Category: News

Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO of Matís, has resigned after 8 years. Matís is a strong company with strong human resources. Matís' board thanks Sveinn for his contribution to the company. Under his leadership and with the involvement of powerful staff, their ingenuity and knowledge, Matís has grown.

Oddur Már Gunnarsson is the current CEO as of today. Further information is provided by Sjöfn Sigurgísladóttir, Chairman of the Board of Matís.

On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, Dr. Ira Levine, President of the Algae Foundation and Professor at the University of Southern Maine with a presentation on algae and algae cultivation.

One of the goals of Dr. Ira Levine to Iceland is establishing contacts between parties in algae cultivation in Maine and Iceland. The Algae Foundation offers free teaching materials that he will present as well as share his experience. Two lectures will be held, one focusing on algae and the other on algae.

More information about the event can be found here.

Just now this ended an amazing episode in the news commentary show Kveik which is shown on RÚV on Tuesday nights. This time it was plastic, both microplastic and plastic that birds and other animals have eaten.

The eyes of rulers around the world have been opened to the threat posed to us by plastic. For example, the European Union is aiming for a major effort in these matters, and it is clear that the next research plans, especially the one starting in 2021, will take these priorities into account.

Of course, it did not go unnoticed how much of a shock it was for Sigríður Halldórsdóttir at RÚV to see the results of Matís' research on water from washing machines, water that goes directly down to our drains and out to sea. Matís has been a strong participant in research and discussion of these issues in recent years, and the company, together with partners, has pushed for the issue of plastic pollution, especially microplastics, to be given greater weight.

Matís has built up a strong infrastructure and knowledge for research on plastics in the environment, participated in research projects on plastics, is a participant in the government's consultation forum on an action plan in the field of plastics and will lead a project within the Icelandic Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers 2019-2021, which will focus on building a foundation for research and monitoring of plastics, to name but a few.

Plastic pollution is a real threat to the marine environment. We Icelanders have a lot to do with the marine environment, as the fishing industry has been our main industry in recent decades. It is therefore important that the existing knowledge is used to the fullest to counteract the great danger of plastic pollution in the sea. Are we going to use the resources of the ocean in the way that has been and even better? In order for this to be possible, it is necessary to conduct research on all aspects of the value chain of marine products, from the marine environment to fishing and processing and on behalf of consumers, as well as what arises from fish processing.

Matís builds on a good foundation here, as the company and its predecessor (Rannsóknastofnun fiskiðnaðarins) have worked hard together with partners in the industry, in increasing the value of seafood in a sustainable way.

It was often necessary, but now it is necessary to join hands and apply the science to prevent the marine ecosystem around Iceland from being permanently damaged. We need to research the situation, assess the risks that exist and see the positive opportunities that exist if we are to take a strong step forward.

Go ahead!

A new project has just started at the Marine Research Institute and Matís. The project is called eCAP and involves tracking capelin with the surrounding gene (eDNA).

eCAP aims to use DNA found in the environment (ocean) to find and track capelin to increase knowledge of its changing distribution and to improve stock size assessments and fisheries in Icelandic waters. It will benefit the Icelandic fisheries sector, provide new and better methods for estimating stock size and help to assess the total allowable catch. ECAP will also lead to lower carbon emissions in the Icelandic fleet, as it can be expected that less need to sail in search of capelin, if the project's goals are achieved.  

Marine Research Institute, Marine and Water Research and Consulting Institute, manages the project.

The project is funded by Technology Development Fund.

A new project is about to start with Matís and partners. The project is particularly practical and involves the redesign and improvement of the bleeding and cooling equipment Dreka, which has been manufactured by Micro Ryðfrí Smíði ehf. from 2012 but the equipment has been used on board ships with good results.

The aim of the project is to increase the quality of raw materials and homogeneity of products with equipment that also ensures simple operation on board and takes up little space compared to other comparable solutions. To achieve these goals, the project aims to deliver the following three products:

Redesign of the Draka bleeding and cooling equipment with automation in mind.

Design of a vertical Dragon that can be placed between the tires, thus saving valuable space on board and also creating opportunities to improve blood drainage with increased fluid pressure during the bleeding process.

Design of a new solution that combines bleeding and cooling into one integrated. These solutions will then be tested and their results will be used in the preparation of marketing material.

Matís' partners in this project are Micro Ryðfrí Smíði ehf. and Skinney Þinganes.

Project management: Micro

Strength: Technology Development Fund

Photo / picture: Magnús Óskarsson for Matís

The condition of mackerel caught within Icelandic jurisdiction makes it difficult to process. Studies on the possibilities of filleting and storing mackerel show that dark muscle under redness is sensitive to cravings. The aim of a project currently underway within Matís is to assess the possibility of mackerel fillet cutting and what effect the processing has on their quality and stability. Removing red and dark muscle could result in much more valuable fillet products as well as creating a platform for utilizing the side raw material in valuable food products.

Preliminary experiments have shown that it is possible to remove redness and dark muscle without damaging the fillet, but a lot of work needs to be done to adjust the equipment, do research on the stability of skinless fillets as well as look for ways to use the side raw material that falls off. then processing. Processing mackerel caught within Icelandic jurisdiction in high-quality skinless mackerel fillets and side raw materials in other value-added products can create a great increase in value for everyone who comes, the Icelandic fishing industry, the nation and the environment.

The project is funded by the Technology Development Fund and partners are the University of Iceland, Síldarvinnslan and Ísfélag Vestmannaeyja.

The debate on agriculture has intensified recently. The discussion has revolved around antibiotic-resistant bacteria in food, micro-slaughter and risk assessment, to name but a few. But how do Icelanders stand when it comes to building scientific knowledge on the state of food security in Iceland?

In 2014, Matís, in collaboration with BfR in Germany, Matvælastofnun, the Ministry of Industry and Innovation and other parties, embarked on the implementation of the project. Safe Foods. Its main goal was to build research infrastructure so that, among other things, pesticides could be detected in fruit and vegetables in a better way than before. Today, a total of 187 pesticides can be detected with the equipment that Matís has at its disposal.

The purpose of the Food Act is to ensure, as far as possible, the quality, safety and hygiene of food. With the update of the law in 2010, in accordance with European food legislation from 2002, much greater emphasis was placed on risk assessment and information dissemination than before, and scientific data play a key role in this context. Below you can see the main information on pesticide measurements in recent years that has been published in the annual reports of the Food Administration.

For further information, contact Vordís Baldursdóttir and Sveinn Margeirsson at Matís.

Significant progress has been made in the development of storage containers for whole fresh fish in recent decades. The re-launch that took place in the eighties, for example, has made life so much easier for fishermen and has meant that it takes much less time to get the catch down to the train and land it. The most common tanks, however, are so large that there is a risk that their use will have a negative effect on the quality of the catch, if not done correctly. 

It is therefore important to work carefully with icing and alignment in the pots, but it is known that the pressure that forms on the fish at the bottom of the pots affects the appearance, release and weight loss. Recently came out report by Matís where the question is asked what are the main advantages and disadvantages of different transport packaging for whole fresh fish, and then the focus is mainly on container fish, and whether the choice of packaging affects the quality and value of the catch.

The report discusses the export of containerized fish, the value chain of containerized fish, the containers that have been used for the storage and transport of containerized fish, and the issues to consider when processing, storing and transporting whole fresh fish. In addition, the relationship between price and quality of catch sold on auction markets is briefly discussed.

An experiment carried out by exporting containerized fish in four different types of containers is also discussed, where it was to be investigated whether there were differences in quality, weight loss and the value of the catch. However, this experiment did not provide sufficient reliable information to establish whether the type of transport container affected the aforementioned factors. However, the development that has taken place in the production and sale of pots shows that more and more companies are choosing smaller pots, and this should therefore be a good indication that the size of the pots matters. However, the experiment clearly showed that it would be very difficult to re-box the Icelandic fleet. Icelandic sailors have become accustomed to pots and have little interest in returning; in addition, the installation in trains is today designed for pots. In addition, it is common for Icelandic vessels to catch fish that simply do not fit in the boxes that are available, due to their size. However, it is not ruled out that in some cases, boxes could be a good option for exporting whole fresh fish, for example more valuable catches such as sole or "anglerfish tail".

The project was funded by the AVS Fund.

Picture at the top of the page: Jónas R. Viðarsson

Sea King (Neptune despecta) is a kingfisher that resembles a bait king, but is somewhat larger and usually stays at a deeper depth. It is believed that the kingfisher is in large quantities in many parts of the country and that the stock can withstand considerable fishing. The MRI has recorded information about the king of the sea from lobster expeditions for many years, which indicates considerable density in many parts of the country. 

The company Sægarpur in Grundarfjörður began to explore the possibilities of fishing, processing and marketing sea king in 2012 and when Sægarpur went bankrupt in 2013, the company Royal Iceland took over and continued experiments until 2016. Matís assisted the companies with this work, in addition to The AVS fund came to finance. Matís has now published a report outlining the experiments that were carried out and the main results. 

The main results of the mapping of distribution and experimental fishing were rather limited, as information on kingfishers as by-catch in other fisheries is scarce and the species has received little attention in the research of the Marine Research Institute. The experimental expedition led by the project also yielded disappointing results, despite the fact that a seaweed plow was pulled in 29 places where it was thought likely that a sea king was expected.

Since kingfishers can produce tetramine, their processing is mainly concerned with ensuring that the products are safe to consume. The results of processing experiments showed that it is possible to remove the king of the sea's toxic glands and that it is possible to measure whether tetramine is found in products, but this does require a considerable cost. To be effective, you must manually remove the gland and the sac that contains the poison.

The results of a basic market survey conducted indicate that it is possible to sell kingfisher products, especially in well-paying markets in Asia. However, since the king of the ocean is not well known in Asian markets and there is always a risk of tetramine poisoning, marketing of the products is very difficult. It is therefore clear that considerably more research is needed in the entire value chain before it is possible to state anything about whether and to what extent there are opportunities in fishing and processing kingfishers in this country.

The report can be accessed at Matís website.

9.-10. last November An idea competition, a so-called hackathon, on value creation in the value chain of sheep was held for the first time. The competition was called Lambaþon, but in Lambaþon the competitors have 24 hours to put together ideas, which they then get three minutes to present to the jury after these 24 hours.

A total of 27 people signed up for the game, some got off the train but then five powerful teams presented their ideas to the jury. It should also be noted that a large number of ideas were received by e-mail lambathon@matis.is and we hope that those creators will be able to attend next year. 

This time the jury worked according to the following values: 

• How much does the value creation of the farmer who implements the idea increase? How much does it cost consumers? 
• Does the idea include constructive proposals for the working environment of farmers? 
• Does the idea have a positive environmental impact? 
• Does the idea involve the development of new products or services? Marketing Ideas! 
• Does the idea beat the heart of the team with the idea? The chemistry, the energy and the presentation! 

The jury consisted of Guðjón Þorkelsson, who was its chairman, Arnar Bjarnason, Bryndís Geirsdóttir, Gunnfríður Hreiðarsdóttir and Ragnheiður Héðinsdóttir.

Lambthon was run by Matís, Landbúnaðarháskóli Íslands, Bifröst University, Landgræðslan, Ráðgjafarmiðstöð landbúnaðarins, Matvælastofnun, Landssamtök sauðfjárbænda, Samtök ungra bændar, Háskóli Íslands and Icelandic Lamb. 

Introducing the sheep

The idea that won the first Lambaþon was "introduce the sheep" The members of the group were Arnþór Ævarsson, Magnea Jónasdóttir and Kári Gunnarsson. 

The prelude to the winning idea was that Arnþór set up a photo exhibition with portraits of sheep at Magnea in Dalakaffi by Reykjadalur in Ölfus. Magnea and Arnþór actually own their own sheep in a small livestock herd, which was the subject of the exhibition, on a farm in Ölfus where Magnea lives with her husband. The tourists thought the show was magnificent and some people could not believe that the sheep were real, some had never seen a sheep on their travels around Iceland or had never seen a sheep in their lives. 

The photo exhibition and the reception made it clear to them that this could be a much bigger idea nationwide, as the sheep is used as a resource for the benefit of sheep farmers. "Introducing the sheep" is about promoting sheep as an attraction for tourists and giving tourists the opportunity to learn about and experience the sheep in an easy way, such as by observing or participating in various activities in the countryside or at events related to sheep. . 

They further developed the idea during Lambaþon and made a proposal for a web system under the working title "Sheepadvisor" which was to some extent similar to the Tripadvisor web system that most people are familiar with. The idea was also expressed that it would be possible to connect this to the web system www.matarlandslagid.is. The food landscape is a database that Matís has developed and can offer countless possibilities but is not fully developed yet. Farmers could connect to the distribution map of the food landscape and enter information about products and / or services themselves. In the idea of the Sheepadvisor web system, tourists could get an overview nationally and book sheep-related tourism, accommodation and more as well as current events. Examples of this could be sightseeing tours or walks on pastures and experiencing lambing, running, grazing, and of course dishes. Farmers could further link this to other things they could have on offer, such as refreshments, accommodation or sales of woolen products, meat products, handicrafts or other. Similarities were also noted among sheep farmers in New Zealand. In this way, those sheep farmers who are interested in tourism could decide their working hours in the tourism industry and decide for themselves what is on offer and when, depending on what suits each farm. The web system could also offer a reward system with review and rating options in the style of Tripadvisor. 

The sheep is so much more than just meat and fleece sweaters, it is a big part of our culture and towards foreign tourists there are examples of the introduction of the sheep being the highlight of the Iceland trip. The cheek is therefore equal to the country's natural pearls and is a resource that should be utilized and made Iceland's brand internationally. Lambaþon's winning team is convinced that educating and increasing the tourist experience of the Icelandic sheep will increase the demand for all products and services related to the Icelandic sheep, improve the welfare of sheep farmers and increase value in the entire value chain of sheep.

Fjárborg in sheepfolds

In 2007, Hlédís Sveinsdóttir founded the project kindur.is, where consumers were offered to buy their own or foster child. The legal environment has changed since then and that is why doors are now opening for farmers to further increase value creation. The idea is that anyone can buy a sheep, keep it in foster care with a farmer and thus become a "remote farmer". The person owns the sheep according to law, but pays the farmer a fee for keeping the sheep on a monthly basis.

Farmers in Fjárborg can offer the various services for the owners of the sheep, such as meat soup day, genealogy information, photos of the sheep regularly, an open day for lambing, tanning of sheep, slaughtering and much more.

Fjárborg in sheepfolds was an idea that Hlédís Sveinsdóttir, Sólveig Bjarnar Reynisdóttir and Elín Guðnadóttir worked on.

Prize money - managed grazing in the forest is for everyone's benefit

The forest lamb enjoys the shelter 

of a forest that is growing today 

The grass as well as the birch bites 

farming for the benefit of all

Project idea for money that utilizes browsing in the forest floor, which can be more nutritious and more per unit area than in pastures. A forest, over the first years of growing up, utilizes microbial flora (and possibly some nutrition as well) which is generated in the form of organic waste (lamb tail) and money keeps down competitive vegetation. Light grazing pressure can strengthen the root system of bottom vegetation and soil erosion is negligible (Does not apply to overgrazing). Money benefits from the chewing of bottom vegetation, the fall weight of lambs is greater, which gives extra money in sales. If the forest is uplifted (which is almost a condition) then the handling of the forest is exemplary and beautiful for outdoor activities. The money goes to the forest, everyone knows that. If it were allowed to walk in the woods then the gathering of the mountain is unnecessary. Money that improves land quality should impress the buyer. Longer slaughter time means new slaughter over a longer period. A forest binds carbon and converts poor land into rich. Groundwater is purified and there is a more even flow over the year, less risk of disasters. Well-groomed forests are an attraction for humans, no less than sheep. 

Hlynur Gauti Sigurðsson, Sæmundur ISK Þorvaldsson, Sighvatur Jón Þórarinsson and Guðríður Baldvinsdóttir worked on the idea.

The green lamb

The Green Lamb is a certification issued by a recognized regulatory body.  

The certification ensures: 

• Healthy and healthy product. 
• Sustainability on the farms where the animals are raised. 
• Good welfare of the animals. 

• Carbon neutral lamb. 
• Degradable packaging. 
• Minimum antibiotic use. 
• Based on the concept of an exemplary cow farm 

The certification is not only for money but also for all products that meet the Green Lamb's standards may receive the stamp, despite not producing lamb. For example, vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, carrots and potatoes. Pig farms (eg farms that produce their own feed). Chicken farms that use Icelandic ingredients for feeding. Horsemanship for breeding (eg blood farms).  

The Green Lamb was led by Sóley Erna Sigurgeirsdóttir, Steinþór Logi Arnarsson, Sunna Þórarinsdóttir and Ísak Jökulsson. 

Woolpa

The project vision for the Icelandic sheep consisted, among other things, of encouraging innovation in the field and interdisciplinary collaboration between farmers and designers. When wool is given more respect, it becomes more valuable. By looking at the possibilities of Icelandic wool and its advantages rather than disadvantages, there are countless possibilities available because the wool is hard, warm, insulating, water-repellent and it breathes. A group of design graduates from the Iceland Academy of the Arts presented ideas for clothing, accessories and shoes that were all made exclusively from Icelandic wool that was dry felted. 

Woolpa was run by Margrét Arna Vilhjálmsdóttir, Kristín Soffía Þorsteinsdóttir, Bjarmi Fannar Irmuson, Þórður Jörundarson and Ari Jónsson.