Ocean Research and Field Education
A world where people understand, value and protect the ocean through direct experience, education and research
Wicked Horizon Academy advances marine conservation through transformative expedition-based education and field research.
We believe that one of the most powerful ways to protect the ocean is to help people understand it, experience it and fall in love with it. Our programs combine sailing, scientific observation, citizen science and hands-on learning to create immersive experiences that inspire lasting environmental awareness and conservation action.
UNDERSTANDING THE WORLD FROM THE PERSPECTIVE
OF THE SEA
Field Expeditions
Our programs are supported by S/Y Nora Simrad, an expedition sailing vessel with an exceptional offshore history, including two circumnavigations.
This proven ocean-going platform allows Wicked Horizon Academy to connect field-based education, citizen science and marine research across Southeast Asia and the wider Pacific region.
We empower participants to become ocean advocates, equipped with knowledge, practical experience and tools to support conservation action in their own communities.
News
+++ COOPERATION WITH KLIMA ØSTFOLD AND JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT NORWAY +++
SCHOOL PROJECT ON REDUCING SINGLE USE PLASTIC. Together with Junior Achievement Norway, we are developing a series of educational and inspiring talks for lower secondary schools across Norway. Drawing on firsthand experience, the sessions highlight both the scale of ocean plastic pollution and practical initiatives that are successfully addressing it. The aim is to inspire and empower students to establish junior enterprises focused on reducing single-use plastics in Norwegian society.
+++ SEA WEED AND OCEAN PLASTICS - WE FINISHED OUR FIRST EXPEDITION +++
Four students from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences joined our internship programme and spent four weeks aboard Nora in the central Philippines. One of the communities they visited was Hingotanan Island, where the local economy had been largely dependent on seaweed farming. Extreme weather, combined with changes in ocean temperature and chemistry, caused the seaweed farms to collapse. The community is now working to rebuild its livelihood, including by planting new seedlings provided by the government. During the expedition, the students also collected samples of plastic pollution both onshore and from the ocean surface. Their preliminary findings indicated that the vast majority of the items collected were packaging from convenience foods.
Regional Research Focus
Wicked Horizon Academy’s research interests are focused on marine environments across Southeast Asia and the wider Pacific region, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
These regions contain some of the world’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, but many areas remain under-documented, particularly in relation to marine debris, coral reef health, local ecological knowledge and potential whale or marine mammal migration corridors.
Citizen Science
Participants in our programs contribute to real scientific research by collecting data on marine biodiversity, coral reef health, water quality, whale and marine mammal observations, and marine debris. This data is shared with research institutions, conservation organisations and local partners.
Education
Ocean Literacy
Through hands-on experiences and expert-led education, we increase public understanding of the ocean’s critical role in planetary health, climate regulation, biodiversity and human wellbeing.
Our Boat
SY Nora Simrad
S/Y Nora Simrad is a sturdy and reliable sailing yacht. In favourable conditions she easily covers more than 200 NM per day. The boat has been continuously upgraded over the years. She is owned and operated by Wicked Horizon AS
Our Team
Peter Keller
Scientist and Skipper
Linn Charlotte Klund
Cross Cultural Advisor and Skipper
Oliver Trueb
Sustainability Manager and Crew
Debbie Chan
Designer, Cook and Crew
Paul Lübbe
Educational Expert and Skipper