Scientists on Turkiye's Arctic expedition study climate, birds and microplastics

SVALBARD, NORWAY - AUGUST 08: Scientists participating in the Sixth Turkish National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE-VI) conduct sampling operations from a research vessel in Svalbard, Norway, on August 08, 2026. The expedition, conducted under the auspices of the Presidency, under the responsibility of the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and coordinated by the TUBÄ°TAK Polar Research Institute (KARE), concludes in Svalbard. Foreign researchers participating in Turkiye's 6th National Arctic Scientific Research Expedition (TASE-VI) conducted research in various fields, ranging from the effects of climate change on polar ecosystems to the distribution of bird species unique to the Arctic and microplastic pollution in the region. A total of 12 scientists participated in the expedition, during which 12 scientific projects and studies were carried out in the fields of oceanography, biology, chemistry, atmospheric dynamics, meteorology, geodesy and satellite systems. (Photo by Muhammed Enes Yildirim/Anadolu via Getty Images)