Founded in 2017, the California Ocean Alliance (COA) brings together some of the world's leading scientists, educators, and conservationists to help build a better and more detailed understanding of whales. Through local engagement and action, the team is able to conduct a wide variety of research projects into many aspects of whale behavior and biology. By pooling resources and contacts, the alliance is able to build a holistic approach to whale conservation along the coast of the United States and around the world.

There are three main areas of focus for the California Ocean Alliance:

Research | Working alongside various partners and organizations around the world, the COA conducts pioneering and cutting-edge research into marine mammals. The team collects a variety of data from aerial biometric scans and biopsies to audio recordings and blubber samples. All these insights help to improve understanding of the impact of human activity and climate change on whale populations.

Conservation | To ensure that marine mammals and our blue planet continue to thrive, the team at COA wants to put its research into positive action. Data captured around the world is used to inform and influence marine conservation and efficient management policies to ensure that future marine life can thrive. Working with all stakeholders, from community leaders through to international NGOs and policymakers, the team is implementing new approaches to safeguard the health of our oceans.

Education | COA also plans to look ahead and around California and work closely to inspire the next generation of scientists and ocean lovers through hands-on research and educational experiences. It is anticipated that opportunities like internships, workshops, and field studies will help educate future generations about the importance of our oceans and the ongoing efforts to protect our marine life.

The California Ocean Alliance is one of the organizations involved with our scientific partnership and collaboration program, which utilizes our Expedition ships to aid research and data capture. As part of their expedition to Antarctica in February 2019, the team was looking to gain a better understanding of the effects that ship/boat noise levels have on communication between marine mammals. While on board, they were able to collect biopsy samples and conduct body condition surveys using aerial drones launched from our small expedition boats.

Following the success of the initial pilot research mission, the California Ocean Alliance joined MS Roald Amundsen again in early 2022. The team was able to collect over 25 hours of acoustic recordings. Thirty-five morphometric body measurements were conducted using areal drones, and 11 biopsy samples were collected. In 2023, the COA joined six more voyages, this time with both MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. All this data will be used to help further develop our understanding of these beautiful animals.

The California Ocean Alliance (COA) and HX Hurtigruten Expeditions are excited and proud to announce a partnership to study, conserve, and protect whales in Antarctica. This shared vision will provide educational and scientific opportunities that will help to conserve the unique Antarctic ecosystem and the animals that call this wilderness home.

COA scientists will join trips on MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen to collect acoustic data in order to better understand ambient noise conditions, the myriad sounds that marine animals make, and the influence of human presence on the soundscape. The team will also collect skin and blubber biopsy samples from whales to evaluate individual animal health, population growth rates, and stress levels.

Working alongside the Expedition Team, COA scientists will provide unique educational opportunities for passengers through lectures, demonstrations, and real-time analysis of scientific data.