The Hope Expedition

In Search of Pollution in the Arctic

In June 2023, I embarked on a journey of discovery. Nature, a conservation purpose, and a deeper understanding of myself were the three treasures I found along the way.

On June 21st, 2023, I joined Ocean Missions on an expedition to celebrate the newly recognized Hope Spot of North Iceland. The plan was straightforward: sail to the Arctic from Húsavík, circumnavigate the island of Grímsey, visit the fjords, and sail back. Along the way, we would encounter adventure, untouched landscapes, and a relentless adversary: pollution.

Enduring the winds by Paolo Santoriello

I traveled with 15 strangers and one friend who had recommended the expedition to me. Yet, from the very beginning, we became more than acquaintances. A shared passion for exploration bonded us, and friendships blossomed. These were some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met. Together, we observed the behavior of the largest mammals on Earth and reveled in the pristine, unspoiled beauty of the subarctic wilderness.

But this journey wasn’t just about awe and adventure. Our mission was clear: to assist in microplastic research in the Hope Spot, led by a dedicated PhD researcher, and to remove as much plastic as possible from remote beaches. Sometimes we followed the rigorous OSPAR method; other times, overcome with sadness, we simply gathered every piece of plastic we could find.

Carlota and me retrieving a piece of the scariest monster of the Ocean by Paolo Santoriello

The perfect complement to the adventure was our active involvement in fieldwork and research. Towering cliffs, bustling seabird colonies, and endless marine life filled us with supreme joy. But that joy quickly turned to despair when we retrieved microplastic samples from the water. It was shocking to find such an abundance of these tiny pollutants in one of the most remote regions of the world. When the researcher explained how these plastics harm marine life, our despair deepened into sadness and a profound sense of responsibility.

We used a specialized filtering device, floating it on the surface and trawling at a constant speed of three knots for 30 minutes per sample. The results were deeply concerning.

Sorting out plastics from organic matter by Paolo Santoriello

Sample 1C with over 40 bits of plastics

Nothing captures the spirit of an expedition more than the sense of discovery—even when the discoveries are painful. The ocean is full of plastic, and marine wildlife is suffering because of it. Some creatures even perish due to plastic ingestion. Among the most affected was one of our constant companions on the journey: the fulmar. An ornithologist from Húsavík explained that these graceful seabirds, with their distinctive beaks, cannot regurgitate plastic. If their stomachs become too full, they can no longer feed. Tragically, they may only regurgitate plastic while feeding their chicks, inadvertently teaching them to consume it. The story of the fulmar was heartbreaking, and it’s just one example of how marine life is impacted by plastic pollution.

These sobering truths left us with a profound realization: the beauty of the Arctic, though breathtaking, is overshadowed by the pressing need for action. In this fragile ecosystem, the impact of humanity’s negligence becomes painfully clear.

In just seven days, 16 strangers became a family. We arrived as individuals, but we departed as Arctic explorers, armed with knowledge and unforgettable experiences. We left with a shared purpose: to become Ocean Ambassadors. To share what we witnessed is our duty. Our dreams united us, and as my good friend Bill said, “The world will be a better place because we will make our dreams come true.”

The best team one could dream of by Nele