Registered Canadian & U.K. charity & U.S. 501(c)(3).
Status: Active planning and deployment
Timeline: May–December 2026 (recurring on a 3–5 year cycle)
The Pan-Northern Passage is a coast-to-coast sailing expedition tracing the northern shoreline via the Northwest Passage.
Delivered through the Northern Coastal Observatory, the programme examines changes in ice conditions, marine ecosystems, and coastal use across northern waters.
Focus areas include ecosystem dynamics, sea ice patterns, marine mammal habitat use, and community-based monitoring. Work along the route includes collaboration with Indigenous partners, including activity near Churchill, Manitoba.
Purpose
To support repeatable baseline observation across the northern coastline.
Learn more about The Pan-Northern Passage
Status: In development, capability build underway
The Seafloor Mapping Initiative is being developed to expand Expedition Audacity’s acoustic survey capability across coastal, shelf, and offshore environments where long-term seabed data remains limited.
Current activities include:
- system architecture and vendor evaluation
- vessel integration and mounting design
- survey workflow and data pipeline planning
- deck handling and tow configuration development
- funding pathway development and phased procurement planning
Planned expansion includes:
- compact multibeam bathymetry
- side scan sonar imaging
- CHIRP sub-bottom profiling
- survey-grade positioning and motion reference systems
- progression to sea trials and field validation
This programme is being structured to support consistent, repeatable seafloor observation aligned with expedition operations.
Only about 5% of the oceans is unexplored. This is the same proportion, if we explored 5% of land surface
Status: Partially operational, expanding capacity
This programme integrates scientific diving and remotely operated systems to support subsea research, inspection, and documentation across a range of marine environments.
Field Surveys
We conduct subsea surveys in conditions aligned with expedition capabilities, supporting both ecological observation and applied research.
Current activities include:
• Shallow-water ecological surveys
• Habitat observation and documentation
• Targeted data collection in under-observed areas
Work is carried out in real-world conditions where visibility, access, and environment vary, requiring adaptable methods and practical decision-making.
Inspection & Support
We support inspection and operational awareness for equipment and vessel systems where subsea access is required.
This includes:
• Inspection of anchors, moorings, and hulls
• Visual assessment of submerged equipment
• Support for ongoing expedition operations
These activities provide practical insight into how systems perform under real conditions, informing both maintenance and operational planning.
Recovery & Response
Where conditions allow, we undertake recovery and response work aligned with expedition capabilities and priorities.
This includes:
• Recovery of derelict fishing gear and marine debris
• Assistance with coordinated wildlife response efforts
• Targeted removal activities in sensitive environments
All work is carried out with consideration for environmental impact, safety, and coordination with relevant partners where required.
Status: Active
Partners: Hospitals, schools, and education organisations
Expedition Luminescence connects students and families with active fieldwork through virtual reality, film, and interactive storytelling developed from real expedition environments.
The programme:
- links classrooms and care settings to live expeditions
- supports environmental and scientific literacy
- encourages curiosity and informed engagement
- provides educational content at no cost to participants
Content is designed for accessibility and age-appropriate learning, with materials developed for use in classrooms, hospitals, and community education settings.
Status: Active, separate governance
The Red Quill Society is an affiliated programme focused on documenting environmental harm and supporting evidence-based accountability across marine and coastal environments.
Through initiatives such as The Hauntline, it maintains secure reporting pathways and supports structured intake, verification, and documentation of submitted information where appropriate.
Current activities include:
- secure tip intake and case triage
- field-informed documentation support
- open-source intelligence review
- evidence handling and referral preparation
- coordination with qualified partners when relevant
The programme operates under distinct governance and operational protocols while maintaining coordination with Expedition Audacity where mission alignment and safety considerations apply.
One Mission, Multiple Pathways
Each current project serves a distinct role, but they are designed to reinforce one another:
- Research informs protection
- Documentation supports accountability
- Education builds future stewardship
- Community partnership anchors all work in consent and care
Together, they form a coherent system — not a collection of disconnected initiatives.
Looking ahead
Programmes are designed to continue over multiple observation cycles. As conditions evolve and partnerships grow, activities may expand or adjust within the same operational framework.
This structure supports continuity while allowing the work to develop over time.
Designed for continuity
Where conditions and partnerships allow, projects are structured for repeat observation rather than one-time surveys.
Additional phases and regional deployments will be announced as planning progresses.