Breaking Boundaries at the Bottom of the World
Hi everyone, I’m Emma Neave-Webb and I’m a whale-oholic 😂😂. Or more professionally speaking, a cetacean specialist hailing from the tiny island of Sanday in Orkney, off the north-east coast of Scotland (yes, the one that made international headlines for a few extra Easter eggs in 2024!). For years, my life has revolved around the captivating world of marine mammals and seabirds, from the familiar waters of the North Atlantic to my more recent research adventures in the Southern Indian Ocean! Now, I’m setting my sights on the most remote, extreme, and awe-inspiring place on Earth: Antarctica.
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be selected to join the 2026 Sea Women Expedition – Antarctica: Breaking Boundaries at the Bottom of the World – a truly unique ocean research and leadership initiative dedicated to forging a deeper understanding of the Antarctic and empowering women in STEM. This incredible 24-day journey, from February 14th to March 10th, 2026, will see a team of 25 pioneering women embark from Ushuaia, Argentina, aboard the state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 vessel, MV Hondius. Our expedition will navigate through the biologically rich waters surrounding the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, venture to the historic Elephant Island, and explore the dramatic landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula and the elusive Polar Circle (and I will definitely be flying the Orkney flag when we reach the South Orkney islands!).
Sea Women Expeditions has convened a remarkable assembly of leading female experts from around the world – scientists spanning diverse fields, experienced divers, skilled hydrographers, visionary artists, and dedicated researchers. Together, we will undertake vital and novel ocean research projects, leveraging our collective expertise to investigate the impacts of a rapidly changing climate on this critical polar environment. Beyond the crucial scientific endeavours, the expedition also incorporates a transformative leadership program, designed to cultivate our skills in the field and amplify our voices as advocates for ocean conservation and as role models within the STEM community.
My passion for the marine world began in the rather murky waters of the southern North Sea, and exploring the fascinating rock pools and dramatic coastline of the southwest during annual family holidays. However, it was a freak running injury followed by a chance encounter with a wonderful man who is sadly no longer with us that led me to work offshore for MARINElife in the infamous notorious Bay of Biscay and beyond. It was this opportunity with MARINElife where my passion for cetaceans and seabirds truly took hold.
Eventually, my path led me to the breathtaking coastline of Orkney – a place where dramatic cliffs meet pristine sandy beaches, a haven for seabirds and marine mammals, and a constant reminder of the raw beauty and power of the sea. It was here, amidst this stunning natural land and seascape, that my commitment to ocean research and conservation truly solidified. This connection has been further shaped by years of hard work, dedicated study and hands-on experience. With an MSc in International Marine Science focused on understanding the movements of killer whales in Orkney using citizen science, I’ve spent the last two decades actively involved in cetacean research and conservation.
From surveying the Bay of Biscay to my current work as the Strandings Coordinator for the International Whaling Commission, collaborating with global experts on cetacean strandings, the ocean is not just my career; it’s my calling. Imagine the thrill of observing majestic whales in their feeding grounds, of encountering diverse seabird colonies against the backdrop of ice and snow. This expedition to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the Polar Circle is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute my expertise to vital research in a rapidly changing environment in one of the most critical ecosystems on our planet.
Antarctica represents the ultimate frontier for exploration and scientific discovery. For a cetacean and seabird specialist like myself, it’s a chance to witness and document these incredible creatures in their most pristine, yet increasingly threatened, environment.
Being part of the Sea Women Expedition Team is more than just a personal challenge; it’s an alignment with my lifelong commitment to ocean research and advocating for a more inclusive and diverse scientific community. Having come from a background where opportunities weren’t always readily available, I’m passionate about empowering other women in STEM and contributing to a deeper understanding of our oceans. This expedition will allow me to contribute my specific knowledge and expertise of cetaceans and seabirds to vital research efforts focused on the impacts of climate change in this fragile ecosystem. Working alongside a team of brilliant women, we will collect crucial data, supported by scientific permits and in collaboration with university partners, contributing to global efforts in ocean conservation – a cause that resonates deeply with my core values.
The Southern Ocean is a critical habitat for the marine species I’ve dedicated my life to studying. This expedition offers an unparalleled platform to conduct crucial cetacean and seabird surveys, contributing valuable data on their distribution, abundance, and behavior in this remote region. We’ll be documenting the impacts of a warming ocean on these vulnerable populations and collaborating with a diverse team of scientists and artists, bringing a unique perspective from the North Atlantic to the Antarctic ecosystem.
This expedition isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about bringing the powerful stories of Antarctic wildlife back to Scotland and beyond, inspiring a deeper connection and commitment to protecting these globally significant ecosystems. As a woman rooted in a remote island community where the rhythms of the sea are a daily reality, I am deeply passionate about bridging the gap between scientific understanding and public awareness of our oceans.
I’ll be sharing every step of this incredible journey right here on this blog – from the preparations and training through to the daily adventures and discoveries in Antarctica. You’ll get an insider’s view of life aboard the MV Hondius, the breathtaking wildlife encounters, the scientific work we’re conducting, and the camaraderie of this remarkable team of women breaking boundaries at the bottom of the world.
Join me on this incredible adventure from the Scottish Shores to the Antarctic Ice! Keep checking back for regular updates, stunning photography, and stories from one of the most remote and beautiful places on Earth.
Learn more about the Sea Women Expeditions and their mission at: Antarctica SWX 2026
Follow my journey on social media:
- Facebook: Wildlife Wild Sea
- Instagram: @orkney_emma
Stay tuned for expedition updates, wildlife photography, and behind-the-scenes stories from Antarctica!
Wildlife, Wild Sea 
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