Cruising sailors, particularly those who cross oceans and explore the world’s more remote areas, are uniquely qualified to aid in on-going marine science research while marine scientists often struggle to gather data in remote areas.
Now, there is a new non-profit volunteer organization that can bring these two worlds together. Called Science Afloat, the founders have set up a website where cruisers and scientist can collaborate.
Cruisers register on the site and fill in relevant information on their nationality, boat size and type and the routes they plan to take in the months and years ahead. Scientists post their projects on the site and both parties are notified when a cruiser’s sailing plans overlap with a scientist’s need for data in those areas.
Science Afloat can provide cruisers with specific one-off scientific projects or enroll them in years-long global research projects that will contribute to a deeper understanding of our oceans, currents and phenomena such as the monster El Nino we’re experiencing this year.
For cruising families, participating in a Science Afloat project is a marvelous way to teach children marine science by doing valuable, real-world research.
