Environmental Stewardship Committee

1. Develop environmental and biodiversity recommendations, guidelines, tools, and standards for AECO Full Members and their customers.
2. Develop a proposal for a climate change strategy for the Arctic expedition cruise industry that considers the diverse regions and sovereignties where AECO members operate.
3.  Monitor relevant national and maritime environmental regulations and make impact assessments to the Secretariat and Membership when relevant.
4. Spearhead continuing efforts related to AECO’s Clean Seas program, including clean-up activities and sustainable disposal standards and practices.
5. Initiate and develop work plans to mitigate the expedition cruise industry’s contribution to climate change.
6. Initiate environmental studies and member surveys in line with objectives in the AECO strategic plan.
7. Support the Secretariat in advocating for evidence-based regulatory frameworks and management plans.
8. Assist the Secretariat and work collaboratively with other AECO committees.

1. The committee will consist of a chair and vice chair who are Full members and, ideally, no more than seven (7) members. Committee members should consist of individuals with relative experience and climate-related interest and may include Associate members.
2. Committee membership should include a range of Full members relative to the type, size, and environmental profile of their expedition vessels.
3. The committee may vote to consult with outside experts and/or stakeholders to improve and validate the committee’s ideas and strategies. Funds cannot be appropriated for such purpose without the agreement of the Secretariat and Executive Committee.
4. If a committee member vacates the committee for any reason during the year, the chair or vice-chair may request that the seat be filled by another representative from the company.
5. For purpose of continuity, members should commit to the committee for three years, if possible.

Tasks assigned to the Environmental Stewardship Committee:

• Develop a report scheme for the 2026 season that allows for emission analysis while reducing member reporting requirements.
• Consider new guidelines on underwater noise based on scientific research, including studies that AECO is currently part of, as well as international (e.g., IMO) and national regulations, guidelines, and best practices. The proposed guidelines should be presented at the 2026 AGM.
• Assess the environmental reporting and present a proposal to make environmental reporting mandatory.

Melissa Nacke, Head of Operations