Seabird Watch: Data-Driven Conservation
Ittoqortoormiit Museum: Honoring Inuit Cultural Traditions At Quark Expeditions, we navigate the world’s Polar Regions with a deep respect for local communities and their cultural traditions. As we reflect on our journey, we are proud to support the community of Ittoqqortoormiit as they embark on the refurbishment of their local museum. Set against the stunning fjords of Scoresbysund, Ittoqqortoormiit boasts a wealth of history and tradition that date back to ancient times. The museum, established by Ejnar Mikkelsen in 1924, is a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and discovery that defines this remote Arctic community. Through immersive storytelling and modernized exhibitions, the refurbished museum will serve as a beacon of inspiration and knowledge for future generations. It will be a place where local kindergarten students and public school children can explore their roots, connect with their ancestors, and envision a future deeply rooted in their cultural identity. Working with the community of Ittoqqortoormiit reflects our belief in the power of collaboration and community engagement. Together, we honor the past, celebrate the present, and pave the way for a sustainable future—one that respects and preserves the unique heritage of the Polar Regions we are privileged to explore.
Seabird Watch was born out of the success of Penguin Watch – to determine if the success from the Antarctic could be replicated for the flying seabirds of the Palearctic. It took a couple of years to get it right, but now Seabird Watch boasts a comprehensive monitoring network of researchers covering kittiwakes, guillemots, gannets, and terns. They have helped start the Gannet network to coordinate the monitoring of seabirds most affected by avian flu. Monitoring is vital for identifying long-term trends. Establishing baseline data is equally critical when threats such as avian flu struck northern Europe. Outreach and education for seabird conservation are top priorities for Seabird Watch. Their new zoom cameras can monitor seabird cliffs from as far away as 100 meters and are seeing some success, with five sites around Svalbard now equipped with cameras. While in the Arctic, their teams use drones to survey cliffs, which necessitates more caution because of the risk of polar bears, but the efforts are paying off. Two PhD students are currently analyzing the data and analyzing the changes in breeding periods and reproductive success. Funds from Quark Expeditions’ onboard auctions continue to support members’ travel to the Arctic, and the new timelapse cameras for Seabird Watch, as well as our partners in Iceland, Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenland), the Faroe Islands and Canada.
To learn more about Seabird Watch, visit SeabirdWatch.org.
WATCH: Visiting Arctic Communities with Quark Expeditions
36 | For more information, contact Quark Expeditions at Sustainability@QuarkExpeditions.com
Polar Promise 2023 |
37
Powered by FlippingBook