The vessel, MS ROALD AMUNDSEN (Norwegian-flagged), passenger cruise ship, will sail the Northwest passage from West to East for the purpose of educational tourism. The vessel isowned and operated by Hurtigruten Expeditions in Tromso, Norway. Hurtigruten Expeditions is one of the world’s leading operators in exploration travel in polar waters. There will be one cruise in duration on the vessel MS AMUNDSEN, beginning in Nome, Alaska, and sailing east through the Northwest passage, finishing in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. There will be up to 500 passengers and 150 crew members onboard, including approximately 20 Expedition Team members. Hurtigruten is a member of AECO (Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators Association) and participates in the Nalunaiqsijit: Inuit CruiseTraining Program offered through the Government of Nunavut, by taking on interns and guides from the program. The captain and crew are experienced in polar waters and understand the importance of protecting the wildlife and habitat. They will comply all guidelines issued. Activities will primarily be onboard with the goal being to provide a well-rounded educational experience. Activities include educational presentations, passenger viewing from the ship decks. Activities will follow standard operating procedures and be managed by the Expedition Leader with the assistance of a highly experienced team of expedition staff. If we are to take zodiacs out, we will follow in a single track line going at a slow speed. Trained staff will be with firearms and passengers and staff will be fully educated on safe wildlife viewing. We will follow all guidelines set in place by AECO for wildlife viewing. We will comply with the Guidelines for Seabird Colony Viewing for Cruise Ships set out by Environment Canada, the Canadian Wildlife Service Guidelines for Visiting Seabird Colonies. We will follow federal and local guidelines set out for whale watching set out for whale watching. We will also follow any recommendations set forth from all communities, and the Hunters and Trappers Organizations.