A press release announced that the MSC Cruises Foundation and NatureMetrics would partner to collect biodiversity data for marine species.

Biodiversity samples are collected from seawater aboard cruise ships using innovative DNA sampling technology, “eBioAtlas: Biodiversity Sampling from Cruise Liners using eDNA”. A NatureMetrics team will analyze the data and analyze the marine wildlife present along MSC’s cruise routes.

The MSC Foundation’s executive director, Daniela Picco, said: “The foundation aims to promote ocean conservation through science. Our partnership with NatureMetrics is only natural, as it helps the International Union for Conservation of Nature to carry out critical assessments that are crucial indicators of global biodiversity health.”

In addition to its three cruise itineraries, MSC Cruises’ eBioAtlas program will collect biodiversity data from three cruise destinations. We will collect seawater samples using specially designed kits to gather eDNA. As the program begins data collection in the Nordic region, MSC Euribia will be the first ship to participate. The MSC Poesia will then collect samples in Iceland and Greenland, followed by the MSC Preziosa in Iceland, Norway, and Svalbard.

“Our innovative partnership with NatureMetrics is more than just a strategic alliance,” said Linden Coppell, vice president of sustainability and ESG at MSC Cruises. In order to drive sustainability and conservation efforts, we will harness advanced eDNA technologies and global collaboration. The goal is to use our resources wisely and optimize processes in order to make the best possible decisions for the future of our planet. Throughout this year, we’ve collected samples from 4 ships on 11 cruises, for a total of 114 sampling days.

“The MSC Foundation is proud to facilitate and fund this groundbreaking partnership with NatureMetrics and MSC Cruises,” said Marina Anselme, secretary general at the MSC Foundation. Our partnership shows how committed we are to protecting our oceans and creating a nature-friendly future for future generations.”