Àros na Mara Welcomes Arved Fuchs and the Historic Expedition Vessel Dagmar Aaen
Iona & Area
About
Renowned German polar explorer and environmental advocate Arved Fuchs is bringing the legendary expedition vessel Dagmar Aaen to Iona, Cape Breton Island, August 28–31, 2026.
Built in 1931, the Dagmar Aaen has carried Fuchs and his crew through Arctic and Atlantic waters for decades. As part of the Ocean Change 2026/27 expedition, they are conducting ocean observations, visiting coastal communities and raising awareness about our changing ocean — and for four days, Àros na Mara Discovery Centre is their port of call.
Come aboard. Meet the crew. Be inspired.
Public schedule
- Friday, August 28 — Expected evening arrival
- Saturday, August 29, 1:00 PM — Presentation & Q&A with Arved Fuchs at Àros na Mara Discovery Centre (outdoors weather permitting; indoors if needed)
- Saturday, August 29, 3:00–5:00 PM — Open ship visits, small groups of 3–4 at a time
- Sunday, August 30, 1:00–3:00 PM — Open ship visits, small groups of 3–4 at a time
- Monday, August 31 — Early morning departure
All activities are weather-dependent and subject to change. A non-public scientific dive led by Dr. Bruce Hatcher is planned with members of the expedition crew, supporting ocean science and understanding.
Follow the journey and track the Dagmar Aaen live: www.arved-fuchs.de/en/ocean-change-2026
Presented by Àros na Mara Discovery Centre in partnership with Central Cape Breton Community Ventures Inc., Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Region of UNESCO Canada, Dalhousie University Department of Oceanography and Trans Canada Trail. Media partner: CBC.
Àros na Mara is located in Unama’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, within the Pitu’paq / Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Region.
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