to reach. We help fund research by providing scientists with access to remote field sites aboard our vessels, while giving guests the opportunity to learn about their work firsthand. In 2025, we provided 10 research berths across 70+ voyage nights, valued at $250,000. • These efforts supported studies ranging from penguin populations to seabird health. • The data collected contributes to long-term baseline datasets that researchers will rely on for years to come.
Long-standing relationships anchor us in the cultural context of the communities we visit. Community partnerships thrive when local people define what they want to share and how they want to share it. Long-term, respectful collaboration creates richer experiences and meaningful benefits for everyone involved. Programs like Tundra to Table succeed because they’re shaped by what our partners at Igapall choose to share about their Inuit food traditions. This partnership has helped bring Greenlandic cuisine to more than 1,000 people worldwide. • Co-creating experiences with partners ensures authenticity for guests while keeping economic benefits within local communities. • Partnership driven approaches strengthen relationships that extend well beyond a single visit. Our commitment to conservation and community isn’t philanthropy—it’s an investment in the long-term health of the places we operate and the people who live there. Without healthy ecosystems and strong communities, there’s nothing meaningful to explore.
SAM SEWARD President, Quark Expeditions
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OUR FRAMEWORK: CONSERVATION & COMMUNITY Introduced in 2024, the Conservation and Community framework reflects our dual purpose: connecting guests to nature through hands-on experiences and education, while creating meaningful value for local partners and communities. It guides our sustainability decisions and communication, ensuring every experience supports environmental stewardship and authentic community engagement, with a focus on actions that matter and lasting outcomes.
Photo: Michelle Sole
6 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
CONSERVATION Delivering Knowledge Through Polar Experts Our polar experts guide guests through hands-on learning about polar ecosystems and the threats they face. Advancing Polar Science Each year, we bring renowned researchers and scientists to remote polar regions to study wildlife and ecosystems—and share their work with guests in real time. Driving Impact Through Conservation Funding Thanks to guest support and onboard auctions, Quark Expeditions backs vital polar conservation efforts through organizations like Blue Marine Foundation and Penguin Watch. Helping Set Standards for Sustainable Polar Tourism We help shape polar travel by serving on committees for the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
COMMUNITY Co-creating with Community Partners
By partnering with local groups, we create authentic experiences—such as Tundra to Table, developed with Igapall, which enables Inuit chefs to share Greenlandic cuisine and culture. Empowering Local Development We champion Arctic communities’ goals for economic development and sustainable tourism through local hiring, infrastructure support, and advance visit planning. Investing Directly in Communities With guest support, we help fund community-led projects—from food banks to cultural and language- based programs.
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Photo: David Merron
2025 BY THE NUMBERS
Contributions by Quark Expeditions and our guests to conservation and community projects via onboard auctions $335,000 Value of berths donated to support polar scientific research $240,000
Organizations funded through the Auction 13 Cruise nights for guest polar scientists 70
Tundra to Table meals served 279
Plastic bottles eliminated by providing reusable water bottles & refilling stations on all vessels 392,000
8 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Percentage of Quark Expeditions’ management comprised of people who identify as female
Percentage of Quark Expeditions workforce who completed the engagement survey
50% Female Workforce
92%
44% Female Managers
43% Female Executives
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Photo: David Merron
10 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
CONSERVATION: ACTION ACROSS THE POLAR REGIONS The polar regions are dynamic environments where ice, wildlife, and weather patterns shift from season to season. These changes shape how we operate and what we observe. For us, understanding these shifts is an important part of learning more about the Arctic and Antarctic. It also enables us to: Support Scientific Knowledge By giving researchers access to remote areas and seasonal data to do their fieldwork, we help expand the information available about wildlife, ice, and ocean conditions. Equip Guests To Learn With Purpose Scientists and guides help guests understand what they are seeing through talks, field demonstrations, and informal conversations. This strengthens scientific literacy and deepens personal understanding of polar environments. Support Long-Term Learning Findings from seasonal research are shared openly, contributing to broader datasets that help track trends across both poles. Transparency strengthens collaboration and supports progress over time. Advance Collaborative Conservation Projects Conservation and research organizations advance knowledge and drive meaningful action. From monitoring seabird populations to supporting ocean health, we support projects with measurable impact.
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SUPPORTING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
PENGUIN CONSERVATION IN ANTARCTICA & SOUTH GEORGIA During the Antarctic 2024/2025 season, Quark Expeditions supported Penguin Watch researchers aboard World Explorer as they serviced their camera network across the Antarctic Peninsula. With Expedition Team support, they maintained over 30 sites, conducted 30+ drone flights for annual population estimates, and installed a new AIS vessel tracker at Portal Point, while replacing aging tripod components to ensure long-term monitoring continuity. More than a decade of data shows gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins are now breeding nearly two weeks earlier—likely due to climate change. Earlier breeding may increase competition, favoring adaptable species like gentoos. Donated berths make this scale of research possible.
Visit PenguinWatch.org
12 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Photo: Michelle Sole
ARCTIC SEABIRD MONITORING In 2025, Quark Expeditions welcomed the High Arctic Gull Research Group aboard Ultramarine to conduct at-sea bird surveys in remote Svalbard. Testing new methods, the team—including Quark Expeditions staff—collected data from previously unsurveyed areas, expanding baseline knowledge of Arctic gulls and other offshore seabirds. Access to Ultramarine enabled researchers to reach rarely traveled waters, broadening spatial coverage and informing future research. The partnership also allowed researchers to share findings with guests, building awareness and support for seabird conservation.
Visit ArcticGull.org
Photo: David Merron
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Ultramarine carries one of the few European Common Automatic Weather Stations operating on an expedition vessel today. Installed on the upper deck, it collects hourly data on temperature, pressure, humidity, wind, and vessel position—helping fill critical gaps in climate and forecasting models across the Polar Regions. STRENGTHENING GLOBAL FORECASTING THROUGH WEATHER DATA
Guests can also contribute manual observations of sea ice, wave height, and atmospheric conditions, adding context while engaging directly with onboard science. In 2025, the station shared over 8,500 observations with the German Weather Service and the World Meteorological Organization. This open-source data supports forecast centers worldwide and powers apps like Windy.
Photos: (left) Steffen Graupner, (right) Michelle Sole
14 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
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SUPPORTING OCEAN HEALTH WITH BLUE MARINE FOUNDATION In 2025, we continued our partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation, a U.K.-based nonprofit restoring ocean health by protecting and regenerating marine life. Alongside other Travelopia brands, we support projects that conserve and revive thousands of hectares of vital marine ecosystems. Blue carbon habitats—mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrass— store significant carbon while protecting coastlines from erosion, storms, and rising seas. Since our partnership began, BMF has restored 76 hectares and is working to protect nearly 19,000 more. Ocean health has no borders. Arctic and Antarctic waters are connected to a global system through currents, carbon cycles, and migrating species. Restoring tropical and temperate ecosystems strengthens polar ocean resilience and the planetary processes that keep them healthy.
16 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Photo: Ben Jones
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OUR GUESTS’ IMPACT: HELPING FUND CONSERVATION PROJECTS When guests bid in our onboard auctions for voyage flags and nautical charts, they help turn our purpose into action by supporting conservation and community organizations. This year, every bid powered initiatives from ecosystem restoration and research to opportunities for local communities
63 Auctions $335,000
Research 12% Community Engagement 13% Education 1%
74% Conservation
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ABOUT SAVING MARION ISLAND’S SEABIRDS Saving Marion Island’s Seabirds aims to restore Marion Island’s ecosystem and safeguard its wildlife through a single, large- scale eradication effort. By removing invasive mice, the initiative will secure the future of seabirds and other species that define this unique sub-Antarctic environment.
Visit MouseFreeMarion.org
SAVING MARION ISLAND’S SEABIRDS: THE MOUSE-FREE MARION PROJECT
Saving Marion Island’s seabirds is a bold, science- driven effort to restore a fragile ecosystem by removing invasive house mice. Introduced in the early 1800s, the mice now prey on seabird chicks—and even adults—putting 19 of 29 species at risk of local extinction within 30 years. A proven solution is in place: GPS-guided helicopters will distribute rodenticide across the island in a one-time operation to eliminate mice and enable seabird recovery.
Funds raised through 2025 guest auctions aboard Quark Expeditions’ voyages supported essential field trials—from tracking tunnels to remote cameras. Combined with AI image analysis, these tools refine baiting strategies and help ensure a safe, effective eradication.
Photo: David Merron
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PENGUIN WATCH / SEABIRD WATCH
SOUTH GEORGIA HERITAGE TRUST In 2025 year, guest auction contributions again supported the work of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands biosecurity dog team. Specially trained detector dogs and handlers inspect vessels and cargo traveling to South Georgia to prevent rodents from reaching the island. After decades of effort, South Georgia is now rodent-free, and maintaining that status is vital for native bird recovery. In 2024/25, the team searched about 50 ships, added two handlers, and overcame challenges, including a temporary dog injury. Auction funds help ensure program continuity and strengthen long-term biosecurity capacity.
For more than 15 years, Quark Expeditions and its guests have helped transform Penguin Watch — and now Seabird Watch — from a single researcher’s project into an international conservation program supported by full time staff and dedicated volunteers. Together, they collect high value data from more than 100 monitoring sites across the Southern Ocean, the Arctic, and beyond. Guest support has been essential in expanding global seabird tracking and enabling the long term, cost effective datasets scientists depend on. In 2025, guest driven funding sustained a key staff role that coordinates field operations and converts research into conservation action. Support also provided cameras, drones, and field gear across the Antarctic Peninsula, while bringing in collaborators using satellite tracking and automated nest analysis to accelerate research and strengthen policy impact.
Visit SGHT.org
UK ANTARCTIC HERITAGE TRUST The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust helps people understand Antarctica through education, research and the care of historic sites linked to early science and exploration. Its work spans eight Historic Sites and Monuments across the Antarctic Peninsula, including the shipwreck of Shackleton’s Endurance . In 2025, guest auction funding supported conservation work at the remote Blaiklock Island Refuge, a historic sledging hut used by early scientists. Accessing and repairing the site required weeks of work by specialist carpenters and an artefact conservator. For a small charity operating in Antarctica, this support directly enables conservation work each season.
Visit PenguinWatch.org and SeaBirdWatch.org
Visit UKAHT.org
Photos: David Merron
20 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
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CENTER FOR THE CONSERVATION OF AUSTRAL
ECOSYSTEMS (ICEA) ICEA is a nonprofit organization in southern Chile advancing ecological research, applied conservation, and community engagement across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial environments. The team leads long-term monitoring, endangered species research, and science-based education while building partnerships that strengthen regional conservation capacity. ICEA also runs the Patagonia Science–Business Linkage Program, training expedition guides to collect environmental data and share conservation messages with guests. Guest auction funds strengthened ICEA’s field capabilities through equipment
that supports long-term monitoring in sensitive coastal ecosystems and
improves underwater data for conservation planning. For a small organization, this support improves safety, increases research capacity, and sustains ongoing ecosystem monitoring.
Visit en.CentroICEA.org
Photo: Nicky Souness
22 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
HIGH ARCTIC GULL RESEARCH GROUP Guest auction funds supported expansion of the High Arctic Gull Research Group at-sea survey program and may assist future aerial surveys in Nunavut. These efforts fill a major knowledge gap on Arctic seabird distribution, as vessels rarely operate in these waters. Funding helps offset the high cost of Arctic fieldwork and enables data collection that directly informs conservation decisions for species and habitats across the circumpolar region.
Visit ArcticGull.org
Photo: Michelle Sole
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MEASURING OUR GREENHOUSE GAS FOOTPRINT Operating in the polar regions means witnessing climate change firsthand—and recognizing that our own emissions matter. Measuring our greenhouse gas footprint is the essential first step toward meaningful reductions. Tracking helps us identify where emissions are highest and where change will have the greatest impact. Since 2019, our data has informed decisions on fuel efficiency investments, route optimization, and technology upgrades. Decarbonizing in the polar regions comes with unique challenges. Our ships travel long distances in remote areas with limited access to alternative fuels, shore power, or supporting infrastructure. Despite these constraints, we remain committed to accurate measurement and data driven action. Establishing a clear baseline allows us to track progress and align decisions with a realistic, science based path to lower emissions. We focus on what we can directly control: our fleet, onboard technologies, and operational practices. Since our 2019 baseline, emissions intensity per passenger has decreased by 20% , driven by fleet improvements, more efficient repositioning voyages, and higher occupancy rates.
In 2025
GHG Emissions per Passenger -30% from 2019 Absolute GHG Emissions -20%
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GHG EMISSIONS BY SCOPE
SCOPE 1 68.1%
Helicopter Fuel, Zodiac Fuel
Ship Fuel
Fuel & Energy
Goods & Services
Business Travel Staff Commuting & WFH Capital Goods, Shipping/Freight, Waste
SCOPE 2 0.03%
Charter Flights
Electricity
Guest Hotels
Onboard Meals
Ground Transfers
SCOPE 3 31.9%
Photo: David Merron
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Photo: Conor Anderson
UNDERSTANDING GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) SCOPES Scopes defined in the Greenhouse Gas Protocol are the basis for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting. We use them to structure our carbon reporting. • Scope 1: Direct emissions from operations. Example: fuel combustion on our ships. • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from energy purchases. Example: electricity for offices. • Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, from supply chain activities to guest travel. Using scopes helps us distinguish between what we control directly and what we can influence through collaboration with suppliers and partners.
Photo: -------------
26 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
METHODOLOGY How We Measure Our Carbon Footprint We measure greenhouse gas emissions using a framework based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the leading international standard for corporate emissions accounting. We report both total emissions and intensity metrics, such as emissions per guest, to track performance over time. What’s Included Our reporting boundary covers: • Quark Expeditions-owned vessels • Chartered ships under our operational management • Direct shore-side operations • Guest charter flights and accommodations arranged by Quark Expeditions Guest travel to expedition departure points is excluded, as it varies widely and is outside our control. How We Calculate Emissions We use direct measurements, estimates, and recognized emissions factors from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the EPA, the IEA, and other established sources. Data sources include: • Onboard fuel monitoring systems and fuel receipts • Office electricity utility records • Business travel booking and expense data • Spend-based estimates for major supply-chain categories Where direct data isn’t available, we apply structured assumptions. Each year, we work to improve data quality and reduce these assumptions. Oversight and Improvement All calculations and methods are reviewed annually by independent carbon specialists. We maintain detailed documentation for key data sources to continually refine and improve accuracy.
WHAT IS MATERIALITY? Some emission sources have far more influence on our footprint than others. Materiality means focusing on the sources that make up the largest share of our emissions and where change will have the greatest impact. For us, marine fuel is the most material source. By concentrating on fuel-related emissions, we can prioritize actions that deliver the most meaningful reductions over time.
Photo: Michelle Sole
NAVIGATING THE PATH TO NET ZERO Reaching net zero requires a plan grounded in the realities of operating in the Polar Regions. We continue refining our climate-aligned decarbonization strategy, focused on vessel efficiency, operational improvements, and emerging low-carbon technologies, while remaining nimble as new solutions become available. This transition will take time, and we are committed to steady, evidence-based progress shaped by what we learn each season.
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SUPPORTING INDUSTRY COMMITTEES Our involvement on IAATO, AECO and CLIA committees positions us at the forefront of setting the expedition industry’s standards. By bringing our field expertise directly into guideline development and sector-wide collaboration, we help drive solutions to the challenges facing polar environments—delivering collective impact that no operator can achieve alone.
Photo: Acacia Johnson
28 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
IAATO CLIMATE CHANGE COMMITTEE In 2025, the IAATO Climate Change Committee advanced climate reporting and supported members in reducing emissions through several key initiatives: • Oversaw fuel data collection and greenhouse gas reporting. • Worked with the IAATO Secretariat to improve the fuel data process and update member resources. • Reviewed the IAATO climate pledge. • Continued collaboration with the Gateway and Marine Committees on potential clean fuel solutions, including hosting a technical webinar for vessel operators. • Updated the Beyond Fuel guidance to help operators reduce emissions through practical, non-fuel measures. • Reviewed the annual climate action survey.
AECO ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
In 2025, the AECO Environmental Stewardship Committee advanced emissions reporting and supported members as environmental regulations continued to evolve: • Advanced development of a standardized fuel data system, including a reporting approach suitable for vessels with varying monitoring capabilities. • Provided regular updates on IMO, EU and local regulatory developments. • Continued exploring shore power and alternative fuel options in key Arctic ports. • Recommended adding underwater noise as a new AECO focus area under the Environment pillar—a proposal later reviewed and approved at the AECO AGM.
Visit AECO.no/Projects/Environment/
Visit IAATO.org/node/21041
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REDUCING WASTE
In 2025, we sharpened our waste prevention efforts by reducing materials at the source and reinforcing responsible practices across our fleet.
Key results included:
Cutting single use plastics through reusable water bottles, refillable cabin amenities and on request items—removing about 5,300 kg of plastic from our supply chain Equipping the entire fleet with Micro Auto Gasification systems to convert combustible materials into inert carbon
Diverting around 1,500 m 3
of waste from landfill through these systems, which remain central to our onboard waste management approach
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GIVING THE QUARK EXPEDITIONS PARKA A SECOND LIFE Here’s how we give returned parkas a meaningful second life—by supporting communities, reducing waste, and extending the impact of every voyage: Thoughtful reuse: When guests choose not to bring their parkas home, we see an opportunity to put well-made gear to good use—always in ways that respect community needs and reduce our environmental footprint. In Pangnirtung: • Our Ultramarine team donated 74 returned parkas directly to community members. • Before delivery, the team confirmed the items were wanted, ensuring the donation was both useful and welcome. In Calgary: • Our ground services team provided several parkas to the Calgary-based Project Warmth Society, an organization dedicated to getting winter clothing to people who need it most. • These donations offer immediate, practical support. Upcycling with purpose: • When donation wasn’t the right fit, we piloted a small upcycling initiative. • Returned parkas were transformed into tote bags for our onboard auction. • This circular approach keeps materials out of the waste stream while raising funds for conservation and community partners.
Photo: Nicolas Singh
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Photo: Sam Edmonds
32 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
COMMUNITY: CONNECTIONS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE Because genuine connections help us explore with purpose—and ensure our impact is thoughtful, respectful, and shared. It also enables us to:
Understand The Regions We Explore Arctic communities are shaped by deep traditions, resilience, and knowledge systems that have sustained life for generations. Engaging with local people helps us understand this context firsthand. Learn From Local Perspectives By building relationships, we learn directly from those who know the land, the climate, and the culture better than anyone. This allows us to share stories with accuracy and respect. Ensure Benefits Flow Both Ways Community connections help shape guest experiences that reflect local priorities while creating practical benefits—economic opportunities, cultural exchange, and stronger partnerships.
Enrich The Guest Journey These interactions offer guests
meaningful insight into daily life in the Arctic and the environmental changes shaping the region’s future. Strengthen Long Term Collaboration From co-created experiences to industry partnerships, every engagement reinforces our commitment to relationships that last far beyond a single voyage.
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CO-CREATED COMMUNITY-BASED EXPERIENCES Authenticity comes from working together. Through close collaboration with local organizations and community members, we shape experiences that honor community traditions and create meaningful connections for guests. Co- creation strengthens cultural exchange, supports local livelihoods, and builds relationships that continue well beyond a single journey.
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN SISIMIUT Introduced in 2024, the Mountain Biking program
blends adventure with community impact. Guests ride a 10 kilometre fat bike trail through Sisimiut’s tundra with Quark Expeditions and local guides. Built in partnership with Greenlandic entrepreneur Klaus Müller, the trail provides lasting community infrastructure. As the program shifts toward local ownership, it models respectful, community led tourism. Expanded to Ocean Explorer in 2027, this often sold out experience reflects long term collaboration.
See the experience here >
34 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Photo: Carlo Lukassen
TASSERMIUT CAMP EXPERIENCE Since 2023, the Greenland Camp Experience has offered an immersive cultural exchange in South Greenland. Delivered with Tasermiut Camp, the program features guided hikes, lake fishing, and meals prepared by a local chef using traditional ingredients. Guests sleep in tents, experiencing the shift from twilight to morning while learning Greenlandic traditions. The experience creates economic opportunities for local partners and deepens cultural understanding. Available on Ultramarine in Arctic 2026 and 2027, it has sold out every year—underscoring demand for authentic, community driven travel.
Photo: Carlo Lukassen
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TUNDRA TO TABLE Introduced in 2023, Tundra to Table brings Inuit food traditions onboard through a dining experience developed with Igapall, a Greenlandic chef collective. The program blends food and storytelling, offering guests insight into local ingredients and the role of food in Inuit culture. Guests share an intimate, multi-course meal with time for conversation, shaped by what Igapall chooses to present— ensuring it reflects local perspectives and priorities. Available onboard Ultramarine during Arctic 2026 and 2027, Tundra to Table creates space for cultural exchange while supporting local partners. It shows how thoughtful collaboration delivers experiences grounded in community knowledge.
Photos: (top) Nicolas Singh, (right) Gajan Balan, (far right) Quark Expeditions
36 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
SHOWCASING TUNDRA TO TABLE IN TORONTO In April 2025, we brought the spirit of the Arctic to Toronto with our Tundra to Table event at the Art Gallery of Ontario. This immersive culinary journey showcased Greenlandic traditions through a five course menu featuring Arctic char, deer loin, and other regional specialties crafted by Chefs Miki and Iben. For partners and media, it offered a genuine sense of our onboard experience—an intimate connection to Arctic culture, story, and flavor that lingers long after the final course. Insight from our Greenlandic chefs here >
MIKI SIEGSTAD is originally from Sisimiut but lives in Greenland’s Capital city, Nuuk. Miki has
been cooking in professional kitchens since he was 16 years old and has experience in fine dining restaurants, cafés, fishing boats, and mine camps.
IBEN LANGE ’s heart is in Inuit food and sharing her culture on
the plate and through story.
With a professional culinary career that began at the age of 17, Iben has gained extensive experience working in restaurants, hotels, catering, and aboard ships.
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ENGAGING MEANINGFULLY WITH COMMUNITIES
PRE-VOYAGE COMMUNITY COMMUNICATIONS Building on last year’s momentum and shaped by community input, we: Refined pre-voyage communications We’ve updated our outreach to Arctic communities with clearer, more intentional information tailored to local needs and priorities. Enhanced support for local artisans Announcements now include specific guidance to help artisans prepare inventory for potential onboard and shoreside sales opportunities. Created pathways for local employment These communications also highlight opportunities for local guides, generating leads for onboard roles and supporting long-term talent development.
38 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER MEALS In 2025, Quark Expeditions participated in AECO’s new Stakeholder Engagement initiative, which invites community leaders onboard to engage in dialogue aimed at strengthening relationships between Arctic communities and our industry. Building on our community meal initiatives and the Tundra to Table program, we continued to create intentional spaces for meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange. • Shared meals with community members in Qikiqtarjuaq and Pangnirtung, an approach local participants consistently say fosters genuine connection and builds trust. • In-depth conversations that informed AECO’s evolving community engagement strategy, underscoring our commitment to open dialogue and mutually beneficial partnerships across the Canadian Arctic.
Photos: (top and far left) Acacia Johnson, (left) Nicolas Singh
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BUILDING STRONG RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS Engaging with industry associations is key to creating positive outcomes for polar communities. Through participation in AECO, Travel Nunavut, and other forums, we work alongside operators and local stakeholders to shape approaches that respect cultural heritage and support community well-being. This collaborative approach delivers benefits that extend beyond our individual efforts.
Photo: Michelle Sole
40 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
AECO COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE Recognizing that some Arctic communities may have reservations based on past experiences, Quark Expeditions is committed to breaking down barriers and building trust through genuine, respectful engagement. Strong community relationships are essential to responsible industry development—and to our long-term success. To support this work, we maintain active repre - sentation on AECO’s Community Engagement Committee and contribute to initiatives such as Made in the Arctic and Cruise Ready . Through these efforts, we help advance community driven, sustainable approaches that benefit both local partners and the broader industry.
Photo: Sam Edmonds
NUNAVUT ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION (NEDA) CONFERENCE In 2025, we joined the Nunavut Economic Developers Association (NEDA) Conference alongside members of AECO’s Community Engagement Committee. Our participation was directly shaped by feedback from the 2024 Stakeholder Cruise, where communities emphasized the importance of deeper, more consistent engagement across the region. Our goals for attending NEDA were to: • Strengthen relationships with community partners • Identify opportunities for meaningful collaboration • Explore ways to increase local value creation Throughout the conference, discussions and networking provided valuable insight into community priorities. These conversations continue to inform how we incorporate local knowledge, perspectives, and participation into our products and operations. A member of the Quark Expeditions team also joined an AECO hosted panel, underscoring our commitment to collaboration, transparency, and responsible expedition travel. Attending NEDA is one of the ways we ensure our community engagement practices remain grounded in ongoing dialogue and partnership.
Visit AECO.no/Projects/Community- Engagement/
Visit NunavutEDA.com
Photo: Sam Edmonds
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OUR GUESTS’ IMPACT: SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES & EDUCATION
ILISAQSIVIK Ilisaqsivik is a community-led organization in Clyde River, Nunavut, dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being of Inuit across all stages of life. Guest auction funds provided flexible operational support—one of the most difficult types of funding for northern organizations to secure. These funds sustain programs ranging from prenatal nutrition and youth activities to land-based learning and Elders programs, while also maintaining facilities and covering essential administrative needs. Flexible funding has an outsized impact for Ilisaqsivik, strengthening the foundation for all programs. Guest contributions directly support year-round community wellness in Clyde River and across Nunavut.
Photo: Acacia Johnson
Visit Ilisaqsivik.ca
42 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Photo: Dr. Sian Leo Proctor
PROCTOR FOUNDATION FOR ARTS AND SCIENCE Dr. Sian Leo Proctor, the godmother of Ultramarine , is the founder of the Proctor Foundation for Art and Science, creating pathways for BIPOC community college students and educators to engage in space science and exploration. Guest auction funds supported scholarships for young people to attend Space Academy, part of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s STEM programs. These scholarships provide hands-on learning in science, engineering, and space exploration—opportunities many would not otherwise access. Donations expand access, inspire future innovators, and strengthen the pipeline of scientists, engineers, and educators—amplifying impact beyond individual scholarships and shaping the future of exploration and discovery.
Visit Proctor.Foundation
Sustainability Report 2025: Our Commitment to Conservation & Community | 43
OUR COMMITMENT IN ACTION
The polar regions are fragile, and our presence carries responsibility. After decades of operating here, we understand how quickly conditions change and the importance of supporting science and community partnerships that help navigate that change. Our commitment shapes how we show up: supporting research, amplifying community voices, and providing guests with meaningful context. This commitment matters to those we work with. Researchers rely on access for data continuity, while communities value operators who listen, adapt, and reflect local priorities—keeping us accountable and aligned with real needs. It matters to our guests because understanding the science, culture, and context of each voyage in the Polar Regions leads to more informed exploration, connecting what they see to the broader changes shaping these environments. Our role is to act with intention, share our progress, and adjust as conditions evolve. This is ongoing work, not a fixed destination. We invite you to be part of what comes next.
44 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Photo: Nicky Souness
2025 Sustainability Report Released April 2026
For more information about sustainability at Quark Expeditions, visit: QUARKEXPEDITIONS.COM/ SUSTAINABILITY or call: TOLL FREE AND LOCAL NUMBERS: North America (Toll Free) 1 888 332 0008 U.K. Tel +44 203 514 2712 U.K. (Toll Free) 0 808 120 2333 Australia Tel +61 280 155 028 Australia (Toll Free) 1 800 812 855 France Tel +33-1 80 14 01 05 France (Toll Free) 08 05 08 66 46 QUARKEXPEDITIONS.COM COMMENTS AND FEEDBACK: If you have any comments or feedback on this report or its contents, please contact our team at: SUSTAINABILITY@ QUARKEXPEDITIONS.COM
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