Planned Research Vessel Movements: 2026 Research Season

Each spring, summer, and fall, numerous research vessels travel through Alaska and Arctic waters. IARPC and federal agencies compile planned research expedition dates, planned routes, research goals, and locations of data-collection moorings.

Our hope is that researchers can use the information about research expeditions to coordinate activities, and that communities can use it to understand what vessels are in their waters and how to contact them if necessary. Additionally, with the list of mooring locations we aim to inform the scientific community and vessel operators of the locations of all moorings presently deployed in the Bering, Chukchi, and Beaufort seas. This will reduce the risk of damage to the moorings and facilitate collaborative science activities.

On this page you will find a spreadsheet with all planned expeditions, brief descriptions of expeditions, and a spreadsheet of mooring locations. The spreadsheets will be periodically updated and emailed out to partners. If you would like to receive updates, sign up for the email distribution list.

Please contact field.operations@iarpccollaborations.org with any questions, or to provide additional information about upcoming expeditions. 

Download the spreadsheet of research expeditions

Excel | PDF
Updated May 14, 2026

Download the spreadsheet of mooring locations

Excel | PDF
Updated May 26, 2026


2026 Pre-field season meeting

On May 14, IARPC held a pre-field season meeting. The annual pre-field season meeting is open to federal and non-federal partners, researchers, local and Indigenous community members, and anyone else interested in the 2026 research season. Attendees heard lightning-talk presentations from principal investigators leading research expeditions in Alaska and Arctic waters in 2026, followed by group discussion. The meeting supported the exchange of information about planned expedition objectives and facilitated collaborations that leverage these investments in research about the Arctic marine system. It was hosted by the Field Operations, Sea Ice, and Marine Ecosystems communities of practice.

Photo: Support Vessels of Alaska

Save the date! 2026 Post-field season meeting 

The 2026 post-field season meeting will be held Thursday, January 21, 2027 from  1-3 pm ET/9-11 AKT.  Mark you calendars, and stay tuned for more information.  


2026 expeditions

Expeditions here are organized by location, then launch date. If an expedition will visit more than one location, it appears under both location headers. To see all expeditions at once, download the spreadsheet above, or view the calendar below.

Jump to location:

Gulf of Alaska
Aleutian Islands Region
Bering Sea
Chukchi & Beaufort Seas
Southeast Alaska

Gulf of Alaska

MACE Shumagin/Sanak Pollock Acoustic Trawl-Winter

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

February 3-February 20
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Gulf of Alaska
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: Provide an index of walleye pollock abundance over the western Gulf of Alaska shelf. To collect echo integration and trawl data to estimate the midwater component of pre-spawning walleye pollock in Shumagin Islands area and in Sanak Trough. Data is used for annual pollock stock assessments and to brief stakeholders. The Shumagins survey is part of a time series of annual surveys begun in 2001, with prior surveys in 1994-1996.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

MACE Shelik of Strait Pollock Acoustic Trawl-Winter

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

March 4-March 22
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Gulf of Alaska/Shelik of Strait
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: Acoustic-trawl survey of Shelikof Strait, Chirikof Island, and Marmot Bay for spawning pollock.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

CAEP Eastern Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska Marine Mammal Acoustic Moorings-Spring
EcoFOCI Eastern Bering Sea & Gulf of Alaska Moorings-Spring

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

May 5-May 22
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Unalaska, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: It is imperative that we continue to monitor the distribution and timing of marine mammals in the waters of the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska using long- term passive acoustic monitoring.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

FA-26-02 OPR-P336-FA-26 Northeast Coast of Kodiak Island

May 5-June 9
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Kodiak, Alaska
Vessel: Fairweather (NOAA)
Description: Ocean mapping.
For more information, contact: Caroline Wilkinson, Alaska.navmanager@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 9 

MESA Gulf of Alaska & Eastern Bering Sea & Aleutian Islands Longline-Summer

May 15-September 31
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Alaska
Vessel: Alaska Leader
Description: Estimate the abundance of Alaska sablefish and other groundfish species for use in annual stock assessments.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

Eastern Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska ECOFOCI Mooring-Fall/CAEP Eastern Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska Marine Mammal Acoustic Moorings-Fall

August 5-September 1
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea & Gulf of Alaska Eastern Bering Sea
Vessel: Bell M. Shimada (NOAA)
Description: The Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) research will address the pelagic/benthic trophic components and biological "hot spots" in the US Arctic that are subject to longer open-water periods, increasing seasonal ocean temperatures and more frequent storms.
We will piggy back on the ECOFOCI fall mooring cruise to enable deployment/recovery of our stand-alone passive acoustic moorings that are outside the PMEL operational area. Given the rate at which the Arctic is changing, it is imperative that we continue to monitor the distribution and timing of marine mammals in the waters of the Bering, Chukchi, and western Beaufort Seas using long- term passive acoustic monitoring.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

NOAA Ecosystems and Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated Investigations (EcoFOCI) Fall Mooring Cruise 2026

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

August 25-September 19
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: East Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: Annual fall mooring cruise to support biological & physical oceanographic ecosystem data in the eastern Bering Sea/ US Arctic.
For more information, contact: Phyllis Stabeno, phyllis.stabeno@noaa.gov; Heather Tabisola, heather.tabisola@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

RECA Prince William Sound Humpback Whale Abundance & Fecundity Index-Fall

September 15-September 30
Departs from: Homer, Alaska
Returns to: Homer, Alaska
Research location: Gulf of Alaska, Prince William Sound
Vessel: Babkin
Description: The humpback whale monitoring project is part of the Gulf Watch Alaska pelagic component’s integrated fall/winter predator-prey survey. These data will be combined in a bioenergetic model that will allow us to assess the impact of recovering humpback whale populations on the PWS ecosystem. By integrating with the forage fish and fall/winter marine bird components, we will be able to provide a comprehensive understanding of bottom-up influences and top-down controls on the PWS herring population.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, Jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10


Aleutian Islands Region

MESA Gulf of Alaska & Eastern Bering Sea & Aleutian Islands Longline-Summer

May 15-September 31
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Alaska
Vessel: Alaska Leader
Description: Estimate the abundance of Alaska sablefish and other groundfish species for use in annual stock assessments.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

GAP Aleutian Island Bottom Trawl-Summer

May 16-August 31
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Research location: Aleutian Islands
Vessel: Chartered Vessel
Description: To monitor the status and trends of groundfish and invertebrates in the Aleutian Islands as required to meet mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Biennial quantitative estimates of biomass, population size, and distribution resulting from the survey are used in the annual stock assessments of Aleutian Islands groundfish stocks.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, Jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10


Bering Sea

CAEP Eastern Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska Marine Mammal Acoustic Moorings-Spring
EcoFOCI Eastern Bering Sea & Gulf of Alaska Moorings-Spring

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

May 5-May 22
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Unalaska, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: It is imperative that we continue to monitor the distribution and timing of marine mammals in the waters of the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska using long- term passive acoustic monitoring.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

Northern Bering Sea Bottom Trawl Survey

May 15-August 1
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Research location: Northern Bering Sea
Vessel: F/V Northwest Explorer, F/V Alaska Knight
Description:  To monitor the status and trends of groundfish and crabs in the eastern Bering Sea shelf as required to meet mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Act Annual quantitative estimates of biomass, population size, and distribution resulting from the survey are used in the annual stock assessments of eastern Bering Sea groundfish and crab stocks.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

MESA Gulf of Alaska & Eastern Bering Sea & Aleutian Islands Longline-Summer

May 15-September 31
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Alaska
Vessel: Alaska Leader
Description: Estimate the abundance of Alaska sablefish and other groundfish species for use in annual stock assessments.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

Eastern Bering Sea Bottom Trawl Survey

May 16-August 31
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Research location: Eastern Bering Sea
Vessel: F/V Northwest Explorer, F/V Alaska Knight
Description:  To monitor the status and trends of groundfish and crabs in the eastern Bering Sea shelf as required to meet mandates of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. Annual quantitative estimates of biomass, population size, and distribution resulting from the survey are used in the annual stock assessments of eastern Bering Sea groundfish and crab stocks.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

MACE Eastern Bering Sea Pollock Acoustic Trawl-Summer

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

May 28-August 10
Departs from: Unalaska, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Eastern Bering Sea
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: Provide an index of walleye pollock abundance over the eastern Bering Sea shelf. Acoustic and other data obtained on this survey provide estimates of other pelagic fishes such as forage fishes and are also used in broader ecosystem-based studies (e.g., prey base for Steller sea lions, Northern fur seals and other piscivorous sea bird surveys). The EBS shelf survey is part of a longtime series of surveys begun in 1979.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

OPR-R385-FA-26 St. Matthew

June 16-August 12
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Nome, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea
Vessel: Fairweather (NOAA)
Description: Ocean mapping.
For more information, contact: Caroline Wilkinson, Alaska.navmanager@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 9

ArCSII

June 19-August 3
Departs from: Hakodate, Japan
Returns to: Hakodate, Japan
Research location: Bering Sea
Vessel: TR/V Oshoro maru
Description: N/A.
For more information, contact: Koheo Matsuno, k.matsuno@fish.hokudai.ac.jp
Last updated: March 16

Distributed Biological Observatory/Canada's Three Oceans

CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurie

Photo: Government of Canada

July 16-July 28
Departs from: Nome, Alaska or Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Utqiagvik, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea
Vessel: CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Description: To track the status and change in environmental drivers and ecosystem components undergoing change in the Pacific Arctic.
For more information, contact: Jackie Grebmeier, jgrebmei@umces.edu
Last updated: March 16

K-AWARE

R/V Araon (South Korea)

Photo: Bernard Spragg

July 23-August 23
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Utqiagvik, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea
Vessel: R/V Araon (South Korea)
Description: The K-AWARE project aims to identify environmental parameters that are changing because of sea ice decreases in the Chukchi and East Siberian seas, and predict patterns of environmental change. Sampling on this cruise will include physical oceanography (CTD casts, underway measurements of surface temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence), biological oceanography (niskin water sampling, phytoplankton net, EK80 scientific wide-band echo sounder), and chemical oceanography (pCO2 system, box coring). In addition, the cruise will measure atmospheric chemistry (black carbon, air temperature/pressure/humidity, ozone, aerosols) and atmospheric physics.
For more information, contact: Jacqueline Grebmeier, jgrebmei@umces.edu; Eun-Jin Yang, ejyang@kopri.re.kr
Last updated: March 16

CAEP Arctic Distributed Biological Observatory Marine Mammal Acoustic Moorings-Fall

July 28-September 17
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Research location: Northern and Eastern Bering Sea
Vessel: Charter
Description: The Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) research will address the pelagic/benthic trophic components and biological "hot spots" in the US Arctic that are subject to longer open-water periods, increasing seasonal ocean temperatures and more frequent storms.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

Eastern Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska ECOFOCI Mooring-Fall/CAEP Eastern Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska Marine Mammal Acoustic Moorings-Fall

August 5-September 1
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea & Gulf of Alaska Eastern Bering Sea
Vessel: Bell M. Shimada (NOAA)
Description: The Distributed Biological Observatory (DBO) research will address the pelagic/benthic trophic components and biological "hot spots" in the US Arctic that are subject to longer open-water periods, increasing seasonal ocean temperatures and more frequent storms.
We will piggy back on the ECOFOCI fall mooring cruise to enable deployment/recovery of our stand-alone passive acoustic moorings that are outside the PMEL operational area. Given the rate at which the Arctic is changing, it is imperative that we continue to monitor the distribution and timing of marine mammals in the waters of the Bering, Chukchi, and western Beaufort Seas using long- term passive acoustic monitoring.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

EMA Eastern Bering Sea Juvenile Fish-Fall

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

August 22-September 14
Departs from: Unalaska, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: Northern Eastern Bering Sea
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: Focus research during Fall for Bering Sea (even years) and Gulf of Alaska (oddi years) to: 1) improve and reduce uncertainty in individual stock assessment models of important commercial fish species by providing predictions of recruitment success, 2) provide the NPFMC with data on seasonal fisheries, environmental or biological indices and annual syntheses necessary to apply an ecosystem approach to the management of fisheries in Alaska’s large marine ecosystems; and 3) understand impact of climate variability on Alaska's salmon populations.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

NOAA Ecosystems and Fisheries Oceanography Coordinated Investigations (EcoFOCI) Fall Mooring Cruise 2026

Oscar Dyson (NOAA)

Photo: NOAA

August 25-September 19
Departs from: Kodiak, Alaska
Returns to: Kodiak, Alaska
Research location: East Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska
Vessel: Oscar Dyson (NOAA)
Description: Annual fall mooring cruise to support biological & physical oceanographic ecosystem data in the eastern Bering Sea/ US Arctic.
For more information, contact: Phyllis Stabeno, phyllis.stabeno@noaa.gov; Heather Tabisola, heather.tabisola@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 17

EMA Northern Bering Sea Ecosystem Surface Trawl

August 27-September 23
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Research location: North Bering Sea
Vessel: Chartered Vessel 
Description: Northern Bering Sea ecosystem and surface trawl survey.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, Jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

Northern Bering Sea-IERP

Sikuliaq (NSF)

Photo: Kim Kenny/NSF

September 2-September 17
Departs from: Nome, Alaska
Returns to: Nome, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea
Vessel: Sikuliaq (NSF)
Description: Oceanographic transects will be conducted in the Chirikov Basin, and to the south and east of St. Lawrence Island (SLI). Transects are designed to capture water-mass boundaries associated with the cold pool and the Yukon River outflow, as well as benthic biomass hot-spots in the DBO 1 and 2 regions. Each of the transect lines includes underway measurements, and towed camera and instrument surveys using the ISIIS-DPI to assess pelagic communities and hydrographic parameters. This Remotely Operated Towed Vehicle (ROTV) can be “flown” in real-time, or automatically execute repeated undulations between programmed depths. Sub-millimeter particle size spectra are measured by a Sequoia Deep-LISST. Larger particles (i.e., zooplankton and micronekton) are surveyed with an onboard SIMRAD EK80 fisheries acoustic package equipped with upward and downward looking 30 and 120-kHz split beam transducers, and supported by the hull-mounted EK80 system.

Along each transect, we will also occupy a series of stations to conduct CTD deployments, phytoplankton and net-collected zooplankton sampling, and sediment sampling using the MC-800 multi-core. Each transect will also include one or more intensive process stations where we will deploy drifting sediment traps, in situ pumps for particle collection, and conduct experimental work. Year-round biophysical and biogeochemical moored instruments would be deployed at three locations, targeting the primary advective pathways on either side of SLI, and multiple water masses and biogeochemical regimes. Moorings would capture time series of water-mass distribution, sediment resuspension events, advection, and the east-west reversing flow south of SLI.
For more information, contact: Sarah Minicks, slmincks@alaska.edu
Last updated: April 16

Bering Strait Mooring Project

Norseman II

Photo: Support Vessels of Alaska

September 8-September 18
Departs from: Nome, Alaska
Returns to: Nome, Alaska
Research location: Bering Strait
Vessel: Norseman II 
Description: The Bering Strait mooring projects has moorings in the Bering Strait, measuring flow properties year-round. This cruise will recover the moorings, and run hydrographic sections to give context to the mooring observations. We are currently seeking funding to redeploy the moorings.
For more information, contact: Rebecca Woodgate, woodgate@uw.edu
Last updated: March 31

Monitoring the Western Arctic Boundary Current

USCG Healy

Photo: Charly Hengen/USCG

September-November
Departs from: N/A
Returns to: N/A
Research location: Bering, Chukchi, Beaufort Seas
Vessel: USCG Healy
Description: Biennial cruise to service a long-term mooring in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea boundary current and to carry out a broad-scale hydrographic/velocity/sediment survey of the boundary current system from Bering Strait to the eastern Canadian Beaufort Sea. A host of ancillary projects will be undertaken on the cruise, including water column measurements, sediment sampling, and bottom mapping.
For more information, contact:  Bob Pickart, rpickart@whoi.edu
Last updated: March 17


Chukchi & Beaufort Seas

Pacific Walrus Population Dynamics

Norseman II

Photo: Support Vessels of Alaska

June 4-July 2
Departs from: Nome, Alaska
Returns to: Nome, Alaska
Research location: Chukchi Sea
Vessel: Norseman II
Description: A) Collect skin biopsies from walruses hauled-out on sea ice and B) Collect information on the standing age structure of the Pacific walrus population.
For more information, contact: Irina Trunkhanova/William Beatty, Irina_trunkhanova@fws.gov/wbeatty@usgs.gov
Last updated: April 6

Distributed Biological Observatory/Canada's Three Oceans

CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurie

Photo: Government of Canada

July 16-July 28
Departs from: Nome, Alaska or Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Utqiagvik, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea
Vessel: CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Description: To track the status and change in environmental drivers and ecosystem components undergoing change in the Pacific Arctic.
For more information, contact: Jacqueline Grebmeier, jgrebmei@umces.edu
Last updated: March 16

K-AWARE

R/V Araon (South Korea)

Photo: Bernard Spragg

July 23 - August 23 (U.S. EEZ sampling dates)
Departs from: Dutch Harbor, Alaska
Returns to: Utqiagvik, Alaska
Research location: Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, East Siberian Sea
Vessel: R/V Araon (South Korea)
Description: The K-AWARE project aims to identify environmental parameters that are changing because of sea ice decreases in the Chukchi and East Siberian seas, and predict patterns of environmental change. Sampling on this cruise will include physical oceanography (CTD casts, underway measurements of surface temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, fluorescence), biological oceanography (niskin water sampling, phytoplankton net, EK80 scientific wide-band echo sounder), and chemical oceanography (pCO2 system, box coring). In addition, the cruise will measure atmospheric chemistry (black carbon, air temperature/pressure/humidity, ozone, aerosols) and atmospheric physics.
For more information, contact: Jacqueline Grebmeier, jgrebmei@umces.edu; Eun-Jin Yang, ejyang@kopri.re.kr
Last updated: July 16

Beaufort Lagoon Ecosystems Long-Term Ecological Research Program (BLELTER)

ORV Proteus

Photo: Ken Dunton

July 29-August 14
Departs from: Prudhoe Bay, AK
Returns to: Prudhoe Bay, AK
Research location: Eastern Alaska Beaufort Sea, Colville River to Barter Island
Vessel: ORV Proteus
Description: A focus on coastal lagoon and bays which support productive and biologically complex assemblages of biota that are shaped by extreme seasonal variations in physical-chemical conditions. These communities are critically important to food security for the indigenous residents of the Alaskan Arctic. Activities include benthic mooring retrievals and deployments, pelagic and benthic sampling, measurements of biogeochemical, circulation, and sediment transport processes, water chemistry (pCO2), and PI directed experimental studies. Schoolyard activities at Kaktovik include field excursions and classroom exercises.
For more information, contact: Ken Dunton, ken.dunton@utexas.edu
Last updated: May 14

OPR-S913-FA-26 PARS

August 17-September 21
Departs from: Nome, AK
Returns to: Nome, AK
Research location: Chukchi Sea
Vessel: NOAAS Fairweather
Description: Ocean mapping.
For more information, contact: Caroline Wilkinson, Alaska.navmanager@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 9

Coastal Freeze

August 31-September 4
Departs from: Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Returns to: Prudhoe Bay, Alaska
Research location: Beaufort Sea
Vessel: R/V Ukpik
Description: Recovery of 7 seafloor moorings deployed in summer 2025 from the R/V Ukpik. These moorings are primarily lightweight seafloor packages with temperature, pressure (to measure waves), and turbidity sensors, with one being a larger tripod with an ADCP to measure currents. At each site, casts for water temperature and salinity will be completed, as well as a seafloor sediment grab for grain size analysis.
For more information, contact: Madison Smith, madisonmsmith@whoi.edu
Last updated: April 20

Monitoring the Western Arctic Boundary Current

USCG Healy

Photo: Charly Hengen/USCG

September-November
Departs from: N/A
Returns to: N/A
Research location: Bering, Chukchi, Beaufort Seas
Vessel: USCG Healy
Description: Biennial cruise to service a long-term mooring in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea boundary current and to carry out a broad-scale hydrographic/velocity/sediment survey of the boundary current system from Bering Strait to the eastern Canadian Beaufort Sea. A host of ancillary projects will be undertaken on the cruise, including water column measurements, sediment sampling, and bottom mapping.
For more information, contact: Bob Pickart, rpickart@whoi.edu
Last updated: March 17

Joint Ocean Ice Study/BeaufortGyre Observing System (JOIS/BGOS) Project

CCGS Louis S. St.-Laurent (Canada)

Photo: Government of Canada

September 17-October 22
Departs from: Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada
Returns to: Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, Canada
Research location: Beaufort Sea
Vessel: CCGS Louis S. St.-Laurent (Canada)
Description: Since 2003, the Joint Ocean Ice Study/Beaufort Gyre Observing System (JOIS/BGOS) project has involved observations of sea ice, hydrographic, and biogeochemical conditions in the Beaufort Gyre region. Activities include recovery/deployment of three moorings, deployment of multiple ice-tethered buoys, basin-wide hydrographic survey visiting ~50 repeat stations, standard biogeochemical measurements at each station.
For more information, contact: Mary-Louise Timmermans, marylouise.timmermans@yale.edu
Last updated: May 1

Disentangling the controls and impacts of sedimentary iron cycling across Alaskan and Canadian continental shelves

Sikuliaq (NSF)

Photo: Kim Kenny/NSF

October 19-November 18
Departs from: Nome, Alaska
Returns to: Seward, Alaska
Research location: Chukchi and Beaufort Seas
Vessel: Sikuliaq (NSF)
Description: Coupled water and sediment samples will be used to determine the distribution of reactive Fe within shelf sediments, the controls on active Fe remobilization, and links between Fe cycling and other nutrients, toxic trace metals, and economically important metals. The expedition will focus on land to slope transects. Paired porewater and sediment geochemical results will be used to determine the modern exchange of Fe and other elements across the sediment water interface. Longer sediment cores will be used for paleoceanographic reconstructions of past changes in iron cycling.
For more information, contact: Allyson Tessin, atessin@kent.edu
Last updated: April 21


Southeast Alaska

FA-26-01 (2 legs)/OPR-O392-FA-26-Revillagigedo

March 27-April 29
Departs from: Ketchikan, Alaska
Returns to: Ketchikan, Alaska
Research location: Southeast Alaska
Vessel: NOAAS Fairweather
Description: Ocean mapping. 
For more information, contact: Caroline Wilkinson, Alaska.navmanager@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 9

EMA Southeast Alaska Coastal Monitoring-Summer

June 24-September 1
Departs from: Juneau, Alaska
Returns to: Juneau, Alaska
Research location: Southeast Alaska
Vessel: ADF&G Ship Medeia
Description: This project is connected to goals and objectives of the joint Fisheries Oceanographic Coordinated Investigations (FOCI) and Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment (EMA) Programs to examine factors affecting recruitment processes of groundfish and Pacific salmon in the Gulf of Alaska and southeastern Alaska through an Ecosystem Approach to Management.
For more information, contact: Jerry Hoff, jerry.hoff@noaa.gov
Last updated: March 10

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This information was compiled and verified by IARPC in collaboration with the National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of State, U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Naval Research, and international researchers.

View past research expedition vessel status trackers:

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Resources:

SHARE Principles:

Researchers working in the Arctic have a responsibility to respect local and Indigenous cultures and knowledge and advance stewardship of the Arctic environment. The core SHARE Principles for Conducting Research in the Arctic are:

  • Sustain and build relationships
  • Humble accountability
  • Advance responsible environmental stewardship
  • Respect Indigenous knowledges
  • Effective communication