the fridtjof nansen�*s operators, hx expeditions, are keen to highlight efforts to protect the local in part by things like the ship's hybrid electric propulsion system. they claim it uses less fuel. but back on deck, our ship isn't alone in these waters. i've noticed other cruise vessels. here in deception island, in the bay, we can see quite a few other cruise ships, quite large vessels. and when we think about sustainability, climate change, issues around the environment, does it make sense to have so many of us — so many human beings — in this region? are we part of the problem? the antarctic environment is massively important to the whole world. this vast continent covered in ice helps keep the planet cool, reflecting the sun's rays away from the earth's surface. sea ice that forms in winter and then slowly melts helps regulate heat and drive currents that affect the rest of the world. studying the environment here is vital to get a clear picture of the effect of climate change on the region. to find out more, i caught up with some of the passengers taking part in a citizen scie

onboard ourship, the fridtjof nansen, there's a complement of independent scientists.y're getting the opportunity to perform genuine research in antarctic waters. 0k, blakey? 0k, green light from down here. today, i'm heading out with arianna torello and blake marin from the university of california, santa cruz. they're on board studying whales — equipped with some unusual kit. blake, what are you guys going to be doing out on the boat today? so we're heading out to collect some data on whales. we've got a drone we're going to be using to measure their body condition. uh-huh. and then we've also got a crossbow up here, which we're going to be using to collect some skin and blubber — some remote biopsy samples from them. we'll catch you out on the water. thank you. we'll see you. we'll see you in a bit. it isn't long before blake's drone spots its first signs of whales spouting air. coming up. 0h, there's a calf. because blake and arianna are going to be using a crossbow and a drone, we're riding parallel to them on a separate boat. we're going to have to keep a distanc

here it is — the ms fridtjof nansen. about 400 passengers from all over the world, some who've been saving for years to come on this ten—day expedition. tannoy: very good evening, ladies and gentlemen. - welcome aboard fridtjof nansen on this cruise down to antarctica. we are all aboard and are ready to leave ushuaia injust a few minutes' time. shouting over tannoy all lines... we will have argentina then on our port left—hand side and chile on our right—hand starboard side. here we go. let's get up to my room. wait for the lift. oh, it's a lot larger than i was expecting. pool, deck, bar. 0utdoor gym, indoor gym. a wellness centre. here we go. this is what we have for the next ten days. let's see what we've got. here we are. that's certainly a room with a view. and if i want the cabin to be instantly freezing cold, all i have to do is open the balcony door and it turns into a big fridge. great. i've come here to understand more about antarctica, and i'm curious to hear from my fellow passengers. hi, guys! lena and natas

onboard ourship, the fridtjof nansen, there's a complement of independent scientists.usual kit. blake, what are you guys going to be doing out on the boat today? so we're heading out to collect some data on whales. we've got a drone we're going to be using to measure their body condition. uh-huh. and then we've also got a crossbow up here, which we're going to be using to collect some skin and blubber — some remote biopsy samples from them. we'll catch you out on the water. thank you. we'll see you. we'll see you in a bit. it isn't long before blake's drone spots its first signs of whales spouting air. coming up. oh, there's a calf. because blake and arianna are going to be using a crossbow and a drone, we're riding parallel to them on a separate boat. we're going to have to keep a distance of about 100 or so metres when they spot a whale, just to ensure that we don't agitate the animal and they keep it as calm as possible. yeah, i can see one over there. they're going to be really careful not to injure the whales. they don't shoot anywhere near the animal's head, arou