After overwhelming success, this will be the second year that we celebrate our newly declared Hope Spot in style with an unforgettable and unique expedition. Did you miss out on coming last year? This is your new opportunity. Don’t hesitate! Come with us and discover this place so wonderful it has been pointed out by Sylvia Earle and her organization Mission Blue as one of the places in the world that MUST be protected at all costs, becoming the First Hope Spot in Iceland: the Northeast Iceland Hope Spot.
Our mission with this expedition is to gather valuable information about the status of the marine ecosystems and its wildlife in order to provide scientific proof of the importance of these fragile marine ecosystems and the need of implementing marine protected areas.
What are Hope Spots?
According to Mission Blue, Hope Spots are ecologically unique areas of the ocean designated for protection because of their critical biological importance / biodiversity values! The ultimate goal of Mission Blue is to help local communities to emphasize important marine areas from a biodiversity point of view in order to achieve the protection of at least 30% of the oceans by 2030. The movement refers to efforts by the global community to conserve 30% of terrestrial and marine habitat by 2030.
Take a deep breath and immerse yourself into a full mind-blowing experience in wild Iceland. Hold fast and sail Schooner Opal into some of the most unexplored and remote landscapes in the North of Iceland, like hidden wild spots or the edge of the Arctic on Grímsey Island. This route is of special interest due to its high biodiversity and wildlife at this time of the year, including some of the biggest seabird colonies in the world, different species of seals, dolphins and whales.
STAY WILD!
Join us on this unique experience to celebrate together the declaration of the Northeast Iceland Hope Spot!
SAIL THE UNIQUE HOPE SPOT AREA!
SAILING PROGRAM
Join our scientists, photographers and experts on the mission to explore the valuable marine and coastal habitats of the Hope Spot Area to gather critical scientific data to justify the importance of protecting these waters.
Possible destinations: Siglufjörður, Eyjafjörður- Grímsey- Skjálfandi Bay, Mánáreyjar Islands, Lundey… and other abandoned fjords and hidden places.
Aim: We will focus on the Hope Spot area. We will explore the natural wonders and gather valuable scientific information to argue the value of this natural habitat.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Wildlife
Wild islands with thriving bird life, remote beaches, breathtaking mountains, dramatic landscapes and crossing the Arctic Circle…Incredible bird colonies (Atlantic puffins, Northern gannets, guillemots, arctic terns…), big whales (humpback whales, minke whales, perhaps blue whales? ) and hands on experience of traditional sailing!
Science
We will study birds, whales, plastic pollution, plankton and eDNA samplings.
Sail with a purpose
Be part of a short documentary film and raise your voice for ocean protection. Navigate the waters inside and become more aware of yourself and what surrounds you with her amazing self-discovering program. Be part of this exciting wave of change that we have created! All voices matter.
ON SHORE PROGRAM (BASED IN HÚSAVIK)
For three full days you will be immersed in the heart and home of the Ocean Missions team. We‘ll introduce you to our lovely whale community, and our lovely harbour and facilities. Opal will still be your home and we are preparing a meaningful program for you to learn everything you need to become an Ocean ambassador.
Location: Húsavík, our home town!
Húsavík, the so-called “Whale Town” of Iceland is a small, charming fishing town with 2500 inhabitants in the Northeast of Iceland. It is one of the best destinations worldwide to see whales in the immensely biodiverse Skjálfandi Bay.
