Welcome to E.A.R.
The Expedition Audacity Research Foundation
In the wake of sweeping federal cuts to scientific and exploratory funding, Expedition Audacity—the flagship initiative of the E.A.R. Foundation—is entering a new chapter. Like any seasoned crew facing rough waters, we’ve adjusted our sails.
While we’ve had to scale back our 2025 flagship expedition and streamline vessel operations, our commitment to bold exploration, ethical research, and environmental justice remains unwavering.
This year, we are leaning in where it matters most.
Our focus shifts to critical frontline work:
– Educational outreach that ignites the next generation.
– Indigenous-led cultural and anthropological studies that protect heritage and empower communities.
– Environmental and social justice initiatives that amplify unheard voices and hold power to account.
These programs carry forward the spirit of Expedition Audacity in a new, agile form—centered not just on discovering new worlds, but on listening to the ones already under threat. Our documentary teams continue capturing the human stories behind the science, ensuring the world bears witness to what too many choose to ignore.
While our advanced genetics and next-generation marine research initiatives require deeper funding and remain on temporary hold, the mission is far from over. Whether through renewed public support or visionary private partnerships, we’re preparing to bring back the full power of Expedition Audacity when the tide turns.
And yes—we’ll still be on the water in 2025. Just leaner, faster, and laser-focused.
Meanwhile, the broader E.A.R. network continues to support a vibrant constellation of conservation, research, and justice-driven projects around the world. From whistleblower protection to field science, our work endures.
If you’ve ever considered supporting grassroots-led environmental change—now is the moment. Your support keeps us sailing, investigating, documenting, and defending.
Because exploration doesn’t end when the budget tightens.
It adapts. It resists. It listens.
And it carries on with courage, creativity, and community.
Join us. Support the mission. Ride the wave.
We’re still here.
And we’re not going anywhere.
Whether you’re a longtime backer or a new friend, here’s how
Your support fuels our mission.
- Spread the Word: Share our story with friends, colleagues, and anyone who cares about our oceans.
- Partner With Us: Let’s collaborate on innovative conservation projects.
- Donate: Every contribution powers our research, vessel operations, and conservation impact.
Goals
Provide a platform for scientists, educators, and film-makers from under-represented ocean science communities to study and document our changing environment.
Provide a platform for scientists, educators, and film-makers from under-represented ocean science communities to study and document our changing environment.
Provide a platform for scientists, educators, and film-makers from under-represented ocean science communities to study and document our changing environment.
Spearhead the advancement of conservation tools to better understand and protect marine ecosystems globally.
Provide a platform for scientists, educators, and film-makers from under-represented ocean science communities to study and document our changing environment.
Provide a platform for scientists, educators, and film-makers from under-represented ocean science communities to study and document our changing environment.
Connect a global student community with the wonders of our oceans through innovative STEAM+ and 3D/Virtual Reality curriculum.
Provide a platform for scientists, educators, and film-makers from under-represented ocean science communities to study and document our changing environment.
Connect a global student community with the wonders of our oceans through innovative STEAM+ and 3D/Virtual Reality curriculum.
Achieve a carbon-conscious circumnavigation of the globe through primarily sail-powered means.
Provide a platform for scientists, educators, and film-makers from under-represented ocean science communities to study and document our changing environment.
Connect a global student community with the wonders of our oceans through innovative STEAM+ and 3D/Virtual Reality curriculum.
Ocean Odyssey: Exploring Hope Spots with Sylvia Earle
Expedition Audacity is honored to collaborate with renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle and Mission Blue in a groundbreaking marine research initiative. This mission focuses on surveying Hope Spots around the world, starting with Greece and expanding to all designated Hope Spots during a global circumnavigation.
Using advanced environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) analysis, the team will collect genetic material from marine organisms to gain valuable insights into species distribution and ecosystem health. Equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including sidescan sonar systems and acoustic echosounders, the research aims to comprehensively study biodiversity within these vital marine areas.
This collaboration underscores a collective commitment to marine conservation, offering new opportunities to protect and restore critical marine ecosystems across the globe. Together, Expedition Audacity and Mission Blue continue to champion ocean preservation, fostering a deeper understanding of the ocean’s vital role in sustaining life on Earth.
eRNA & eDNA Survey
Pioneering Ocean Conservation with Revolutionary Science
As our oceans face growing environmental challenges, Expedition Audacity is taking action to protect marine life. In collaboration with EQO, this pioneering mission leverages cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) technologies to reveal the hidden stories of ocean ecosystems—without disrupting them.
From the warm Mediterranean to the icy waters of Baffin Bay, the expedition collects massive water samples, revealing everything from elusive species to signs of environmental stress. With dynamic, near real-time insights, it’s redefining marine conservation and creating the tools we need to safeguard the blue heart of our planet.
Expedition Audacity is more than a research mission—it’s a call to action for ocean conservation. By blending revolutionary science with the spirit of exploration, this project empowers us to better understand, protect, and restore the blue heart of our planet. With every water sample collected, every discovery made, and every partnership formed, Expedition Audacity brings us closer to a future where marine ecosystems thrive despite environmental challenges.
Curious to learn more about this transformative mission?
Core Programs
About E.A.R
The Expedition Audacity Research Foundation (E.A.R.) is a nonprofit hub for bold conservation initiatives that blend ethical exploration, environmental justice, and powerful storytelling. From documenting ecological change in overlooked regions to exposing environmental crimes and amplifying frontline voices, E.A.R. supports a rising tide of mission-driven projects.
United by principle and purpose, our initiatives don’t just observe the world—they engage with it.
They challenge the status quo and push toward a more just, inclusive, and regenerative future.
This is E.A.R.
Listen. Act. Transform.
Educational Outreach
The Education & Outreach (E&O) team of Expedition Audacity is driven by three core goals: to share, collaborate, and document the expedition's scientific, cultural, and nautical explorations. Central to this mission is the creation of a full STEAM+ (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, and more) curriculum, designed to reach students globally.
The E&O team will engage in active collaboration with local communities, onboard experts, and select classrooms, fostering equitable education spaces that elevate diverse voices and share knowledge in a responsible and inclusive manner. These efforts will help build lifelong learning resources, contributing to the expedition’s educational mission.
Expedition Luminescence redefines the way expeditions engage student populations by creating a deeper connection with primary source content. This offers students a unique chance to explore the dynamic world of science and marine conservation, nurturing the next generation of curious and engaged explorers.
Documentary Film
Our documentary film crew is dedicated to capturing the compelling story of life in the world's most remote regions. Through stunning visuals and insightful narratives, we will explore the wonders of marine ecosystems, highlighting the rich biodiversity and the striking impacts of global warming. We will also dive deep into the cultural vibrancy of Inuit communities, showcasing their traditions and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Additionally, our focus will encompass life aboard the research vessel, where we will detail the rigorous scientific research initiatives and highlight interactions with local populations. The film will also bring the audience underwater, featuring awe-inspiring footage of marine life captured through advanced SCUBA and remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology, offering an unprecedented look at the mysteries of the ocean’s depths.
Exploring Horizons: 3D/VR Curriculum for Kids
In collaboration with Stanford Chariot Program at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children, and St. Jude's Children’s Hospital, our film crew is spearheading the development of a groundbreaking 3D/Virtual Reality curriculum. This initiative is specifically designed for children in acute care facilities, offering them a unique and immersive way to experience the outdoors—something they might never have the opportunity to encounter in person.
The program will transport children to some of the planet’s most majestic and remote locations, both above and below water, directly into their learning environments. By utilizing virtual reality, the curriculum not only aims to educate but also inspire and ignite curiosity about the natural world. It provides an opportunity for young explorers of all backgrounds to engage with and appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Earth, fostering a deep connection with the environment. This innovative approach offers children a chance to experience the wonders of our planet, no matter their physical limitations, potentially sparking a passion for exploration and discovery.
Subsea Program
A cutting-edge Technology and Robotics team, led by esteemed Explorers Club member Colin Bettis, will be instrumental in supporting both the Science Crew and the Documentary Production Crew. Utilizing the latest in technological advancements, the team will deploy state-of-the-art deep-water Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), capable of exploring ocean depths of up to 1000 meters, including the elusive Twilight Zone.
The Twilight Zone, a deep-sea region defined by near-constant temperatures around 4 °C (39 °F) and a salinity of 33-35 g/kg, remains one of the most enigmatic areas of the ocean. Its pitch-black environment, devoid of sunlight and characterized by sparse bioluminescence, presents significant challenges. The ROVs will be equipped with high-resolution 4K cameras and specialized tools to navigate and capture vital data in this harsh environment. This dual-purpose technology not only supports the scientific community by collecting invaluable data but also enhances the documentary team's ability to capture high-quality visuals of these hidden oceanic realms.
This integration of advanced technology and robotics highlights the expedition's dedication to pushing the frontiers of both oceanic exploration and visual storytelling. Through these efforts, the team aims to unlock new insights into the depths of the ocean while offering the public a glimpse into one of Earth’s most mysterious and untouched ecosystems.
Sustainability
Our expedition is built on a strong commitment to sustainability, shaping everything from our vessel choice to the products we use. To learn more about our sustainability initiatives, please visit our dedicated page linked below.
Make-A-Wish
In partnership with Make-A-Wish Canada and Dr. Martin Nweeia, Expedition Audacity is deeply honored to fulfill a unique wish for a deserving child and their family. As part of this extraordinary experience, we will invite them to join us aboard our ship for a remarkable journey through the pristine wilderness of the North West Passage. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity will include a close encounter with narwhals, one of the Arctic's most enigmatic and majestic creatures. Our team is committed to making this experience unforgettable, blending adventure with the joy of granting a child's dream.
V.I.P. Discovery Program
In a world where headlines often focus on entertainment over environmental challenges, we’ve developed a powerful way to share the facts. Our strategy brings influential voices—from social media, music, film, and sports—onboard for a firsthand experience of our mission.
By immersing themselves in the work, they witness the challenges facing our planet up close. This authentic engagement turns them into powerful storytellers, helping to create a more informed and impactful conversation about ocean conservation. Together, we can inspire action and drive real change.
Research On-Demand Program
Expedition Audacity’s Research On-Demand program offers flexible, tailored solutions for partners in need of specialized data collection and environmental monitoring. Whether you're conducting biodiversity assessments, tracking pollution levels, or studying marine ecosystems, our program provides customized research services that are designed to meet your specific needs. With our wind-powered vessel and cutting-edge technology, we can gather data in some of the most remote and hard-to-reach environments, minimizing the environmental impact of traditional research methods.
Our crew is equipped to carry out a wide range of scientific studies, from eDNA and eRNA sampling to deep-water research, sensor deployment, and oceanographic monitoring. We offer the ability to deploy your equipment or run your systems aboard the vessel, ensuring that you receive the highest-quality data during our expeditions. Whether you need short-term project support or long-term collection, Expedition Audacity’s Research On-Demand program provides the flexibility and expertise necessary to advance your research goals and contribute valuable insights to global environmental efforts.