Make every polar exploration count for science.

Plankton Base partners with expedition vessels and curious travelers to collect critical data on the foundation of our oceans. We focus on understanding the fuel that feeds our planet - the plankton. Together, we protect the planet's most vulnerable ecosystems.

From polar voyage to open-source data.

Three ways to move polar ocean science forward.

We connect polar marine research to global travelers exploring the world's most remote ecosystems. By embedding the expedition traveling community directly into the scientific process, we help move people from passive observers to active contributors — linking the journey to the vital data that protects our oceans.

EXPEDITION

For Operators — bring plankton science onboard.

Add a durable, multi-season ocean plankton sampling program to your expedition. You receive a curated Base Kit that provides science boat experiences for traveler engagement in the science each season. This program can be deployed across many voyages each season — facilitated by expedition guides who receive certified training from our team.

Partner with us — see what's included

Travelers

Going on an expedition? Join the science onboard.

If you are going on a voyage or expedition to remote regions of the world, you can become part of the field science by joining ships that participate in the Plankton Base program. See yourself as contributors to real discovery by asking your travel agent or operator if they offer the Plankton Base program.

See how it works

SUPPORT

Are you moved by this work?

Your support of Plankton Base means the world to us and helps keep the spark of curiosity, shared discoveries, and environmental stewardship efforts flowing.

Donate

Antarctic expedition ship with travelers in a Zodiac collecting water samples

Research workflow

From ship to open-source science.

Every sample collected onboard moves through a clear, linear scientific pipeline — from the deck of the ship to publicly accessible data analyzed for real-world ecological impact.

Step 01
Field Sampling
Travelers and trained facilitators collect plankton samples from the ship using user-friendly oceanographic gear.
Outcome: Curated sample bottles with GPS-tagged metadata, shipboard logbook, and participation certificate.
Step 02
Transport to Lab
Samples are preserved onboard and routed through a chain-of-custody to our research laboratories.
Outcome: Preserved, barcoded archive with full chain-of-custody documentation.
Step 03
Scientific Processing
Researchers process samples through next-generation technologies.
Outcome: High-resolution microscopy imagery, DNA barcode sequences, and verified species inventories.
Step 04
Public Open-Source Data
We follow the F.A.I.R. principles: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable — published in open repositories so researchers and the public can find the data.
Outcome: Published dataset with DOI in open repositories (OBIS, GBIF, Zenodo) under FAIR principles.
Step 05
Analyzed for Impact
Data informs how scientists, operators, and the public understand the changing polar ecosystem.
Outcome: Peer-reviewed findings, seasonal ecosystem reports, and climate trend indicators.

Step 01
Field Sampling
Travelers and trained facilitators collect plankton samples from the ship using user-friendly oceanographic gear.
Outcome: Curated sample bottles with GPS-tagged metadata, shipboard logbook, and participation certificate.
Step 02
Transport to Lab
Samples are preserved onboard and routed through a chain-of-custody to our research laboratories.
Outcome: Preserved, barcoded archive with full chain-of-custody documentation.
Step 03
Scientific Processing
Researchers process samples through next-generation technologies.
Outcome: High-resolution microscopy imagery, DNA barcode sequences, and verified species inventories.
Step 04
Public Open-Source Data
We follow the F.A.I.R. principles: Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable — published in open repositories so researchers and the public can find the data.
Outcome: Published dataset with DOI in open repositories (OBIS, GBIF, Zenodo) under FAIR principles.
Step 05
Analyzed for Impact
Data informs how scientists, operators, and the public understand the changing polar ecosystem.
Outcome: Peer-reviewed findings, seasonal ecosystem reports, and climate trend indicators.

Why plankton

The invisible forest behind every ocean.

Plankton are the foundation of aquatic ecosystems and the unsung heroes of our climate. Phytoplankton generate up to 50% of the oxygen we breathe and form the base of the global marine food web. They are directly consumed by zooplankton and small fish, which in turn support larger predators — everything from sardines to massive blue whales. Through the biological pump, phytoplankton pull billions of metric tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere; when they die, they sink to the ocean floor, locking carbon away in the deep sea. Beyond the environment, plankton play a massive role in the global economy — the fossilized remains of ancient plankton are the primary source of the petroleum and natural gas we use for energy today.

50%+

of Earth's oxygen from phytoplankton

Base

of the marine food web

Biological Pump

locks carbon in the deep sea

Economy

fossil plankton fuel our energy

Microscope view of plankton from Antarctica

Microscope view · plankton from Antarctica

Anyone can give

Love this work? Help keep Ocean Science Flowing with your gift.

Plankton Base is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in California (USA) with an ambition to reimagine the ocean data pipeline by transforming global sea-groin travelers into active network of climate data collectors.