Monitoring Phytoplankton by Kayak

Kayak with us and collect data on phytoplankton. Phytoplankton
underpins the marine food chain and plays a central role in the Earth’s
biogeochemical cycles and climate. Kayaking with us is the perfect way to collect this data. Take
a closer look at Norwegian summer islands & coastline as you kayak
through arctic waters. This ethical kayaking activity brings travellers
into the summer sea-scape. Explore the famous south Senja Bay of
Islands. Experience the best heart-stopping views of Norwegian fjords,
islands and mountains. During your adventure activity along the northern
Norwegian coastline we'll find the best place to enjoy your home-made
meal. Relax and keep a look out for reindeer on the white sand beaches,
eagles circling above, ptarmigans, and other wildlife. Don't forget to
look down into the water where you'll be able to see down to the sea
floor. The water is crystal clear, offering an unforgettable kayaking
experience. This summer kayaking tour activity is the best way to
explore the coast of northern Norway. After enjoying a light home-made
lunch and our famous hot chocolate on a secluded beach, we'll paddle
back to Senja. 

By participating in our project, your holiday
in Northern Norway will contribute to important science on many
different fronts & you will be leaving a positive impact behind on
local ecosystems & the local community. 

Why is this project so important?

Marine
phytoplankton accounts for approximately 50% of all photosynthesis on
Earth, it underpins the marine food chain and plays a central role in
the Earth’s biogeochemical cycles and climate. In situ measurements of
ocean transparency can be used to estimate phytoplankton biomass.
However, the scale and challenging conditions of the ocean make it a
difficult environment for in situ studies. Citizen scientists using a
simple white Secchi Disk can collect ocean transparency data to
complement formal scientific efforts using similar equipment. Citizen
scientist data can therefore help understand current climate-driven
changes in phytoplankton biomass at a global scale. 

Wandering
Owl & Wild Lab Projects support the Secchi Disk project, a global
citizen science initiative, and maintains contact with Dr. Richard
Kirby, the scientist who started and leads the Secchi disk project.
Wandering Owl provides the logistics by organizing and leading the trips
to the sampling sites at sea, assists the participants to maximize
quality data, and keep the participants updated about the outcome of the
Secchi disk project.  

The data collected throughout the project will be used by our research partners in their ongoing study of phytoplankton.

What will you experience?

- Contribute to solving the data collection problem - that the ocean is immense & there are not enough helpers! 

- Have fun in a small group of like minded people; meet and spend time with people who have similar interests 

- Spend time in & experience nature while you explore the Norwegian wilderness​ by kayak

- Learn new skills​ 

- Participate in a meaningful action, get a sense of purpose and achievement​ 

- Take part in a research project and become a citizen scientist 

- Learn about the Secchi Disk method

What are the goals of the project?

- Increase awareness among the participants and generate interest in phytoplankton

- Offer travellers alternatives that benefit science & nature conservation​ 

- Generate more data & knowledge to help solve the monitoring challenges

- Encourage the participants to continue monitoring phytoplankton through the Secchi Disk project in their home countries

- Promote networking & join existing forces  

What's the project plan?

This
project takes place on a kayaking activity and runs for four hours.
During your citizen science activity we'll kayak together along the
northern Norwegian coastline to find the best place to take
phytoplankton samples. After we have collected the samples, we'll paddle
onto a small island to enjoy your home-made meal and to give you a
small talk on phytoplankton - the role it plays in our local ecosystems
and why the data you have collected is so important. On this tour you
can relax and keep a look out for reindeer on the white sand beaches,
eagles circling above, ptarmigans, otters and other wildlife. Don't
forget to look down into the water where you'll often be able to see
down to the sea floor. The water is crystal clear, offering an
unforgettable kayaking experience. This citizen science kayaking
activity is the best way to explore the coast of northern Norway and to
contribute to the global monitoring of phytoplankton. After enjoying our
famous home-made vegan & gluten free hot chocolate, we'll paddle
back to Stonglandseidet, Senja. 

Details about this project

Season: spring, summer, & autumn
Duration:  3 hours
Group size: 2 - 5 adults (one of the kayaks is a double kayak)
Minimum age: 13
years old (please assess your teenager's interest for this activity, as
all participants are required to contribute for the entirety of the
project)
Meeting time: 10:45 in front of Senja Roasters, Stonglandseidet
Departure: 11:00 
Inclusions: All kayaking equipment needed, drysuit, a light lunch, hot chocolate and photos of the project in web-sized resolution. 

Safety considerations: This
project involves kayaking, being in/on cold water, handling equipment
that might be sharp or have contaminants, handling tools, and carrying
equipment on challenging terrain. The conditions and terrain may be wet,
icy, slippery, uneven, muddy, snowy, sandy or otherwise. The
temperatures may be hot or cold and will likely be windy & rainy at
times so please ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing under your
drysuit. Ask us for information & clarification about what is
considered appropriate so we can ensure you are properly prepared.

Important information you need to know before booking: This
activity is not a private activity. Because this project is focused on
giving a positive impact on the local community, our chosen kayaks, meal
ingredients and equipment has been specifically selected because it
meets our needs and doesn't unnecessarily increase our impact.