1. SMALL VESSELS, BIG SCIENCE
Tara Expeditions organizes voyages
to study and understand the impact of
climate change and the ecological crisis facing the world's oceans.

2. Tara Expeditions organizes voyages
to study and understand the impact of
climate change and the ecological crisis facing the world's oceans.
SMALL VESSELS, BIG SCIENCE
Tara Expeditions is a French non-profit organization active since
2003 in favor of the environment. A legendary boat built for extreme
conditions, Tara is the platform for high-level scientific research
missions. Initiated by Agnes B and Etienne Bourgois, Tara
Expeditions developed from their passion for the sea, and their
humanistic, engaged vision.
Tara's expeditions study two major scientific themes: the world's
oceans and climate change. In collaboration with scientific
institutes, the expeditions contribute concrete results on these topics.
Tara Expeditions also helps raise the environmental awareness of
the general public and young people, particularly through the Tara
Junior website, and encourages policy makers to take action towards
preserving the environment.

3. Expeditions
2009/2012: Tara Oceans, a global view
From September 2009 to March 2012, Tara Oceans was the very
first attempt to do a global study of marine plankton -- the planet's
ecosystem, composed of tiny organisms such as viruses, bacteria
and algae. Marine plankton is the only ecosystem that is truly
continuous over the Earth’s surface. Studying plankton is like taking
the pulse of our planet.
2013: New expedition to the Far North, Tara Oceans Polar Circle
From May to November, Tara circumnavigates the Arctic Ocean by
the Northeast and Northwest Passages. Most of the scientists and
institutes involved in the previous Tara Oceans expedition also
participate in this project to study the polar marine ecosystem and
complement the work done since 2009. New research programs
specific to this region are added concerning plastic particles and
other pollutants. The expedition has also a political purpose by
putting on center stage a region at the heart of the world’s climate
system.