A Conversation Between Whale Seeker & Aurora Expeditions
Christine Fürthaller, Head of Growth at Whale Seeker, in conversation with Sasha Buch, Sustainability Manager at Aurora Expeditions.
Christine: Sasha, it’s great to be chatting with you! Whale Seeker and Aurora Expeditions both share a commitment to sustainability, so I’m excited to dive into how technology is reshaping conservation. To start, can you tell us a bit about Aurora’s approach to sustainability?
Sasha: Absolutely! Aurora Expeditions was founded on the idea that adventure and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. Since 1991, we’ve been leading small-ship expeditions to some of the world’s most fragile ecosystems, like Antarctica and the Arctic. As a Certified B Corporation™, we integrate social and environmental responsibility into everything we do—from reducing emissions to engaging our guests in conservation.
Christine: That’s incredible. Sustainability in travel is no small challenge, especially when operating in such delicate environments. What are some of the biggest hurdles Aurora has faced in implementing sustainable practices?
Sasha: One of our biggest challenges is reducing fuel-related emissions. Travel inherently has an environmental footprint, and we recognize our responsibility to minimize it. Over the past five years, we’ve transitioned to state-of-the-art vessels with technology designed to lower emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and even integrate alternative energy sources. We also use dynamic anchoring systems to avoid damaging sensitive marine habitats. It’s an ongoing journey, but we’re committed to staying ahead of the curve.
Christine: That balance between technology and sustainability is something we think about a lot at Whale Seeker. Our AI-powered tools help organizations monitor marine mammals in real time, allowing industries to operate responsibly while minimizing harm to wildlife. Do you see AI playing a bigger role in sustainability for expedition travel?
Sasha: Definitely. AI is already helping us optimize energy use, manage waste, and even improve climate impact tracking. One area where we’ve seen great success is in citizen science. Through our onboard programs, guests can collect real-world environmental data, everything from marine mammal observations to sea ice measurements, helping scientists fill crucial research gaps. AI has the potential to streamline data collection and analysis, making these initiatives even more impactful.
Christine: That’s fantastic. At Whale Seeker, we believe technology should work with human expertise, not replace it. Speaking of collaboration, one of the best parts of being a B Corp is working with like-minded organizations. How has being part of the B Corp community influenced Aurora’s sustainability journey?
Sasha: Becoming B Corp Certified felt like a natural step for us. It gave us a framework to measure and improve our impact while connecting us with other businesses committed to the same goals. The B Corp community is all about pushing each other forward, and partnerships are key to making real change.
Christine: That’s exactly why we value these collaborations. We know the challenges ahead are bigger than any one company, but by sharing knowledge and technology, we can create more sustainable solutions together. If you had one piece of advice for businesses looking to improve their sustainability efforts, what would it be?
Sasha: Start with honesty. Acknowledge your impact, set ambitious goals, and track your progress transparently. It’s not about perfection—it’s about continuous improvement. And don’t be afraid to lean on the expertise of others. Whether through technology, partnerships, or innovation, there’s a whole community out there working towards a better future.
Christine: I love that—sustainability is a journey, not a destination. Thanks so much for this conversation, Sasha! I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together next.
Learn more about Whale Seeker's sustainability commitment HERE.