Rissa Citizen Science

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Hei! Would you like to know what Rissa means?

Join the growing community of nature advocates in Northern Norway

RISSA Citizen Science

Participate in hands-on projects

Together, we protect endangered species, restore fragile habitats, and raise awareness and empathy for nature.

Survey an endangered species in Tromsø city center

Goal: Encourage coexistence with the endangered kittiwake [Rissa] in Tromsø.

Clément Brun_Kelp.jpg

Restore kelp forests around Tromsø

Goal: Turn urchin barrens into underwater jungles where marine life can thrive.

Rissa Citizen Science_Senja

Restore nature & map wildlife in Ånderdalen National Park, Senja

Goal: Support Ånderdalen National Park's conservation efforts.

See all projects

Rissa Citizen Science_events.jpg

Join and meet volunteers at upcoming events

Sign up for events

2 days to the event
Free screening of OCEAN with David Attenborough

20 Nov 2025, 18:00 – 20:00
UiT Cinema (Teorifagbygg Hus 6, 6.222), Tromsø, Norway
Welcome to this free screening at the UiT campus. Sign up now to secure your slot (only 30 seats available).
3 days to the event
Urchin-pigment aquarelle workshop with Sara Roosvall

21 Nov 2025, 17:00 – 18:30
UiT, room UB132, main librairy, Huginbakken 14, 9019 Tromsø, Norway
Turn sea urchins into beautiful watercolor paintings with hobby artist Sara Roosvall!
5 days to the event
Sørsjetéen: restore a kelp forest along the jetty!

23 Nov 2025, 09:00 – 12:00
Sørsjetéen, Tromsø Municipality
Together, we brought kelp along Sørsjetéen, since the first dives in 2023. This site is now rich in life and colors! We are diving today to maintain urchin density low, replacing natural predators. You can contribute from land or in the sea, and there will be snacks and hot drinks for everyone.

Sign up for events

News & Stories

A freediver in Øksfjord measuring urchin density before the restoration starts in October 2025.

A freediver in Øksfjord measuring urchin density before the restoration starts in October 2025.

Kelp restoration in Øksfjord: a successful first step!

Now on Rissa's YouTube channel: Restoring a kelp forest in Øksfjord.

Now on Rissa's YouTube channel: Restoring a kelp forest in Øksfjord.

On Rissa's YouTube channel: Restoring a kelp forest in Øksfjord.

Creating blue communities in Øksfjord, Finnmark

Creating blue communities in Øksfjord, Finnmark

Creating blue communities in Øksfjord, Finnmark

A badger in Ånderdalen National Park, Senja

A badger in Ånderdalen National Park, Senja

A badger in Ånderdalen National Park, Senja.

NEW VIDEO on Rissa’s YouTube channel 🙌

🤿 A team of dedicated snorkelers restore a kelp forest in Øksfjord, Finnmark, Norway.

The project is a collaboration between Rissa Citizen Science, Lopphavet Marine Protected Area and artist Emma Gunnarsson (@arctic_lux).

The project’s goal is to 1/ raise awareness among the local community of the importance and disappearance of kelp forests in Norway, and 2/ restore a kelp forest along the jetty in Øksfjord.

Footage from documentary director and cinematographer Ismaele Tortella (@ismaeletortella), edited by Roel Melman (@roelm22).

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our project.

👉👉 Watch the video on Rissa’s YouTube channel.
👉More about the project on Rissa’s BLOG.

#kelpforest #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance @loppakommune

NEW VIDEO on Rissa’s YouTube channel 🙌

🤿 A team of dedicated snorkelers restore a kelp forest in Øksfjord, Finnmark, Norway.

The project is a collaboration between Rissa Citizen Science, Lopphavet Marine Protected Area and artist Emma Gunnarsson (@arctic_lux).

The project’s goal is to 1/ raise awareness among the local community of the importance and disappearance of kelp forests in Norway, and 2/ restore a kelp forest along the jetty in Øksfjord.

Footage from documentary director and cinematographer Ismaele Tortella (@ismaeletortella), edited by Roel Melman (@roelm22).

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our project.

👉👉 Watch the video on Rissa’s YouTube channel.
👉More about the project on Rissa’s BLOG.

#kelpforest #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance @loppakommune

🙌 Everyone is welcome to join our kelp restoration events, from land or in the sea. Get in touch :)

🤿 We lower the density of sea urchins, we document the change over time, being as inclusive as possible along the way. We engage with the local school and local community, invite everyone to join or stop by, and facilitate the participation of volunteers, financially and logistically.

🤝 This project in Øksfjord is a collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Protected Area, Rissa Citizen Science, and artist Emma Gunnarson @konstochfoto from @arctic_lux. Documentary director and cinematographer @ismaeletortella is completing the team in the field and sharing his amazing photos & videos.

⭐️⭐️⭐️Volunteers play a very important role in this project.

🤝 @sut_dykk was our partner at the latest event. This student diving club is doing a great job at popularizing diving in Tromsø ❤️

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn supports the initiative.

👉 More info on Rissa’s website/BLOG.

#kelp #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance @loppakommune @finnmarksalpene.loppakroa

🙌 Everyone is welcome to join our kelp restoration events, from land or in the sea. Get in touch :)

🤿 We lower the density of sea urchins, we document the change over time, being as inclusive as possible along the way. We engage with the local school and local community, invite everyone to join or stop by, and facilitate the participation of volunteers, financially and logistically.

🤝 This project in Øksfjord is a collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Protected Area, Rissa Citizen Science, and artist Emma Gunnarson @konstochfoto from @arctic_lux. Documentary director and cinematographer @ismaeletortella is completing the team in the field and sharing his amazing photos & videos.

⭐️⭐️⭐️Volunteers play a very important role in this project.

🤝 @sut_dykk was our partner at the latest event. This student diving club is doing a great job at popularizing diving in Tromsø ❤️

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn supports the initiative.

👉 More info on Rissa’s website/BLOG.

#kelp #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance @loppakommune @finnmarksalpene.loppakroa

🦦 Kelpers: Join on land or in the sea, and participate in the restoration of kelp forests in Telegrafbukta and in Sørsjetéen this month.

🤝 These initiatives are supported by @oceangreenofficial , led by Ava Ocean. Research partners include @nibio_no , @nivaforskning , @akvaplanniva. Across nature is part of the consortium.

🤝 Marine biologist Andreas Altenburger at @arktiskmuseum is our scientific advisor and partner for the Telegraphbukta restoration site.

#kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance #kelp

🦦 Kelpers: Join on land or in the sea, and participate in the restoration of kelp forests in Telegrafbukta and in Sørsjetéen this month.

🤝 These initiatives are supported by @oceangreenofficial , led by Ava Ocean. Research partners include @nibio_no , @nivaforskning , @akvaplanniva. Across nature is part of the consortium.

🤝 Marine biologist Andreas Altenburger at @arktiskmuseum is our scientific advisor and partner for the Telegraphbukta restoration site.

#kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance #kelp

@finnmarksalpene.loppakroa hosted a screening of STONE BITER, Ismaele Tortella’s documentary about his quest to film wolffish in Northern Norway.

🎤 After the screening, Lopphavet Marine Verneområdet, @rissa_citizen_science, artist Emma Gunnarsson at @arctic_lux joined the discussion with the audience about kelp forests and urchin barrens.

❤️ Volunteers were there too, as they joined a weekend of active kelp forest restoration in Øksfjord.

🙏 This project is supported by @sparebankstiftelsensnn. More information on Rissa’s website/BLOG.

#kelp @kelpforestalliance #kelpforestrestoration #loppakommune @loppakommune

@finnmarksalpene.loppakroa hosted a screening of STONE BITER, Ismaele Tortella’s documentary about his quest to film wolffish in Northern Norway.

🎤 After the screening, Lopphavet Marine Verneområdet, @rissa_citizen_science, artist Emma Gunnarsson at @arctic_lux joined the discussion with the audience about kelp forests and urchin barrens.

❤️ Volunteers were there too, as they joined a weekend of active kelp forest restoration in Øksfjord.

🙏 This project is supported by @sparebankstiftelsensnn. More information on Rissa’s website/BLOG.

#kelp @kelpforestalliance #kelpforestrestoration #loppakommune @loppakommune

🤿 Join us in the sea or on land to restore a kelp forest in Øksfjord. We provide free accommodation on Friday and Saturday, thanks to support from Høgtun skole.

🤝 This project is a collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Protected Area, @rissa_citizen_science and artist Emma Gunnarsson from @arctic_lux. @ismaeletortella completes the team in the field.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn supports the project.

👉 More information about the project in Rissa’s website/BLOG.
👉 Sign up on the EVENTS page of Rissa’s website.

#kelp #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance @sparebankstiftelsensnn

🤿 Join us in the sea or on land to restore a kelp forest in Øksfjord. We provide free accommodation on Friday and Saturday, thanks to support from Høgtun skole.

🤝 This project is a collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Protected Area, @rissa_citizen_science and artist Emma Gunnarsson from @arctic_lux. @ismaeletortella completes the team in the field.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn supports the project.

👉 More information about the project in Rissa’s website/BLOG.
👉 Sign up on the EVENTS page of Rissa’s website.

#kelp #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance @sparebankstiftelsensnn

🦦 We provide free accommodation to the volunteers on Friday 31/10 and Saturday 1/11, thanks to Høgtun skole.

🤿 This is the second round of restoration. We have made good progress a week ago, and now we need to confirm!

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting the initiative.

👉 More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

#citizenscience #kelpforest #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance #loppakommune

🦦 We provide free accommodation to the volunteers on Friday 31/10 and Saturday 1/11, thanks to Høgtun skole.

🤿 This is the second round of restoration. We have made good progress a week ago, and now we need to confirm!

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting the initiative.

👉 More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

#citizenscience #kelpforest #kelpforestrestoration @kelpforestalliance #loppakommune

🦦 Join the Kelpers Saturday 25/10 at 9:30, Telegrafbukta :)
🐙 Contribute to the restoration of a kelp forest.

🙌 Join from land or in the sea.

Free waffles for everyone, stop by and meet others who care about the ocean ❤️

🤝 The project is part of @oceangreenofficial , in collaboration with @arktiskmuseum

👉 More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

📸 photo by @anncoolsphotography 🙏🤩

#kelpforestrestoration #kelp @kelpforestalliance

🦦 Join the Kelpers Saturday 25/10 at 9:30, Telegrafbukta :)
🐙 Contribute to the restoration of a kelp forest.

🙌 Join from land or in the sea.

Free waffles for everyone, stop by and meet others who care about the ocean ❤️

🤝 The project is part of @oceangreenofficial , in collaboration with @arktiskmuseum

👉 More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

📸 photo by @anncoolsphotography 🙏🤩

#kelpforestrestoration #kelp @kelpforestalliance

The first round in Øksfjord has come to an end, and it is a great success despite the storm that hit us for two days.

We removed almost all the sea urchins that were along the jetty, and we started restoring the large rock that is adjacent to the jetty.

We gave two presentations at the local school, including screenings of @ismaeletortella’s documentary «STONE BITER».
We welcomed three classes on the restoration site, to show them what lives in the sea nearby, using an underwater drone (lent by a generous supporter) and doing some basic citizen science (measuring and weighing urchins).

🙌 Next round from 29/10 to 2/11. Join us in Øksfjord then!!
👉 More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

🙏 Many thanks to @sparebankstiftelsensnn for supporting this project. A collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Verneområdet, artist Emma Gunnarsson @arctic_lux and @rissa_citizen_science . @ismaeletortella completes the team in the field ❤️

📸 photos from @ismaeletortella

#kelpforest @kelpforestalliance #kelpforestrestoration

The first round in Øksfjord has come to an end, and it is a great success despite the storm that hit us for two days.

We removed almost all the sea urchins that were along the jetty, and we started restoring the large rock that is adjacent to the jetty.

We gave two presentations at the local school, including screenings of @ismaeletortella’s documentary «STONE BITER».
We welcomed three classes on the restoration site, to show them what lives in the sea nearby, using an underwater drone (lent by a generous supporter) and doing some basic citizen science (measuring and weighing urchins).

🙌 Next round from 29/10 to 2/11. Join us in Øksfjord then!!
👉 More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

🙏 Many thanks to @sparebankstiftelsensnn for supporting this project. A collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Verneområdet, artist Emma Gunnarsson @arctic_lux and @rissa_citizen_science . @ismaeletortella completes the team in the field ❤️

📸 photos from @ismaeletortella

#kelpforest @kelpforestalliance #kelpforestrestoration

🤝 This project is a collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Protected Area, artist Emma Gunnarsson/Arctic Lux and Rissa Citizen Science. Film director and cinematographer Ismaele Tortella is completing the team.

The goal to raise local awareness of the disappearance and importance of kelp forests. And restore a stretch of kelp forest!

We start this fall with presentations and activities with the local school, and restoration dives to lower the density of urchins and facilitate the return of kelp along the jetty in the center of town.

👐 Volunteers are invited to join 18-19-20 October, and then 31 Oct-1-2 November. Free accommodation to the volunteers. More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

👉 More about the project on Rissa’s website/BLOG (link in bio)

🙏 The project is supported by @sparebankstiftelsensnn

@kelpforestalliance #kelpforestrestoration #lopphavet @ismaeletortella @konstochfoto @altaposten

🤝 This project is a collaboration between Lopphavet Marine Protected Area, artist Emma Gunnarsson/Arctic Lux and Rissa Citizen Science. Film director and cinematographer Ismaele Tortella is completing the team.

The goal to raise local awareness of the disappearance and importance of kelp forests. And restore a stretch of kelp forest!

We start this fall with presentations and activities with the local school, and restoration dives to lower the density of urchins and facilitate the return of kelp along the jetty in the center of town.

👐 Volunteers are invited to join 18-19-20 October, and then 31 Oct-1-2 November. Free accommodation to the volunteers. More info and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

👉 More about the project on Rissa’s website/BLOG (link in bio)

🙏 The project is supported by @sparebankstiftelsensnn

@kelpforestalliance #kelpforestrestoration #lopphavet @ismaeletortella @konstochfoto @altaposten

🦉 Today a group of volunteers joined an off-track hike to control the owl nestboxes in Tromsdalen.

This effort is part of a large-scale program that started in 1978, and is led by Karl-Birger Strann and Vigdis Frivoll. @rissa_citizen_science is contributing with nestboxes near Tromsø.

Out of the 500 + owl nest boxes out in Tromsdalen County, only two were used by owls this year. And the chicks didn’t survive. Last year was a low in the rodent cycle, and more voles, and owls, are expected next year.

🙏 Many thanks to the volunteers who joined today!!

❤️ Participants were able to borrow high-quality binoculars from @rissa_citizen_science thanks to
@focusnordic who is supporting our projects.

#owl #fuglevern

🦉 Today a group of volunteers joined an off-track hike to control the owl nestboxes in Tromsdalen.

This effort is part of a large-scale program that started in 1978, and is led by Karl-Birger Strann and Vigdis Frivoll. @rissa_citizen_science is contributing with nestboxes near Tromsø.

Out of the 500 + owl nest boxes out in Tromsdalen County, only two were used by owls this year. And the chicks didn’t survive. Last year was a low in the rodent cycle, and more voles, and owls, are expected next year.

🙏 Many thanks to the volunteers who joined today!!

❤️ Participants were able to borrow high-quality binoculars from @rissa_citizen_science thanks to
@focusnordic who is supporting our projects.

#owl #fuglevern

🤝 @anderdalennasjonalpark @sallirnatur and @rissa_citizen_science joined forces to restore sections of the trail to Åndervatnet that are heavily damaged.

🥾 In just 10 years, the number of visitors in Ånderdalen National Park has increased tenfold, from 2,000 to nearly 20,000. The soil and vegetation can’t cope with that kind of pressure. The trail to Åndervatnet is eroded in dry sections or turned into large mud zones in wet areas.

🚫 The damaged trail was closed for restoration this summer. But in the worst sections, the damages are so important that they need some interventions to stop erosion by water and trampling.

✅ A new trail was created parallel to the closed one, in dryer areas above.

⛏️ That is what these days were about : helping nature to heal, using various techniques and materials.

@miljodirektoratet supports these restoration efforts to fix the issues due to over tourism in Ånderdalen National Park.

#naturerestoration #senjanorway #ånderdalennasjonalpark

🤝 @anderdalennasjonalpark @sallirnatur and @rissa_citizen_science joined forces to restore sections of the trail to Åndervatnet that are heavily damaged.

🥾 In just 10 years, the number of visitors in Ånderdalen National Park has increased tenfold, from 2,000 to nearly 20,000. The soil and vegetation can’t cope with that kind of pressure. The trail to Åndervatnet is eroded in dry sections or turned into large mud zones in wet areas.

🚫 The damaged trail was closed for restoration this summer. But in the worst sections, the damages are so important that they need some interventions to stop erosion by water and trampling.

✅ A new trail was created parallel to the closed one, in dryer areas above.

⛏️ That is what these days were about : helping nature to heal, using various techniques and materials.

@miljodirektoratet supports these restoration efforts to fix the issues due to over tourism in Ånderdalen National Park.

#naturerestoration #senjanorway #ånderdalennasjonalpark

🔥 Everyone in the Northern Lights tourism industry should adopt traceless practices, starting with campfires.

👍 Most companies and guides already use fire bowls or other devices to avoid burning the vegetation, and use firewood they bring with them. These practices must now be adopted by all, to protect nature, the landscapes, and reduce conflicts with locals.

💚💚 If you see these tripods & sign on Kvaløya, please give nature space and time to regenerate. And remember not to make campfires directly on the ground, and not to take wood from the surroundings, even apparently dead wood. What may be ok in remote areas is not in heavily used areas.

The Traceless Northern Lights Tourism project is led by @ninaforskning. @rissa_citizen_science plays an important role in it, while many local stakeholders are included as collaborators.

👉 Read more about the project on Rissa’s website/Projects.

#citizenscience #natureconservation #naturerestoration #coexistence #tromsøkommune #campfire #northernlightstromsø

🔥 Everyone in the Northern Lights tourism industry should adopt traceless practices, starting with campfires.

👍 Most companies and guides already use fire bowls or other devices to avoid burning the vegetation, and use firewood they bring with them. These practices must now be adopted by all, to protect nature, the landscapes, and reduce conflicts with locals.

💚💚 If you see these tripods & sign on Kvaløya, please give nature space and time to regenerate. And remember not to make campfires directly on the ground, and not to take wood from the surroundings, even apparently dead wood. What may be ok in remote areas is not in heavily used areas.

The Traceless Northern Lights Tourism project is led by @ninaforskning. @rissa_citizen_science plays an important role in it, while many local stakeholders are included as collaborators.

👉 Read more about the project on Rissa’s website/Projects.

#citizenscience #natureconservation #naturerestoration #coexistence #tromsøkommune #campfire #northernlightstromsø

🔥Yesterday, we mapped and removed a few more campfires with volunteers on Kvaløya, for the Traceless Northern Lights project, led by @ninaforskning

🌲The goal of this research and citizen science project is to promote leave-no-trace practices among the tourism industry in Tromsø. The multiplication of campfires made directly on the ground changes the soil, the vegetation and the landscape permanently.

🏕️ The tourism industry is not the only one to blame for the proliferation of these reckless practices. Many companies and guides already use some type of firebowls, burn wood they have bought, and take the fire remains with them. All companies should adopt these sustainable practices. This would also contribute to reducing the conflict between the tourism industry and the local population.

👏 @norwegiantravel was contributing to this event.

🙏 This research project is funded by the Regionale Forskningsfond.

#citizenscience #tromsø #coexistence #communityengagement #natureconservation #naturerestoration #campfires

🔥Yesterday, we mapped and removed a few more campfires with volunteers on Kvaløya, for the Traceless Northern Lights project, led by @ninaforskning

🌲The goal of this research and citizen science project is to promote leave-no-trace practices among the tourism industry in Tromsø. The multiplication of campfires made directly on the ground changes the soil, the vegetation and the landscape permanently.

🏕️ The tourism industry is not the only one to blame for the proliferation of these reckless practices. Many companies and guides already use some type of firebowls, burn wood they have bought, and take the fire remains with them. All companies should adopt these sustainable practices. This would also contribute to reducing the conflict between the tourism industry and the local population.

👏 @norwegiantravel was contributing to this event.

🙏 This research project is funded by the Regionale Forskningsfond.

#citizenscience #tromsø #coexistence #communityengagement #natureconservation #naturerestoration #campfires

🦡 A badger in Ånderdalen National Park!!

👉 Read the story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Photo nb 1 of the badger : @ninaforskning
Map from @artsdatabanken

🦡 A badger in Ånderdalen National Park!!

👉 Read the story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Photo nb 1 of the badger : @ninaforskning
Map from @artsdatabanken

🤿 This is the 6th time volunteers join forces to restore kelp forests in Telegrafbukta.

Photos 2 and 3 show the parts we haven’t restored yet. But look at photo 4, which shows the area we started restoring in May. Seaweed is growing back, sooner than expected!

@rissa_citizen_science’s effort to restore kelp forests in Tromsø are part of the Ocean Green project, a consortium led by Ava Ocean. @nibio_no is leading the work package in which @rissa_citizen_science is directly involved through kelp restoration, public engagement and outreach.

The other partners are @nivaforskning @akvaplanniva, Across Nature and Hofseth Biocare.

🤿 The other restoration site is in Tromsø city center at Sørsjetéen.

🎯 The goal of the Ocean Green project is to restore kelp forests at a national scale, developing technologies to harvest urchins, and urchin-based products such as bio stimulants.

👉 More info on @rissa_citizen_science’s website, and Ava Ocean’s website.

#kelpforest #citizenscience #marinerestoration

🤿 This is the 6th time volunteers join forces to restore kelp forests in Telegrafbukta.

Photos 2 and 3 show the parts we haven’t restored yet. But look at photo 4, which shows the area we started restoring in May. Seaweed is growing back, sooner than expected!

@rissa_citizen_science’s effort to restore kelp forests in Tromsø are part of the Ocean Green project, a consortium led by Ava Ocean. @nibio_no is leading the work package in which @rissa_citizen_science is directly involved through kelp restoration, public engagement and outreach.

The other partners are @nivaforskning @akvaplanniva, Across Nature and Hofseth Biocare.

🤿 The other restoration site is in Tromsø city center at Sørsjetéen.

🎯 The goal of the Ocean Green project is to restore kelp forests at a national scale, developing technologies to harvest urchins, and urchin-based products such as bio stimulants.

👉 More info on @rissa_citizen_science’s website, and Ava Ocean’s website.

#kelpforest #citizenscience #marinerestoration

🤿 Together we are making great progress in Telegrafbukta!

🦦 Join this Saturday (27 Sept), and contribute from land or in the sea.

🥞 Snacks and drinks are on us

📸 photo by @facethewild.underwater @facethewild ❤️❤️❤️

No diving experience is required to participate in this event.

The only requirement is to sign up on @rissa_citizen_science website/Events.

This event is part of the Ocean Green Project, led by Ava Ocean.

#citizenscience #tromsø #naturerestoration #kelpforest #kelpforestrestoration

🤿 Together we are making great progress in Telegrafbukta!

🦦 Join this Saturday (27 Sept), and contribute from land or in the sea.

🥞 Snacks and drinks are on us

📸 photo by @facethewild.underwater @facethewild ❤️❤️❤️

No diving experience is required to participate in this event.

The only requirement is to sign up on @rissa_citizen_science website/Events.

This event is part of the Ocean Green Project, led by Ava Ocean.

#citizenscience #tromsø #naturerestoration #kelpforest #kelpforestrestoration

Join the next hike on Fløya, to map cairns and trails as part of this project aiming at promoting traceless practices in nature.

👉 Check the dates on Rissa’s website/Events.

🪨 The multiplication of cairns is a safety issue, as they lure hikers away from the main trail.
These proliferating cairns also contribute to the destruction of plants that use rocks as a shelter to survive the Arctic weather.

🥾 Hiking trails have multiplied dramatically between the cable car (@fjellheisentromso) and the mountain top, leaving widespread scars in the landscape, creating soil erosion and destroying fragile natural habitats.

🤝 Together with volunteers, we are documenting the situation and sharing our results with @tromsokommune until solutions are tested to encourage traceless practices on Fløya.

#citizenscience #fjellheisentromsø

Join the next hike on Fløya, to map cairns and trails as part of this project aiming at promoting traceless practices in nature.

👉 Check the dates on Rissa’s website/Events.

🪨 The multiplication of cairns is a safety issue, as they lure hikers away from the main trail.
These proliferating cairns also contribute to the destruction of plants that use rocks as a shelter to survive the Arctic weather.

🥾 Hiking trails have multiplied dramatically between the cable car (@fjellheisentromso) and the mountain top, leaving widespread scars in the landscape, creating soil erosion and destroying fragile natural habitats.

🤝 Together with volunteers, we are documenting the situation and sharing our results with @tromsokommune until solutions are tested to encourage traceless practices on Fløya.

#citizenscience #fjellheisentromsø

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/Blog

It has been a busy summer for the Kittiwalkers, who monitored kittiwakes and rescued chicks in Tromsø city center and Skattøra. As kittiwakes have now left Tromsø, it is time to report!

👉 Go to Rissa’s website/Blog to read the full story.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn and @fuglevern Troms are supporting our work with kittiwakes this year, many thanks to them!

🙏 We were able to lend binoculars to the Kittiwalkers thanks to a generous support from @focusnordic ❤️

🙏 @vikingcruises contributed to a more regenerative form of tourism in Tromsø by collaborating with @rissa_citizen_science and providing participants to monitor the kittiwake colonies in the city center.

#kittiwake #citizenscience #tromsø #publicengagement #natureconservation

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/Blog

It has been a busy summer for the Kittiwalkers, who monitored kittiwakes and rescued chicks in Tromsø city center and Skattøra. As kittiwakes have now left Tromsø, it is time to report!

👉 Go to Rissa’s website/Blog to read the full story.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn and @fuglevern Troms are supporting our work with kittiwakes this year, many thanks to them!

🙏 We were able to lend binoculars to the Kittiwalkers thanks to a generous support from @focusnordic ❤️

🙏 @vikingcruises contributed to a more regenerative form of tourism in Tromsø by collaborating with @rissa_citizen_science and providing participants to monitor the kittiwake colonies in the city center.

#kittiwake #citizenscience #tromsø #publicengagement #natureconservation

🔥 Campfires are often made directly on the ground and the burned patches of vegetation are particularly noticeable in areas used by Northern Lights hunters.

❤️ These travelers volunteered for a day to map and remove campfires on Sommarøy, Tromsø.

🤝 This event is part of a research project led by @ninaforskning, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, in partnership with @rissa_citizen_science and funded by RFF, the Regionale Forskningsfond.

🤝 Local stakeholders and tour operators are collaborating to this initiative, to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of northern lights tourism.

🤝 @leavenotraceorg is a valuable partner, while @tromsokommune @scandichotels @boukersenheim @scandicishavshotel are supporting the project in various ways. @sabima_norge @destinationtromso @forumforutviklingogmiljo are on the reference group.

#citizenscience #tromsø #communityengagement #regenerativtravel #naturerestoration #responsibletourism

🔥 Campfires are often made directly on the ground and the burned patches of vegetation are particularly noticeable in areas used by Northern Lights hunters.

❤️ These travelers volunteered for a day to map and remove campfires on Sommarøy, Tromsø.

🤝 This event is part of a research project led by @ninaforskning, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, in partnership with @rissa_citizen_science and funded by RFF, the Regionale Forskningsfond.

🤝 Local stakeholders and tour operators are collaborating to this initiative, to reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of northern lights tourism.

🤝 @leavenotraceorg is a valuable partner, while @tromsokommune @scandichotels @boukersenheim @scandicishavshotel are supporting the project in various ways. @sabima_norge @destinationtromso @forumforutviklingogmiljo are on the reference group.

#citizenscience #tromsø #communityengagement #regenerativtravel #naturerestoration #responsibletourism

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

The Kittiwalkers rescued 15 kittiwake chicks in 2025.

For the second year in a row, Rissa Citizen Science and the Kittiwalkers rescued kittiwake chicks that had fallen from their nests. We also set up a live cam and streamed the chicks on YouTube. Now is the time to reflect on these rescue efforts and consider how we can improve them next year.

👉 Read the full story on Rissa’s website/Blog

🙏@sparebankstiftelsensnn and @fuglevern Troms are supporting our effort to promote coexistence with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers throughout the season.

#citizenscience #kittiwake #coexistence

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

The Kittiwalkers rescued 15 kittiwake chicks in 2025.

For the second year in a row, Rissa Citizen Science and the Kittiwalkers rescued kittiwake chicks that had fallen from their nests. We also set up a live cam and streamed the chicks on YouTube. Now is the time to reflect on these rescue efforts and consider how we can improve them next year.

👉 Read the full story on Rissa’s website/Blog

🙏@sparebankstiftelsensnn and @fuglevern Troms are supporting our effort to promote coexistence with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers throughout the season.

#citizenscience #kittiwake #coexistence

🎉🥳 The dome frame is now on the future @tromsoobservatorium!! It will take another few weeks to add all the windows and finalize it.

This bunker from World War 2 is being converted by @lawrencemalstaf with support from @tromsokommune into a community space to look at the city and its surrounding nature, from the sky above to the sea below.

🤿 @rissa_citizen_science and the “Kelpers” brought kelp back along the southern side of this jetty called Sørsjetéen, by lowering the density of sea urchins. We left the northern side as it was, for educational purposes.

🙏 @rissa_citizen_science’s efforts to restore kelp forests with volunteers in Tromsø is part of and supported by the Ocean Green project, led by Ava Ocean. @nivaforskning @akvaplanniva @nibio_no and Across Nature are partners in this ambitious project. It is funded by @innovasjonnorge and @forskningsradet.

👉 Join the next kelp restoration event, sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.
👉 Participate from land or in the sea.

#citizenscience #tromsø #communityengagement #kelp #kelpforest #marinerestoration #naturerestoration

🎉🥳 The dome frame is now on the future @tromsoobservatorium!! It will take another few weeks to add all the windows and finalize it.

This bunker from World War 2 is being converted by @lawrencemalstaf with support from @tromsokommune into a community space to look at the city and its surrounding nature, from the sky above to the sea below.

🤿 @rissa_citizen_science and the “Kelpers” brought kelp back along the southern side of this jetty called Sørsjetéen, by lowering the density of sea urchins. We left the northern side as it was, for educational purposes.

🙏 @rissa_citizen_science’s efforts to restore kelp forests with volunteers in Tromsø is part of and supported by the Ocean Green project, led by Ava Ocean. @nivaforskning @akvaplanniva @nibio_no and Across Nature are partners in this ambitious project. It is funded by @innovasjonnorge and @forskningsradet.

👉 Join the next kelp restoration event, sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.
👉 Participate from land or in the sea.

#citizenscience #tromsø #communityengagement #kelp #kelpforest #marinerestoration #naturerestoration

🔥 There are many campfires in areas used by Northern Lights hunters around Tromsø. When campfires are made directly on the ground, they leave a long-lasting trace in the landscape, and a permanent damage to the vegetation.

💪 These travelers chose to join an excursion on Kvaløya yesterday, to remove some of these campfires and learn about #leavenotrace practices.

This outing is part of a research project led by @ninaforskning, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, in partnership with @rissa_citizen_science and funded by the RFF, the Regionale Forskningsfond.

👋 If you are visiting Tromsø and want to explore the area, while contributing to a meaningful project, check the next opportunity on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

🤝 @leavenotraceorg is a valuable partner in the project.
🤝 @visittromso @scandichotels @scandicishavshotel @boukersenheim @tromsokommune are supporting the projects in various ways.

#citizenscience #regenerativetourism #leavenotrace

🔥 There are many campfires in areas used by Northern Lights hunters around Tromsø. When campfires are made directly on the ground, they leave a long-lasting trace in the landscape, and a permanent damage to the vegetation.

💪 These travelers chose to join an excursion on Kvaløya yesterday, to remove some of these campfires and learn about #leavenotrace practices.

This outing is part of a research project led by @ninaforskning, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, in partnership with @rissa_citizen_science and funded by the RFF, the Regionale Forskningsfond.

👋 If you are visiting Tromsø and want to explore the area, while contributing to a meaningful project, check the next opportunity on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

🤝 @leavenotraceorg is a valuable partner in the project.
🤝 @visittromso @scandichotels @scandicishavshotel @boukersenheim @tromsokommune are supporting the projects in various ways.

#citizenscience #regenerativetourism #leavenotrace

👉 New article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Through Ann Cools’ lens: documenting the return of Tromsø’s kelp forests:

The first time Ann Cools joined a Rissa Citizen Science event was to restore seaweed forests in Tromsø.
She was the first to photograph the restoration site in Telegrafbukta, documenting the urchin barren, before turning her lens to the city center site at Sørsjetéen, where underwater forests have returned thanks to the Kelpers.

Meet Ann Cools, one of Rissa Citizen Science’s strongest supporters, and a true source of inspiration for us.

👉 Full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

🤝 @rissa_citizen_science’s kelp forest restoration efforts are part of and supported by Ocean Green, a project led by Ava Ocean. @nibio_no leads the work package about citizen science, outreach and dissemination. @nivaforskning , @akvaplanniva are partners, as well as Across Nature.

@uitnorgesarktiske is Rissa’s close collaborator at the Telegrafbukta site.

📸 All photos by @anncoolsphotography of course! 🤩🤩

👏 Follow @tromsoobservatorium on Sørsjetéen!

#kelpforestrestoration #citizenscience #marinebiology #kelpforest

👉 New article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Through Ann Cools’ lens: documenting the return of Tromsø’s kelp forests:

The first time Ann Cools joined a Rissa Citizen Science event was to restore seaweed forests in Tromsø.
She was the first to photograph the restoration site in Telegrafbukta, documenting the urchin barren, before turning her lens to the city center site at Sørsjetéen, where underwater forests have returned thanks to the Kelpers.

Meet Ann Cools, one of Rissa Citizen Science’s strongest supporters, and a true source of inspiration for us.

👉 Full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

🤝 @rissa_citizen_science’s kelp forest restoration efforts are part of and supported by Ocean Green, a project led by Ava Ocean. @nibio_no leads the work package about citizen science, outreach and dissemination. @nivaforskning , @akvaplanniva are partners, as well as Across Nature.

@uitnorgesarktiske is Rissa’s close collaborator at the Telegrafbukta site.

📸 All photos by @anncoolsphotography of course! 🤩🤩

👏 Follow @tromsoobservatorium on Sørsjetéen!

#kelpforestrestoration #citizenscience #marinebiology #kelpforest

🤿 Join on land or in the sea :)

🦦 In Telegrafbukta (13/09), there is still a lot to do until the site becomes seaweed friendly.

🦦At Sørsjetéen (14/09), kelp is back and thriving, and maintenance is needed. There is lot of life, fish, anemones, crabs and more. Maybe a wolffish again?

🥞 Waffles and hot drinks for everyone!

🤿🤿 @rissa_citizen_science does not provide diving equipment. If you don’t own a wetsuit, we recommend that you become a member of @sut_dykk. This would give you access to all the equipment you need to snorkel or scubadive. Get in touch with us if you have questions.

📸 photo by @facethewild.underwater @facethewild ❤️

🤝 Rissa’s efforts to restore kelp forests with volunteers are supported by Ocean Green.

#citizenscience #kelpforestrestoration #marinebiology #naturerestoration

🤿 Join on land or in the sea :)

🦦 In Telegrafbukta (13/09), there is still a lot to do until the site becomes seaweed friendly.

🦦At Sørsjetéen (14/09), kelp is back and thriving, and maintenance is needed. There is lot of life, fish, anemones, crabs and more. Maybe a wolffish again?

🥞 Waffles and hot drinks for everyone!

🤿🤿 @rissa_citizen_science does not provide diving equipment. If you don’t own a wetsuit, we recommend that you become a member of @sut_dykk. This would give you access to all the equipment you need to snorkel or scubadive. Get in touch with us if you have questions.

📸 photo by @facethewild.underwater @facethewild ❤️

🤝 Rissa’s efforts to restore kelp forests with volunteers are supported by Ocean Green.

#citizenscience #kelpforestrestoration #marinebiology #naturerestoration

💩 The proliferation of cairns in highly visited areas like Fløya is a disaster for plants, which use rocks as shelters to survive the Arctic weather conditions.

Only cairns along hiking trails have a function: they help hikers stay on the right track when the visibility is low.

Leaving no trace starts by not building cairns, not littering, not carving messages on stones and trees, not making campfires directly on the ground.

🙏 this event was organized in collaboration with @esn.tromso the Erasmus Students Network in Tromsø.

#citizenscience #communityengagement #tromsø #tromsøkommune #leavenotrace #fjellheisentromsø

💩 The proliferation of cairns in highly visited areas like Fløya is a disaster for plants, which use rocks as shelters to survive the Arctic weather conditions.

Only cairns along hiking trails have a function: they help hikers stay on the right track when the visibility is low.

Leaving no trace starts by not building cairns, not littering, not carving messages on stones and trees, not making campfires directly on the ground.

🙏 this event was organized in collaboration with @esn.tromso the Erasmus Students Network in Tromsø.

#citizenscience #communityengagement #tromsø #tromsøkommune #leavenotrace #fjellheisentromsø

🐣 The Tromsø Tits Project is led by @rissa_citizen_science’s research partner Dr Tomotani at @uitnorgesarktiske. She is a chronobiologist, and interested in the impact of ALAN (Artficial Light At Night) on animals.

Volunteers (locals and travelers) join for a few hours in the forest, all year round, to put up new nest boxes, check the content of those already up, fill bird feeders and more, as part of this citizen science initiative.

In winter, we do all this with snow shoes, exploring Tromsøya with a purpose, in small groups (10 max).

👉 More information on Rissa’s website/PROJECTS.

#citizenscience #tromsø #lightpollution #lightpollutionawareness

🐣 The Tromsø Tits Project is led by @rissa_citizen_science’s research partner Dr Tomotani at @uitnorgesarktiske. She is a chronobiologist, and interested in the impact of ALAN (Artficial Light At Night) on animals.

Volunteers (locals and travelers) join for a few hours in the forest, all year round, to put up new nest boxes, check the content of those already up, fill bird feeders and more, as part of this citizen science initiative.

In winter, we do all this with snow shoes, exploring Tromsøya with a purpose, in small groups (10 max).

👉 More information on Rissa’s website/PROJECTS.

#citizenscience #tromsø #lightpollution #lightpollutionawareness

🎨 New article on Rissa’s website/BLOG, from Léa Ricard 🤩

Léa joined @rissa_citizen_science and @anderdalennasjonalpark to take part in a project called «A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen».

She spent a week in the National Park in July/August 2025, with fifteen other volunteers, helping repair nature where impacted by overtourism.

During this week, she kept a journal and painted some watercolors, and she is now sharing some of these with us 🙏

🤝 @anderdalennasjonalpark and @rissa_citizen_science have partnered to make «A helping hand to Ånderdalen» happen.

🙏 @miljodirektoratet and @itsgreatoutthere have supported this initiative so far ❤️

#ånderdalennasjonalpark #naturerestoration #leavenotrace

🎨 New article on Rissa’s website/BLOG, from Léa Ricard 🤩

Léa joined @rissa_citizen_science and @anderdalennasjonalpark to take part in a project called «A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen».

She spent a week in the National Park in July/August 2025, with fifteen other volunteers, helping repair nature where impacted by overtourism.

During this week, she kept a journal and painted some watercolors, and she is now sharing some of these with us 🙏

🤝 @anderdalennasjonalpark and @rissa_citizen_science have partnered to make «A helping hand to Ånderdalen» happen.

🙏 @miljodirektoratet and @itsgreatoutthere have supported this initiative so far ❤️

#ånderdalennasjonalpark #naturerestoration #leavenotrace

🔥 Today we mapped and removed campfires on a Northern Lights watching spot with volunteers.

🔥 Due to the explosion of Northern Lights tourism in Tromsø, the number of campfires has increased dramatically, fueling its negative reputation among local communities.

@rissa_citizen_science partners with @ninaforskning on a project that aims to promote traceless practices, with a focus on campfires.

🔥 Campfires are often expected by travelers, as they are advertised as part of the usual package. When these fires are made directly to n the ground, the leave a long-lasting scars in the landscape, cause habitat loss and fuel local hostility towards aurora guides and tourists.

🌲 There are alternatives, for example using portable fire bowls and leaving no trace.

🤝 @rissa_citizen_science organizes outings with volunteers to raise awareness of the negative impact of campfires in nature. Together, using methods codesigned with @ninaforskning we map and remove campfires. The organization @leavenotraceorg is a partner in the project.

Today, volunteers from @norwegiantravel and @visittromso joined the outing.

🙏 this research project is funded by Regionale Forskningsfond.

#citizenscience #northernlights #tromsø #leavenotrace

🔥 Today we mapped and removed campfires on a Northern Lights watching spot with volunteers.

🔥 Due to the explosion of Northern Lights tourism in Tromsø, the number of campfires has increased dramatically, fueling its negative reputation among local communities.

@rissa_citizen_science partners with @ninaforskning on a project that aims to promote traceless practices, with a focus on campfires.

🔥 Campfires are often expected by travelers, as they are advertised as part of the usual package. When these fires are made directly to n the ground, the leave a long-lasting scars in the landscape, cause habitat loss and fuel local hostility towards aurora guides and tourists.

🌲 There are alternatives, for example using portable fire bowls and leaving no trace.

🤝 @rissa_citizen_science organizes outings with volunteers to raise awareness of the negative impact of campfires in nature. Together, using methods codesigned with @ninaforskning we map and remove campfires. The organization @leavenotraceorg is a partner in the project.

Today, volunteers from @norwegiantravel and @visittromso joined the outing.

🙏 this research project is funded by Regionale Forskningsfond.

#citizenscience #northernlights #tromsø #leavenotrace

Between the 9th and the 22d of August, we streamed rescued kittiwake chicks on YouTube.

This initiative is a first in Tromsø, and aimed to foster empathy for this endangered species, and promote coexistence.

👉 Read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

🙏@sparebankstiftelsensnn and @fuglevern Troms are
supporting our work with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season.

#citizenscience #kittiwake #coexistence

Between the 9th and the 22d of August, we streamed rescued kittiwake chicks on YouTube.

This initiative is a first in Tromsø, and aimed to foster empathy for this endangered species, and promote coexistence.

👉 Read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

🙏@sparebankstiftelsensnn and @fuglevern Troms are
supporting our work with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season.

#citizenscience #kittiwake #coexistence

🤿 The Kelpers are making progress in Telegrafbukta.

Yesterday (23/8/25) was only the third time volunteers removed sea urchins, but the effort starts to be visible as urchins don’t return massively to the restored area.

So far, we removed 15579 urchins.
The green sea urchin is a fascinating species, and it plays an important role in a healthy ecosystem. But overfishing is the leading cause responsible for the urchin’s overpopulation, and the wide-spread urchin barrens.
Lowering the density of urchins is only one step towards long-term restoration of kelp forests in Norway. Fish diversity and abundance need to be restored too.

🤝 This project is made possible thanks to the Ocean Green project, led by Ava Ocean, under Work Package 7 led by @nibio_no. @uitnorgesarktiske is a close partner as well.

🤿 @sut_dykk plays an important role too, as many of their members join Rissa’s events, and rent out equipment from the club.

👉 Join the next kelp event, contribute from land or in the sea. Check out the next dates on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

#citizenscience #kelprestoration #kelpforestrestoration #marinerestoration

🤿 The Kelpers are making progress in Telegrafbukta.

Yesterday (23/8/25) was only the third time volunteers removed sea urchins, but the effort starts to be visible as urchins don’t return massively to the restored area.

So far, we removed 15579 urchins.
The green sea urchin is a fascinating species, and it plays an important role in a healthy ecosystem. But overfishing is the leading cause responsible for the urchin’s overpopulation, and the wide-spread urchin barrens.
Lowering the density of urchins is only one step towards long-term restoration of kelp forests in Norway. Fish diversity and abundance need to be restored too.

🤝 This project is made possible thanks to the Ocean Green project, led by Ava Ocean, under Work Package 7 led by @nibio_no. @uitnorgesarktiske is a close partner as well.

🤿 @sut_dykk plays an important role too, as many of their members join Rissa’s events, and rent out equipment from the club.

👉 Join the next kelp event, contribute from land or in the sea. Check out the next dates on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

#citizenscience #kelprestoration #kelpforestrestoration #marinerestoration

🌸 Fløya is a hotspot for plant diversity. Join us on this hike to help map the cairns and trails that are putting pressure on Tromsø’s most visited mountain.

👉 Details and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

🗺️ This citizen science project aims at mapping trails and cairns, to better assess the impact of using Fløya as a recreational area.

🌿 The project provides opportunities to raise awareness about the negative impacts of cairns on plants, and to promote leave-no-trace practices.

🤝 Rissa Citizen Science shares the participants’ observations with Tromsø municipality, to support a more sustainable use of this mountain by locals and visitors.

👉 Details and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

#citizenscience #leavenotrace

🌸 Fløya is a hotspot for plant diversity. Join us on this hike to help map the cairns and trails that are putting pressure on Tromsø’s most visited mountain.

👉 Details and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

🗺️ This citizen science project aims at mapping trails and cairns, to better assess the impact of using Fløya as a recreational area.

🌿 The project provides opportunities to raise awareness about the negative impacts of cairns on plants, and to promote leave-no-trace practices.

🤝 Rissa Citizen Science shares the participants’ observations with Tromsø municipality, to support a more sustainable use of this mountain by locals and visitors.

👉 Details and sign up on Rissa’s website/EVENTS

#citizenscience #leavenotrace

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

✊ Megan Starr volunteered for @rissa_citizen_science for the campfire project, led by @ninaforskning.

🔥 @meganstarrtravel joined a group of travelers to remove campfires made by northern lights hunters, and restored the burned soil and vegetation.

Travelers are invited to join free trips to Kvaløya, to remove campfires, as part of this research project.

👉 Read Megan’s story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

🙏 This research project is funded by the Regionale Forskningsfond (RFF) managed by @tromsfylke
🙏 It is facilitated by @visittromso, @scandicishavshotel, @scandichotels , @tromsoactivities

#citizenscience #tromsø #campfire #regenerativetourism #voluntourism

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

✊ Megan Starr volunteered for @rissa_citizen_science for the campfire project, led by @ninaforskning.

🔥 @meganstarrtravel joined a group of travelers to remove campfires made by northern lights hunters, and restored the burned soil and vegetation.

Travelers are invited to join free trips to Kvaløya, to remove campfires, as part of this research project.

👉 Read Megan’s story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

🙏 This research project is funded by the Regionale Forskningsfond (RFF) managed by @tromsfylke
🙏 It is facilitated by @visittromso, @scandicishavshotel, @scandichotels , @tromsoactivities

#citizenscience #tromsø #campfire #regenerativetourism #voluntourism

⚠️ Bird flu has recently been detected in Tromsø, and since we are still raising kittiwake chicks, we are taking this news very seriously.

🧪 We have received test kits from the veterinærinstitutt. We tested Dora and Loaf —our two last rescued chicks— and we sent the samples today to the lab.

We are releasing Loaf tomorrow (Saturday 16/08) morning, but Dora needs another week at least before fledging. We will test her regularly until then.

🎥 Watch the chicks live on Rissa’s YouTube channel! They will be streamed 24/7 for another week.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our work on kittiwakes in Tromsø ❤️

#citizenscience #tromsø #kittiwake #coexistence #communityengagement #birdflu

⚠️ Bird flu has recently been detected in Tromsø, and since we are still raising kittiwake chicks, we are taking this news very seriously.

🧪 We have received test kits from the veterinærinstitutt. We tested Dora and Loaf —our two last rescued chicks— and we sent the samples today to the lab.

We are releasing Loaf tomorrow (Saturday 16/08) morning, but Dora needs another week at least before fledging. We will test her regularly until then.

🎥 Watch the chicks live on Rissa’s YouTube channel! They will be streamed 24/7 for another week.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our work on kittiwakes in Tromsø ❤️

#citizenscience #tromsø #kittiwake #coexistence #communityengagement #birdflu

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Three artists inspired by citizen science in Tromsø:

Jacqueline Kärcher, Florentine Schäfermeier and Martha Steinmetz formed a collaborative trio, exploring Rissa Citizen Science’s work through their artistic lens. Having now collected all the material they need, they are ready to set their creative minds in motion.

👉 Read their story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#citizenscience

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Three artists inspired by citizen science in Tromsø:

Jacqueline Kärcher, Florentine Schäfermeier and Martha Steinmetz formed a collaborative trio, exploring Rissa Citizen Science’s work through their artistic lens. Having now collected all the material they need, they are ready to set their creative minds in motion.

👉 Read their story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#citizenscience

🎉 Welcome to Rissa’s first live broadcast!

On Friday, August 8th, we launched the broadcast we had been talking about for months. Just after 6 PM CET that day, the kittiwake “rescue shelter” went live for viewers around the world!

👀 You can now follow every moment of the chicks we’re raising until they’re ready to leave.

Available:
👉 On Rissa Citizen Science’s YouTube channel
and
👉 On Rissa’s website/BLOG

🙏 Many thanks to @roelm22 for making this stream technically possible! We are very grateful.
🙏 Many thanks to all those who support this rescue operation, with frozen fish, donations, time or encouragement ❤️

🙏 Rissa’s work on kittiwakes is supported by @sparebankstiftelsensnn

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season

#citizenscience #kittiwake

🎉 Welcome to Rissa’s first live broadcast!

On Friday, August 8th, we launched the broadcast we had been talking about for months. Just after 6 PM CET that day, the kittiwake “rescue shelter” went live for viewers around the world!

👀 You can now follow every moment of the chicks we’re raising until they’re ready to leave.

Available:
👉 On Rissa Citizen Science’s YouTube channel
and
👉 On Rissa’s website/BLOG

🙏 Many thanks to @roelm22 for making this stream technically possible! We are very grateful.
🙏 Many thanks to all those who support this rescue operation, with frozen fish, donations, time or encouragement ❤️

🙏 Rissa’s work on kittiwakes is supported by @sparebankstiftelsensnn

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season

#citizenscience #kittiwake

Charlie has been with us since the 20th of July. He was found by @matthewtravelsnaps in Tromsø city center. Charlie was too young to fly. Many people contributed to raising Charlie, with time, fish and money donations, and encouragements.

Special thanks to Flora, who took Charlie for a week when we were in the field in Ånderdalen National Park. Charlie had a strong and unique personality. He was very talkative when exercising. He flapped his wings like no others, which gave him strong muscles that served him during his first flight.

We feed chicks at least 5 times a day, we sit with them (especially Julian), get to know their habits, their fears, we grow very attached to them. It is both a happy and a sad moment when they leave. If they survive their first year, they will become sexually mature after 4 or 5 years. They are late breeders, long-living birds.

Good luck Charlie!

Dora, Mambo, Dumpling and Ghandi are the chicks still in our «rescue center» at the time of this post (9 August 2025).

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting @rissa_citizen_science ‘s effort to promote coexistence with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season

#citizenscience #tromsø #coexistence #kittiwake #communityengagement #natureconservation

Charlie has been with us since the 20th of July. He was found by @matthewtravelsnaps in Tromsø city center. Charlie was too young to fly. Many people contributed to raising Charlie, with time, fish and money donations, and encouragements.

Special thanks to Flora, who took Charlie for a week when we were in the field in Ånderdalen National Park. Charlie had a strong and unique personality. He was very talkative when exercising. He flapped his wings like no others, which gave him strong muscles that served him during his first flight.

We feed chicks at least 5 times a day, we sit with them (especially Julian), get to know their habits, their fears, we grow very attached to them. It is both a happy and a sad moment when they leave. If they survive their first year, they will become sexually mature after 4 or 5 years. They are late breeders, long-living birds.

Good luck Charlie!

Dora, Mambo, Dumpling and Ghandi are the chicks still in our «rescue center» at the time of this post (9 August 2025).

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting @rissa_citizen_science ‘s effort to promote coexistence with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season

#citizenscience #tromsø #coexistence #kittiwake #communityengagement #natureconservation

🔥Campfires are part of the marketing narrative associated with the Northern Lights watching tourism industry.

🌿 But it is possible to make a fire without impacting the soil and the vegetation. This project aims at spreading practices inspired by the leave-no-trace concept.

The goal is to make tourism practices in Tromsø more sustainable and reduce conflicts between the fast-growing tourism industry and local communities that perceive tourists and tour operators as being too disruptive.

Exemples of good practices:
✅ Chop your wood in small pieces to create flames and not amber and coal
✅ Don’t take wood or bark in the wild
✅ even if it is or looks dead
✅ Collect all remains at the end.

🤝 @ninaforskning is leading this research project, in collaboration with @rissa_citizen_science. @leavenotraceorg is a valuable partner in the project. Funded by the Regional Forskningsfond/RFF.

#citizenscience #leavenotrace #campfire #northernlightstromsø

🔥Campfires are part of the marketing narrative associated with the Northern Lights watching tourism industry.

🌿 But it is possible to make a fire without impacting the soil and the vegetation. This project aims at spreading practices inspired by the leave-no-trace concept.

The goal is to make tourism practices in Tromsø more sustainable and reduce conflicts between the fast-growing tourism industry and local communities that perceive tourists and tour operators as being too disruptive.

Exemples of good practices:
✅ Chop your wood in small pieces to create flames and not amber and coal
✅ Don’t take wood or bark in the wild
✅ even if it is or looks dead
✅ Collect all remains at the end.

🤝 @ninaforskning is leading this research project, in collaboration with @rissa_citizen_science. @leavenotraceorg is a valuable partner in the project. Funded by the Regional Forskningsfond/RFF.

#citizenscience #leavenotrace #campfire #northernlightstromsø

⭐️ Volunteer to map and remove campfires while exploring fjords, mountains and beaches in some of the most beautiful areas around Tromsø.

⭐️ Participate in a research project led by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research and the nonprofit @rissa_citizen_science, in collaboration with @leavenotraceorg

⭐️ Help reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of Northern Lights tourism in Tromsø.

👉 More info, dates available and free signup on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

#citizenscience #naturerestoration

⭐️ Volunteer to map and remove campfires while exploring fjords, mountains and beaches in some of the most beautiful areas around Tromsø.

⭐️ Participate in a research project led by the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research and the nonprofit @rissa_citizen_science, in collaboration with @leavenotraceorg

⭐️ Help reduce the negative environmental and social impacts of Northern Lights tourism in Tromsø.

👉 More info, dates available and free signup on Rissa’s website/EVENTS.

#citizenscience #naturerestoration

‼️ We have been finding an exceptionally high number of dead kittiwake chicks on the ground this year.

Finding these chicks before they get attacked by predators is the best way to reduce chick mortality.

👉 Learn to identify kittiwake chicks (they are not brown like the other seagull chicks)
👉 Keep your eyes open when outside
👉 Contact us immediately if you find a chick
❤️ We will take care of them, until they can properly fly.

‼️ We have been finding an exceptionally high number of dead kittiwake chicks on the ground this year.

Finding these chicks before they get attacked by predators is the best way to reduce chick mortality.

👉 Learn to identify kittiwake chicks (they are not brown like the other seagull chicks)
👉 Keep your eyes open when outside
👉 Contact us immediately if you find a chick
❤️ We will take care of them, until they can properly fly.

👉 New article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen National Park: Mission Accomplished!

@rissa_citizen_science posed a simple question to the National Park Board: Can visitors be a resource more than a burden? A Helping Hand is a pilot initiative exploring this idea, inviting visitors to actively contribute to the park’s preservation through hands-on efforts.

🤝 A Helping Hand is a collaboration between @anderdalennasjonalpark and @rissa_citizen_science .

🙏 Supported by @miljodirektoratet and @itsgreatoutthere

👉 Read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#regenerativetravel #natureconservation #communityengagement #senja #norge

👉 New article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen National Park: Mission Accomplished!

@rissa_citizen_science posed a simple question to the National Park Board: Can visitors be a resource more than a burden? A Helping Hand is a pilot initiative exploring this idea, inviting visitors to actively contribute to the park’s preservation through hands-on efforts.

🤝 A Helping Hand is a collaboration between @anderdalennasjonalpark and @rissa_citizen_science .

🙏 Supported by @miljodirektoratet and @itsgreatoutthere

👉 Read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#regenerativetravel #natureconservation #communityengagement #senja #norge

👉A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen National Park👈 is finished!

🌈 9 days
🌈 18 participants and local experts from Australia, Belgium, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, UK, USA and Switzerland.
✅ Repaired hiking trails
✅ Restored peat bogs
✅ Closed a damaged trail
✅ Built boardwalks
✅ Marked an alternative trail
✅ Refreshed DNT red marks

🤝 A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen is a collaboration between @rissa_citizen_science and @anderdalennasjonalpark.

🙏 Supported so far by @miljodirektoratet and @itsgreatoutthere.

Experts and various helpers brought a priceless contribution: Øystein Kristiansen @sallirnatur, Roar Jørgensen, Ann Berit Påve Kristiansen, Bente Merete Solbjørg, Hilde Lisbeth Strand, Fjelltjenesten’s rangers, Odd-Arne Andreassen, Solveig Nylind, Morten Svergre, Midt-Troms Friluftsråd, Roger Kristiansen, Bjørn Stangnes, Olaf Berger, Ronny Eliseussen and Line Miriam Haugen.

⭐️ Special thanks to the Ånderdalen National Park Ingve Birkeland, for a successful collaboration and for being such an inspiring human being.

#citizenscience #regenerativetravel #natureconservation #dugnad

👉A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen National Park👈 is finished!

🌈 9 days
🌈 18 participants and local experts from Australia, Belgium, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, UK, USA and Switzerland.
✅ Repaired hiking trails
✅ Restored peat bogs
✅ Closed a damaged trail
✅ Built boardwalks
✅ Marked an alternative trail
✅ Refreshed DNT red marks

🤝 A Helping Hand to Ånderdalen is a collaboration between @rissa_citizen_science and @anderdalennasjonalpark.

🙏 Supported so far by @miljodirektoratet and @itsgreatoutthere.

Experts and various helpers brought a priceless contribution: Øystein Kristiansen @sallirnatur, Roar Jørgensen, Ann Berit Påve Kristiansen, Bente Merete Solbjørg, Hilde Lisbeth Strand, Fjelltjenesten’s rangers, Odd-Arne Andreassen, Solveig Nylind, Morten Svergre, Midt-Troms Friluftsråd, Roger Kristiansen, Bjørn Stangnes, Olaf Berger, Ronny Eliseussen and Line Miriam Haugen.

⭐️ Special thanks to the Ånderdalen National Park Ingve Birkeland, for a successful collaboration and for being such an inspiring human being.

#citizenscience #regenerativetravel #natureconservation #dugnad

🙏 Thank you Ina, Camille, Sigrid, Mona and Anna Liisa for helping with gathering fish we need to raise these kittiwake chicks.

☠️ Kittiwake chicks that have fallen out of their nest are doomed. Parents don’t take care of them, and they get killed very quickly by predators.

👉 Contact us immediately if you see a kittiwake chick on the ground.

‼️ The black-legged kittiwake is listed as endangered on Norway’s Red List. It faces a high risk of extinction in mainland Norway. Every individual counts.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is facilitating our work on kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season.

#citizenscience #kittiwake #coexistence #tromsø #communityengagement #tromsøkommune #kittiwakes

🙏 Thank you Ina, Camille, Sigrid, Mona and Anna Liisa for helping with gathering fish we need to raise these kittiwake chicks.

☠️ Kittiwake chicks that have fallen out of their nest are doomed. Parents don’t take care of them, and they get killed very quickly by predators.

👉 Contact us immediately if you see a kittiwake chick on the ground.

‼️ The black-legged kittiwake is listed as endangered on Norway’s Red List. It faces a high risk of extinction in mainland Norway. Every individual counts.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is facilitating our work on kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season.

#citizenscience #kittiwake #coexistence #tromsø #communityengagement #tromsøkommune #kittiwakes

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Myrtille was one of 12 teenagers who traveled by train and bus from France to Northern Norway to take part in conservation efforts at Ånderdalen National Park.

Now, she looks back on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, sharing some of her sketches along the way.

👉 Read her story on Rissa’s website/BLOG.

🤲 This project was a collaboration between @rissa_citizen_science and @anderdalennasjonalpark, and @fenelonnotredamelarochelle

#citizenscience

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

Myrtille was one of 12 teenagers who traveled by train and bus from France to Northern Norway to take part in conservation efforts at Ånderdalen National Park.

Now, she looks back on this once-in-a-lifetime journey, sharing some of her sketches along the way.

👉 Read her story on Rissa’s website/BLOG.

🤲 This project was a collaboration between @rissa_citizen_science and @anderdalennasjonalpark, and @fenelonnotredamelarochelle

#citizenscience

🤿 Join the Kelpers in Telegrafbukta!

We’ll be in the water and on land for about an hour, surveying urchin density and marine life, measuring urchins’ size, and removing urchins from the restoration site.

🥞 As always, snacks and drinks are on us!

🤘 No diving experience is required to participate in this event. You can contribute from land or in the sea.

☝️ The only requirement is to sign up on Rissa Citizen Science website.

⚠️ Rissa CS does not provide diving equipment. If you don’t own a wetsuit, we recommend that you become a member of @sut_dykk

🤲 This community project is part of Ocean Green, which is funded by @innovasjonnorge and @forskningsradet.

🤲 Rissa’s research partners include @uitnorgesarktiske and @nibio_no

#citizenscience #kelprestoration

🤿 Join the Kelpers in Telegrafbukta!

We’ll be in the water and on land for about an hour, surveying urchin density and marine life, measuring urchins’ size, and removing urchins from the restoration site.

🥞 As always, snacks and drinks are on us!

🤘 No diving experience is required to participate in this event. You can contribute from land or in the sea.

☝️ The only requirement is to sign up on Rissa Citizen Science website.

⚠️ Rissa CS does not provide diving equipment. If you don’t own a wetsuit, we recommend that you become a member of @sut_dykk

🤲 This community project is part of Ocean Green, which is funded by @innovasjonnorge and @forskningsradet.

🤲 Rissa’s research partners include @uitnorgesarktiske and @nibio_no

#citizenscience #kelprestoration

⚠️ The number of kittiwakes in Skattøra (the northern part of Tromsø island) has crashed this year.

🐣 Colony number 1 is taking a hit, as the cliff they were using has been covered with a net to keep the birds away. Many have tried to build a nest on the net, or at the top but not successfully.

🐣🐣 Colony number 2 was abandoned from one day to the next, a bit mysteriously since there were active nests.

🐣🐣🐣 Colony number 3 is doing well, on a cliff that stretches behind car dealers.

👉 Join our effort to monitor these important colonies. Become a Kittiwalker! Reach out to us if you are interested

#citizenscience #kittiwakes #kittiwake

⚠️ The number of kittiwakes in Skattøra (the northern part of Tromsø island) has crashed this year.

🐣 Colony number 1 is taking a hit, as the cliff they were using has been covered with a net to keep the birds away. Many have tried to build a nest on the net, or at the top but not successfully.

🐣🐣 Colony number 2 was abandoned from one day to the next, a bit mysteriously since there were active nests.

🐣🐣🐣 Colony number 3 is doing well, on a cliff that stretches behind car dealers.

👉 Join our effort to monitor these important colonies. Become a Kittiwalker! Reach out to us if you are interested

#citizenscience #kittiwakes #kittiwake

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

✅ Tromsø’s Kittiwalkers: the mid-summer report.

Midway through the breeding season, Kittiwalker Roel Melman is sharing an update based on the dedicated efforts of the Kittiwalkers.

🙏 Many thanks to Roel for analyzing the data with such a sharp eye!

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our work on kittiwakes in Tromsø ❤️

🙏 @focusnordic is facilitating our observations with high-quality binoculars ❤️

👉 read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#citizenscience #kittiwakes

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

✅ Tromsø’s Kittiwalkers: the mid-summer report.

Midway through the breeding season, Kittiwalker Roel Melman is sharing an update based on the dedicated efforts of the Kittiwalkers.

🙏 Many thanks to Roel for analyzing the data with such a sharp eye!

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our work on kittiwakes in Tromsø ❤️

🙏 @focusnordic is facilitating our observations with high-quality binoculars ❤️

👉 read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#citizenscience #kittiwakes

👉 NEW ARTICLE on Rissa’s website/BLOG

⚠️ Kittiwakes at Strandvegen 8 need a long-term solution.

The Strandvegen 8 case highlights how a poorly considered decision ended up worsening the very issue it aimed to resolve (getting rid of the endangered kittiwake).

Now, for kittiwakes and for people working or living the neighborhood, an alternative breeding site is needed.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our efforts to promote coexistence with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season

👉 read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#coexistence #kittiwake #citizenscience

👉 NEW ARTICLE on Rissa’s website/BLOG

⚠️ Kittiwakes at Strandvegen 8 need a long-term solution.

The Strandvegen 8 case highlights how a poorly considered decision ended up worsening the very issue it aimed to resolve (getting rid of the endangered kittiwake).

Now, for kittiwakes and for people working or living the neighborhood, an alternative breeding site is needed.

🙏 @sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our efforts to promote coexistence with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

🙏@focusnordic supported our work on kittiwakes by offering a very good price on binoculars, which we could lend to the Kittiwalkers during the season

👉 read the full story on Rissa’s website/BLOG

#coexistence #kittiwake #citizenscience

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

⚠️ Rescue kittiwake chicks: help needed!

🐣 Kittiwake rescue season is back! Last year, we saved 12 chicks thanks to incredible community support. It’s happening again soon, and we need help coordinating logistics now.

Read how you can help:
👉 latest article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

@sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our work with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

#kittiwake #natureconservation

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

⚠️ Rescue kittiwake chicks: help needed!

🐣 Kittiwake rescue season is back! Last year, we saved 12 chicks thanks to incredible community support. It’s happening again soon, and we need help coordinating logistics now.

Read how you can help:
👉 latest article on Rissa’s website/BLOG

@sparebankstiftelsensnn is supporting our work with kittiwakes in Tromsø.

#kittiwake #natureconservation

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/ BLOG

✊ 12 teens in Ånderdalen National Park, on a mission!

🇫🇷 🇳🇴They traveled from France to Norway and back (8,000 km!) to support Ånderdalen National Park’s conservation efforts,
✅ mapping biodiversity and
✅ restoring nature along hiking trails.

💪 Work hard, play hard could have been the week’s motto!

Now it’s time to share what these inspiring travelers accomplished together.
👉 Read their story on Rissa’s website/ BLOG

🎥❤️ video by @dbprodboomboom 🙏

#citizenscience #tromsø #natureconservation #communityengagement #senja #senjakommune #ånderdalennasjonalpark

👉 NEW article on Rissa’s website/ BLOG

✊ 12 teens in Ånderdalen National Park, on a mission!

🇫🇷 🇳🇴They traveled from France to Norway and back (8,000 km!) to support Ånderdalen National Park’s conservation efforts,
✅ mapping biodiversity and
✅ restoring nature along hiking trails.

💪 Work hard, play hard could have been the week’s motto!

Now it’s time to share what these inspiring travelers accomplished together.
👉 Read their story on Rissa’s website/ BLOG

🎥❤️ video by @dbprodboomboom 🙏

#citizenscience #tromsø #natureconservation #communityengagement #senja #senjakommune #ånderdalennasjonalpark

Our citizen science project on Fløya aims at promoting leave-no-trace practices in nature.

Participants join easy hikes, and help map trails and cairns on Tromsø’s most popular mountain.

@fjellheisentromso is facilitating the project, while we share our results with @tromsokommune to support a more sustainable use of this mountain.

👉 More about the project, and next hike on Rissa’s website and @fjellheisentromso

#leavenotrace #citizenscience #cairns

Our citizen science project on Fløya aims at promoting leave-no-trace practices in nature.

Participants join easy hikes, and help map trails and cairns on Tromsø’s most popular mountain.

@fjellheisentromso is facilitating the project, while we share our results with @tromsokommune to support a more sustainable use of this mountain.

👉 More about the project, and next hike on Rissa’s website and @fjellheisentromso

#leavenotrace #citizenscience #cairns

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Rissa Citizen Science is collaborating with the Norwegian institute for nature research

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