Climate change is effecting the Arctic faster than any other region, with warming occurring above the global average. AECO’s members are committed to reducing their climate impact through early action, transparent emissions tracking, and continuous improvement of expedition cruise operations. By phasing out heavy fuel oil, and committing to greenhouse gas reductions, members work to reduce their emissions.

Sound is essential to Arctic marine ecosystems, where many species rely on acoustic signals to communicate, navigate, and find food. Recognizing the growing importance of underwater noise as vessel activity increases, AECO formally adopted underwater noise as a new environmental focus area in 2025. Through research, collaboration, and the development of practical mitigation measures, AECO is working to better understand and reduce noise‑related impacts from expedition cruise operations.​

In early 2026, the Moore Foundation awarded AECO a US$499,000 grant to advance work on strengthening measures to reduce underwater radiated noise and improve wastewater management across the Arctic expedition cruise industry.

Marine litter has become an alarming issue even along the
remote and seemingly pristine coastlines of the Arctic. ​To address this growing challenge, AECO launched the Clean Seas Program in 2018, mobilizing the Arctic expedition cruise industry to reduce onboard plastic use, and support coastal cleanup efforts. Between 2018 and 2025, over 8,200 cruise visitors collected 20.6 tons of marine litter from Arctic shorelines. ​

These efforts demonstrate how responsible tourism can play an active role in environmental protection, combining science, industry engagement, and stewardship to help preserve the fragile beauty of Arctic coasts.​

In 2018, AECO strengthened the efforts to combat marine plastic pollution by launching the Clean Seas project. Through this initiative, members have significantly reduced the use of single-use plastics on their vessels.

AECO also focuses on educating passengers and staff about how to prevent plastic pollution.

Wastewater discharges from vessels—including scrubber wash water, greywater, and sewage—are an important environmental consideration in Arctic marine environments, where low temperatures and sensitive ecosystems can limit natural degradation processes.​

AECO contributes to international efforts to improve understanding of wastewater practices in the Arctic, including participation in a project initiated by the Arctic Council’s Working Group on the Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME). The project, included in the PAME Work Plan 2021–2023, examined current practices related to selected wastewaters and was carried out with support from Arctic states, environmental organizations, and industry stakeholders.

Through engagement in research‑based initiatives, AECO supports the development of knowledge that can inform science‑based management, policy discussions, and future approaches to wastewater handling in Arctic shipping.​

AECO has established biosecurity guidelines to prevent the introduction of alien species in the Arctic. AECO has also contributed to the NINA project focused on Arctic biosecurity by participating in the development of the Stop Arctic Aliens information video. This video is designed to raise awareness among travelers and stakeholders about the risks and prevention of invasive species in the Arctic. The video is accessible with subtitles in 10 languages, making it widely understandable and useful for an international audience.

Biofouling is the accumulation of marine organisms on vessel hulls and other submerged surfaces. It is a well‑recognized pathway fort he transfer of non‑native species and pathogens between marineenvironments.​

In the Arctic, where ecosystems are highly sensitive and changing rapidly, the introduction of new marine organisms can pose risks to biodiversity and ecosystem function.​

Biofouling management is primarily addressed through international regulations and guidance developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), including the IMO Biofouling Guidelines, most recently revised in 2023. While these guidelines are voluntary, they are increasingly referenced by flagstates and port authorities.​

Awareness of biofouling risks, alongside alignment with relevant international standards and best practices, supports broader efforts to limit biological contamination and reduce cumulative environmental pressures in Arctic marine environments.​

The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) emerged in the Northern Hemisphere in 2020 and has since become a persistent concern in Arctic and sub‑Arctic regions, spreading across polar ecosystems.​

In response, AECO’s secretariat supports its members by sharing up‑to‑date information on the situation, including how to identify HPAI in birds and mammals, region‑specific guidance to help minimize the risk of spread, and clear procedures for reporting observations to relevant authorities.​

Through this approach,AECO helps ensure that expedition cruise operations are informed, vigilant, and aligned with best practices for wildlife protection and biosecurity.​