#25
Turning the tide on Arctic pollution | Our clean-up story from Svalbard
We’re set on keeping the wilderness wild
— Mariano Curiel, Secret Atlas Owner
We’re privileged to explore some of the most far-flung and wild places on the planet — and with that comes the duty to respect and protect. We believe that responsible Arctic travel means taking real, measurable steps to preserve the fragile destinations we visit.
Svalbard is one of the great wildernesses on Earth — a remote Arctic archipelago where towering glaciers meet the sea, polar bears patrol the drifting ice, and the only sound for miles is the wind moving over the tundra. And yet, even here, far away from modern cities and industry, the traces of human impact are still sadly impossible to escape.
From distant shores to frozen fjords
Tangled fishing nets, weathered bottles, ropes, and fragments of debris litter are carried north by powerful ocean currents. Not surprisingly, much of this waste comes from the fishery industry, but a significant amount also travels thousands of miles from densely populated regions in Europe, North America, and Russia before washing ashore on the Arctic’s fragile frontiers.
For the wildlife that call Svalbard home, this pollution is more than an eyesore — it’s a real threat. Seabirds, such as fulmars and kittiwakes, often mistake floating plastic for food. Seals and polar bears risk becoming entangled in discarded fishing gear, which can cause injury, or even lead to drowning. Even reindeer, grazing along the shorelines, have been found with plastic in their stomachs, likely consumed with seaweed tangled in debris.
In a place where the environment is as fragile as it is majestic, this is a sobering reminder that no corner of the planet is safe from plastic pollution.
Leaving the Arctic better than we found it
We’re deeply committed to leaving the places we explore better than we found them. That’s why, during the summer months, we incorporate Arctic beach clean-ups into many of our small ship expeditions in Svalbard. This gives guests and crew the opportunity to work side by side to remove debris, protect wildlife, and contribute to something that leaves a real impact — one small, powerful act at a time. These efforts help safeguard fragile ecosystems and raise awareness of the challenges facing the Arctic.
For us, it’s not just about exploring the wild — it’s about protecting it.
Small ship, big mission
On a recent expedition aboard Freya, our team carried out a beach clean at Horgvika on Phippsøya — one of the northernmost islands in the Svalbard archipelago.
Why is this location so important? Our expedition guide, Dr. Julien Cornet, explains:
“Horgvika is a haven for walrus, bathing in the shallows of the bay, searching for food and a calm rest. It is also a place for our beloved bears, which scavenge the shoreline during the summer after the sea ice retreats.”
Our small group of 14 included 12 guests, two expedition guides and one dedicated member of the crew. Together, we collected a staggering 500 kilograms of marine debris.
It was a powerful, hands-on encounter with the scale of plastic pollution, right in one of the most remote places on Earth. Tangled fishing nets, sun-bleached rope, plastic tubs, and countless unidentifiable fragments were carefully gathered and removed, piece by piece. For many of our guests, it was a moment of real connection — with the landscape, with each other, and with the responsibility we all share in looking after it.
Instead of turning away, we came together and did what felt right. With bags, gloves, and determination, we began a beach clean-up—and by the time we were done, we had collected over 500 kilograms of garbage. A heart-breaking task, but also a deeply rewarding one. As visitors to this fragile place, it felt good to give something back
— Dr. Julien Cornet, Expedition Leader
More than exploration
These clean-up efforts are only possible during the Arctic summer, when Svalbard’s beaches become accessible as the sea ice retreats and landing conditions improve. As a small ship expedition company, Secret Atlas is uniquely positioned to access these remote stretches of coastline that larger vessels simply can’t reach. With fewer guests and a flexible approach to landings, we’re able to respond quickly to conditions and dedicate time to meaningful conservation.
So, what does a clean-up look like in the field? During landings, our expedition leaders set aside time for small-scale clean-ups as part of the day’s exploration. It’s a simple but powerful process: guests fan out along the shoreline, eyes scanning the rocks and seaweed for anything that doesn’t belong. Ropes, fishing nets, plastic bottles, broken containers, and even microplastics are carefully collected — often with a mix of surprise and determination at just how much can be found in a short stretch of beach.
Back on board, the debris is sorted, stored securely, and transported safely back to port, where it’s handed over to local authorities for responsible disposal. It’s conservation in action — hands-on, practical, and woven seamlessly into the rhythm of our Arctic journeys.
There is an urgent need to adapt our consumption to limit plastic usage. To adapt to our environment so that other species can continue thriving and not die from our inconsiderate hands. It is critical to our balance. We hope this story and images will help trigger the necessary emotions to wake up society. Our future depends on it.
— Dr. Julien Cornet, Expedition Leader
Participation in Arctic beach clean-ups is entirely optional — but a hands-on way to engage with polar conservation, to witness the impact of marine debris first hand, and to feel part of something much larger than a holiday.
For many, these moments become among the most meaningful parts of their expedition — a tangible contribution to protecting a remote wilderness, and a reminder that each of us has a role to play in caring for our planet.
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