Category: Reports

Reports

Comparison of transport modes and packaging methods for fresh fish products - storage life study and life cycle assessment

Published:

01/10/2012

Authors:

Björn Margeirsson, Birgir Örn Smárason, Gunnar Þórðarson, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, Eyjólfur Reynisson, Óðinn Gestsson, Emilía Martinsdóttir, Sigurjón Arason

Supported by:

AtVest (Atvinnuþróunarfélag Vestfjarði)

Contact

Birgir Örn Smárason

Research Group Leader

birgir@matis.is

Comparison of transport modes and packaging methods for fresh fish products - storage life study and life cycle assessment

There is a great benefit in improved control of the value chain of exports of fresh fish knuckles for distribution in retail chains in the UK. Improved packaging methods could increase the shelf life of a product, which is fundamental to this business. With an airtight container, it would be possible to transport the product in a sludge tank with a low temperature (down to -1 ° C), which would both reduce the transport cost significantly and could also extend the shelf life of the product. The method also provides the option of packaging with consumer information, which makes further packaging abroad unnecessary. In air transport, it would be possible to pack all goods in a 12 kg foam box instead of 3 kg, as is most common today, thus saving significant transport costs. Temperature measurements, sensory evaluation, chemical and microbial measurements and life cycle analysis were used to compare different packaging solutions for sea and air transport. Fresh haddock pieces in vacuum-packed containers in a container with slush ice, which were stored at a typical temperature in container transport, turned out to have a shelf life of 3-4 days longer than the other experimental groups, probably mainly due to better temperature control. Consistency between the results of sensory evaluation and microbiological measurements was generally good. The lowest environmental impact of all groups was the pot group with sea-transported, vacuum-packed packaging, but this design could be further improved with regard to the mixing of the ice scraper and fish temperature control and thus the shelf life.

The aim of the project was to compare alternative packaging methods of fresh fish loins to the traditional packaging. Comparison was made between packages in terms of temperature control and product storage life by simulating air and sea transport from Iceland to UK in air climate chambers. The evaluation was made by the sensory panel and microbialand chemical analysis by the Matís laboratory in Reykjavík. Furthermore, the environmental impact of the aforementioned transport modes and packaging methods was assessed by means of LCA (Life Cycle Assessment). About 70–75% of Iceland's exports of fresh fillets and loins are transported by air and the rest by container ships. Increased knowledge on the advantages and disadvantages of the packages used for this fresh fish export will facilitate the selection of packages and improve the quality and storage life of the products. By using vacuum-packaging it is possible to use 12 kg packages in air freight instead of the traditional 3– 5 kg packages; but the market is increasingly demanding smaller individual packages. Sea transported larger packages use less space in shipping, lowering freight cost and environmental impact. Vacuum packed haddock loins immersed in slurry ice in a fish tub stored at sea transport temperature conditions proved to have a 3–4 day longer storage life than all the other experimental groups, probably mainly because of better temperature control. Good agreement was obtained between the sensory- and microbial evaluation. Finally, the sea transport-tub-group was found to be the most environmentally friendly and could be improved with regard to product temperature control and thereby storage life.

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Reports

Short Training Course on Quality Assurance and Processing in the Artisanal Pelagic Fisheries Sector Tanzania June 18th to 29th 2012 / Practical course in quality assurance and processing for pelagic coastal fishing areas in Tanzania June 18-29, 2012

Published:

01/09/2012

Authors:

Margeir Gissurarson

Supported by:

UNU-FTP

Contact

Margeir Gissurarson

Strategic Scientist

margeir.gissurarson@matis.is

Short Training Course on Quality Assurance and Processing in the Artisanal Pelagic Fisheries Sector Tanzania June 18th to 29th 2012 / Practical course in quality assurance and processing for pelagic coastal fishing areas in Tanzania June 18-29, 2012

Matís held two practical courses in Tanzania for the United Nations University (UNU-FTP), in collaboration with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development Tanzania. Quality loss from fishing and processing in Tanzania is estimated at around 60% of landed catch. The main cause of the loss is inadequate handling and primitive production methods of pelagic fish (Dagaa). The content of the courses held in Mwanza and Kigoma dealt with improved safety and processing of marine products with an emphasis on pelagic fishing. In each course the number of participants was around 30.

Two short training courses were conducted in Tanzania by Matis for the United Nations University - Fisheries Training Program (UNU-FTP) in co-operation with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development in Tanzania. Post-harvest losses in fisheries in Tanzania are estimated to be around 60% of the total catch. These losses are mainly due to improper handling and poor processing techniques of the pelagic species (Dagaa). The courses held in Mwanza and Kigoma, covered the topics of fish safety and processing with emphasis on pelagic fisheries. About 30 persons participated in the course at each location.

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Reports

SafeSalt: Quality control of bacalao salt / SafeSalt: Quality control of salted fish salt

Published:

01/09/2012

Authors:

Minh Van Nguyen, Sigurjón Arason, Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir

Supported by:

AVS

Contact

Sigurjón Arason

Chief Engineer

sigurjon.arason@matis.is

SafeSalt: Quality control of bacalao salt / SafeSalt: Quality control of salted fish salt

The aim of the project was to develop a rapid analysis method to assess the quality of salt used in salted fish production. The aim of the project was to minimize yellowing in salted fish. Experiments with the use of cod liver oil as a substitute for evaluating the fat development of metals showed promising results and it is necessary to transfer the results for cod liver oil to cod fillets. The results indicate that iron has a greater effect on fat development than copper. Emulsion was measured in fat at up to 5 ppm iron concentration in salt. It is necessary to examine the effect of copper and iron on the oxidation of protein in fish.

The objective of the project was to develop rapid test method to evaluate the quality of salt used in the production of heavily salted cod. This is done in order to reduce the risk of yellow discoloration in salted cod. Experiments where cod liver oil was used as surrogate material showed promising results and the next step is to extrapolate these results to cod filets. The results indicate that iron has stronger oxidizing effects on lipids compared to copper. Oxidation of lipids was detected at 5 ppm iron concentration in salt. Future research should aim at investigating the effects of copper and iron on protein oxidation in fish.

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Reports

Optimization of Icelandic turbot culture / Profitability increase in Icelandic sandeel farming

Published:

01/07/2012

Authors:

Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir, Kristinn Ólafsson, Eirik Leknes, Jón Árnason, Snorri Gunnarsson, Benedikt Kristjánsson, Sigurbjörg Hauksdóttir, Steinunn Magnúsdóttir, Aðalheiður Ólafsdóttir, María Pétursdóttir, Helgi Thorarensen, Soizic Le Deuff, Arnþór Gústavsson, Gunnar Örn Kristjánsson, Trond Bjørndal, Sigríður Hjörleifsdóttir, Albert Imsland

Supported by:

Technology Development Fund

Contact

Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir

Project Manager

sigurlaug.skirnisdottir@matis.is

Optimization of Icelandic turbot culture / Profitability increase in Icelandic sandeel farming

The main goal of the project "Increasing profitability in Icelandic sandeel farming (MAXIMUS)" was to develop methods to reduce production costs in sandeel farming in Iceland. Sandhverfa is for the most part raised in pots on land and is therefore very suitable for farming in Iceland, in addition to which the market price is high (about 1500 ISK / kg) and stable. Land farming, on the other hand, is costly and therefore new and better technical solutions must be sought to increase the efficiency of farming. The MAXIMUS project worked on the development of a new light cycle control that makes it possible to increase growth by up to 20%. Work was done on the development of new feed types which sought to reduce the weight of sea protein and managed to reduce feed costs by up to 10% compared to conventional feed. This will make it possible to increase the efficiency of aquaculture in the later stages of the aquaculture process. The project also developed a multiplex genetic marker kit for a sandeel that has made it possible to genotype large numbers of juveniles quickly and safely. This genetic marker kit will be used to accelerate genetic progress in sandeel farming in the future. Market research was carried out and an attempt was made to examine the future prospects of the farm. Sandeel production will probably increase considerably in the coming years, but despite an increase in recent years, prices have remained stable. The results of the project strongly indicate that sandeel farming is economical in Iceland and the methods that have been developed in the project will increase the likelihood of development and investment in sandeel farming in Iceland.

The overall aim of this project, MAXIMUS, was to develop methods to significantly reduce production costs in farming of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus). Production of turbot in Iceland has been growing and therefore it is important to develop technology to lower the production costs. Turbot is an ideal species for farming in land ‐ based stations in Iceland, having many good characteristics as an aquaculture species and high (1500 kr / kg) and stable market value. Rearing fish in land ‐ based farms comes however with a cost and it is important to constantly strive to develop new technology to reduce cost of production. Firstly, methods to use photoperiod control to increase growth rate up to 20% compared to traditional methods were developed. Secondly, it was found that crude protein in turbot feed can be reduced by approximately 10% compared to current level in commercial feed without negative effects on growth. This will make production of a more cost efficient and less expensive feed for large turbot possible. Thirdly, multiplex genotyping systems were developed, making it possible to determine the pedigree of the parent fish during breeding to ensure genetic diversity leading to high growth rate. Finally, the current and future developments in turbot production and markets were analyzed. Production of this species is likely to increase considerably in coming years. In addition, there are important developments in technology that may impact on future supply and cost of production. An estimate of the economic implications of optimized turbot farming system in Iceland, profitability and revenue, was also investigated. Overall the results from this project will make turbot production in Iceland more feasible, and profitable, in the future.

Report closed until 01.12.2013

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Reports

Monitoring of the marine biosphere around Iceland 2010 and 2011 / Pollution monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland 2010 and 2011

Published:

01/07/2012

Authors:

Hrönn Jörundsdóttir, Natasa Desnica, Þuríður Ragnarsdóttir, Helga Gunnlaugsdóttir

Supported by:

Ministry of the Environment and Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture

Contact

Natasa Desnica

Research Group Leader

natasa@matis.is

Monitoring of the marine biosphere around Iceland 2010 and 2011 / Pollution monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland 2010 and 2011

This report presents the results of an annual monitoring project funded by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The purpose of this monitoring is to fulfill Iceland's obligations under the Oslo and Paris Agreements (OSPAR), as well as the AMAP (Arctic Monitoring Assessment Program). The data is part of Iceland's contribution to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) database. The Marine Research Institute collects samples and Matís oversees the preparation of samples and measurements of trace elements in the marine environment. The samples are measured at Matís and at the University of Iceland Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Various inorganic trace elements and chloro-organic substances were measured in cod caught in Hafró's annual spring rally in March 2011 and in mussels collected at 11 locations around the country in August / September 2010. Monitoring in the marine environment around Iceland began in 1989 and samples are collected once a year. for a year and worked according to international sampling instructions. The data is collected in a database, the report provides overview images for some of the materials monitored. Cadmium is regionally higher in Icelandic mussels compared to mussels from other countries. The results show changes in the pattern of chlorine organic matter in mussels collected near Hvalstöðin in Hvalfjörður in September 2010 which are comparable to results from the same place since 2009. There were no visible changes in the concentration of these substances at the mussel collection point at Hvammsvík in Hvalfjörður or at any another collection site around the country that was studied in 2010. It is important to monitor these changes in the pattern of the concentration of chloro-organic substances in mussels in the monitoring project in the coming years to see if they are still present. A detailed statistical analysis of the data is in progress, i.e. Scientific methods can be used to estimate the increase or decrease of pollutants in the marine environment in Iceland.  

This report contains results of the annual monitoring of the biosphere around Iceland in 2010 and 2011. The project, overseen by the Environmental and Food Agency of Iceland, is to fulfill the OSPAR (Oslo and Paris agreement) and AMAP (Arctic Monitoring Assessment Program) agreements. The project was funded by the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The data obtained is a part of Iceland´s contribution to the ICES databank (ices.dk). The collection of data started 1989. Matís is the coordinator for marine biota monitoring and is responsible for methods relating to sampling, preparation and analysis of samples. The samples were analyzed at Matís and the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Iceland. Trace metals and organochlorines were analyzed in cod (Gadus morhua) caught in March 2011 and in blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) collected from 11 sites in August / Sept 2010. Marine monitoring began in Iceland 1989 and the sampling is carried out according to standardized sampling guidelines. Changes were observed in the organochlorine concentration patterns in blue mussels collected year 2010 at the sampling site Hvalstod in Hvalfjordur which are in line with results obtained year 2009. No noteworthy increase in organochlorine concentrations was however observed in blue mussels obtained at Hvammsvík in Hvalfjordur nor any of the other sample sites studied year 2010. These results need to be followed up in the annual monitoring of the biosphere around Iceland next year to see if this change in contaminant concentration pattern continues. A thorough statistical evaluation is on ‐ going on all the available data from this monitoring program to analyze spatial and temporal trends of pollutants in the Icelandic marine biosphere.

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Reports

Cartilage saccharides and bioactive compounds from sea cucumbers

Published:

01/06/2012

Authors:

Ólafur Friðjónsson, Varsha Kale, Jón Óskar Jónsson, Sesselja Ómarsdóttir, Hörður Kristinsson, Margrét Geirsdóttir, Patricia Y. Hamaguchi, Guðlaugur Sighvatsson, Sigfús Snorrason, Kári P. Ólafsson, Guðmundur Ó. Hreggviðsson

Supported by:

Tækniþróunarsjóður, AVS

Contact

Ólafur H. Friðjónsson

Research Group Leader

olafur@matis.is

Cartilage saccharides and bioactive compounds from sea cucumbers

In recent years, Matís, in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Iceland, IceProtein ehf and Reykofninn ehf, has conducted research on cartilage sugars (chondroitin sulphate) from shark cartilage and sea urchins from Icelandic smelters (Cucumaria frondosa). Studies around the world have shown a wide range of bioactivity of cartilage sugars, in vitro and in vivo, and such sugars are used as a dietary supplement, usually with glucosamine to treat osteoarthritis. Studies have also shown that cutting cartilage sugars into smaller units (oligosaccharides) can potentially increase their bioactivity in vitro. The research of Matís and partners, which was supported by the AVS Fisheries Research Fund and the Technology Development Fund, showed that cartilage sugars can be produced from shark cartilage and coarsely refined cartilage sugars from simple edema. It is also possible to produce oligosaccharides from shark cartilage with specific biocatalysts, which were prepared in the research project. The cartilage sugars show considerable bioactivity in vitro and cartilage sugars from Icelandic sea otters are particularly interesting as they show antioxidant activity, immune-regulating activity and hypoglycemic activity. The molecular structure of cartilage sugar from sea urchins is complex compared to shark cartilage sugars as they contain side chains composed of different types of sugars. The production of refined cartilage sugars from sea edema is therefore a complex process and it is anticipated that such sugars will be expensive on the market. Matís and IceProtein in collaboration with Reykofninn are now preparing further production of coarsely refined cartilage sugars from seaweed in sales and promotional activities.

In recent years, Matís ohf, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Iceland, IceProtein and Reykofninn ehf have collaborated in a research project on cartilage saccharides (chondroitin sulfate) isolated from shark and sea cucumbers from waters around Iceland (Cucumaria frondosa). The project results indicate that processing of the chondroitin sulfate from shark cartilage is a simple procedure and production of disaccharides with recombinant biocatalyst, evolved in the project, may be profitable. The chondroitin sulfate shows considerable bioactivity. Fractions of chondroitin sulfate purified from sea cucumbers, are especially interesting as they display immunomodulating activity and anti ‐ diabetic properties. However, the structure of the sea cucumber chondroitin sulfate is complex as they contain side chains composed of fucoside residues. Hence, the production and purification of chondroitin sulfate from Icelandic sea cucumbers will be a complicated procedure. Nevertheless, the results indicate that production of crude chondroitin sulfate from sea cucumber can be viable procedure.

Report closed until 01.07.2015

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Reports

Culturing and utilization of marine algae from the sea surrounding Iceland

Published:

01/06/2012

Authors:

Jónína Þ. Jóhannsdóttir, Friðbjörn Möller (student), María Pétursdóttir, Hlynur Ármannsson, Kristinn Guðmundsson, Rannveig Björnsdóttir

Supported by:

Fisheries Project Fund

Culturing and utilization of marine algae from the sea surrounding Iceland

The variability of floating algae is high, but in the sea in the northern hemisphere, diatoms and whip algae are most common. Floating algae have been cultivated in Japan since about 1960 and used to enrich the nutritional content of various foods and thus have a positive effect on the health of both humans and animals. The high levels of omega 3 (ω3) and ω6 fatty acids in cold seaweed also make them an interesting crop. The main goal of the project was to isolate algae from the sea off Iceland and grow them in a laboratory under different conditions. The breeding of 4 species of cold-water algae, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Microcysitis sp., Chlorella sp. Has been successfully isolated and maintained. and Dunaliella salina. The fat content and percentage of ω3 fatty acids were highest in P. tricornutum, but the species all contained a relatively high percentage of ω3 fatty acids and were easy to grow, although their growth varied depending on the situation. The results indicate that the fat content and ratio of different fatty acids vary according to growth stages. The results also show that equidae eat Microcystis sp. and Chlorella sp. and therefore it may be interesting to use these species for the enrichment of aquatic animals used as live feed animals in aquaculture of sea larvae in aquaculture. The project has resulted in new projects where work continues on the types of algae that have been successfully grown in pure cultivation. The aim of these studies is, on the one hand, to further develop methods of cultivation with the aim of increasing the proportion of fat and processing fats from algae, and, on the other hand, experiments with the cultivation of the species in wastewater from fish farms. An experiment has also been started in the breeding of cod juveniles with the use of these species of algae in the enrichment of feed animals of larvae.

Phytoplankton is the autotrophic component of the plankton community. Phytoplankton has been cultured since 1960 in Japan for a variety of purposes, including foodstock for other aquacultured organisms and a nutritional supplement. The most abundant groups of microalgae around Iceland are the diatoms and dinoflagelleates. High omega 3 (ω 3) and ω6 fatty acid content in cold water marine algae make them interesting for culturing. The main goal of the project was to search expedient plankton suitable for culturing and investigate the effects of different culture conditions. Four species of cold ‐ water algae have been isolated in monocultures, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Microcysitis sp., Chlorella sp. and Dunaliella salina. P. tricornutum was found to contain the highest fatty acid and content3 content but all species were relatively high in ω3 content and were easy to culture. The results indicate that the fatty acid composition differed with respect to growth stages. The results also indicate that rotifers grazed on Microcystis sp. and Chlorella sp., thereby making them interesting for enrichment of the live prey commonly used in marine aquaculture. The project has resulted in new projects with further studies on the isolated species and developing methods for increasing their fat content, processing methods for extraction of the fat content and culturing using waste water from aquaculture farms. Also, two of the algae species are presently being used for enrichment of the live prey of cod larvae in an ongoing project.

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Reports

Turbot - a new colonist from the sea / Sandhverfa - a new settler from the deep

Published:

01/06/2012

Authors:

Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir, Kristinn Ólafsson, Arild Folkvord, Matthías Oddgeirsson, Sigurbjörg Hauksdóttir, Steinunn Magnúsdóttir, Sigríður Hjörleifsdóttir, Snorri Gunnarsson, Hans Høie, Julie Skadal, Agnar Steinarsson, Albert Imsland

Supported by:

Fisheries Project Fund

Contact

Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir

Project Manager

sigurlaug.skirnisdottir@matis.is

Turbot - a new colonist from the sea / Sandhverfa - a new settler from the deep

The purpose of the project was threefold:

• To obtain information on the distribution, migration and population growth of a sand dune near Iceland.  

• To use the reading of oxygen and carbon isotopes in grinders to assess the ambient temperature and life history of a sand dune near Iceland.  

• To develop DNA genotypes and assess the genetic variability of sandeels in Iceland and compare them with sandeels in nearby oceans.  

In total, samples were collected from 70 sandeels caught in Icelandic waters. The majority of the samples were collected off the southwest coast (67%) and this coincides with the ambient temperature in these areas, which is suitable for a sand dune. Sand turbines were found in the southeast and off the northeast in the autumn when the annual sea temperature in these areas is highest. About 300 samples were taken from the grinders of 25 sand turbines, aged 3 to 19 years, and oxygen (O) and hydrocarbon isotopes were analyzed by mass spectrometry. Using this method, the ambient temperature of the sampled fish was calculated to be in the range of 3-15 ° C. A clear seasonal fluctuation in ambient temperature was observed in the majority of the mills, although individual variability in ambient temperature was also significant. Lower calculated ambient temperatures were found in samples from the northeast compared to samples from the southwest and southeast coasts. The structure of a sand eel in Icelandic waters was studied with 12 genetic markers and it was compared with a sand eel from the northeast Atlantic and the Adriatic Sea. Significant genetic differences were found between all pairs of samples on the Kattegat and the Adriatic Sea, on the one hand, and between Iceland and the Irish Sea, as well as southern Norway and the Irish Sea. This basic study therefore suggests that sand eels in Icelandic waters may have originated in southern Norway. The results of the SETTLEMENTS project indicate that the sand dunes off Iceland are establishing themselves as a special Icelandic stock and that a new settler has arrived from the depths.

The aim of the LANDNEMI project was threefold:

• To collect information about distribution, migration and population growth of turbot in Icelandic waters.

• Use stable oxygen and carbon isotope signals in turbot otoliths to extract information about environmental and life history of turbot in Icelandic waters.

• To develop DNA multiplex microsatellites and determine intra- and inter-population genetic diversity of turbot.

Samples from 70 turbot caught in Icelandic fishing grounds were collected, with majority of the fish caught of the southwest coast (67%) in line with higher sea temperatures in those areas. The turbot caught in other fishing grounds around Iceland (southeast and northeast) were caught during fall when the sea temperatures reach the annual high. Nearly 300 otolith samples were extracted from otoliths of 25 turbot, with age ranging from 3 to 19 years, and subject to mass spectrometry determination of stable oxygen and carbon isotopes. The results from mass spectrometry analysis were then used to calculate temperatures experienced during the life span of the sampled turbot, and were found to be in the range from 3 to 15 ° C. Clear seasonal patterns in experienced temperature were observed in the majority of the turbot otoliths, although the individual range in experienced temperature varied substantially. A lower experienced temperature was indicated from a fish caught off Norðausturhorn compared to those caught off Suðvesturhorn and Suðausturhorn. The stock structure of turbot was investigated with 12 microsatellite markers in North-East Atlantic Ocean and the Adriatic Sea. Hierarchical analysis identified three primary genetic groups; one from the Adriatic Sea, one from Kattegat, and the third composing of samples from Iceland, south Norway, the Irish Sea and the North Sea. The third group was further divided into two clusters; Iceland and south Norway, and the Irish Sea and the North Sea. This pilot study suggests that the turbot in Icelandic waters may originate from southern Norway. Overall the results from the LANDNEMI project indicate that turbot around Iceland is emerging as an Icelandic stock unit and that the species could be considered a new colonist from the sea.

Report closed until 01.12.2013

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Reports

Nýting öfugkjöftu til vinnslu sjávarafurða / Opportunities in processing Megrim in Icelandic seafood industry

Published:

01/06/2012

Authors:

Vigfús Ásbjörnsson, Einar Matthíasson

Supported by:

AVS Fisheries Research Fund

Nýting öfugkjöftu til vinnslu sjávarafurða / Opportunities in processing Megrim in Icelandic seafood industry

The aim of the project is to lay the foundations for fishing and processing of inverted jaws and to create a basis for economic activity and increased growth based on the utilization of this fish stock. The catchability and price development of inverted jaws in Iceland over months and years were studied. The utilization of the raw material for processing was also studied with the aim of fully utilizing the raw material as much as possible in order to create as much value as possible out of every kg of inverted jaw that arrives in Iceland.

The aim of the project is to analyze and develop knowledge of catching and processing Megrim sole in Iceland and create value from the use of the fish stock. The catching pattern of Megrim sole in Iceland was analyzed depending on years and months in order to recognize the catching pattern over a longer time period as well as the price development on the fishmarket in Iceland. The utilization in land processing of the fish was analyzed with the aim to develop a full utilization method in the land manufacturing process of the fish.

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Reports

Icelandic fjords: The natural ecosystem of Ísafjarðardjúpur and tolerance limits for pollution. Lokaskýrsla / Icelandic fjords: Natural biodiversity in Ísafjarðardjúp and pollution limits

Published:

01/05/2012

Authors:

Þorleifur Eiríksson (NAVE), Ólafur Ögmundarson (Matís ohf), Guðmundur V. Helgason (HÍ), Böðvar Þórisson (NAVE), Þorleifur Ágústsson (Matís ohf)

Supported by:

Fisheries Project Fund

Icelandic fjords: The natural ecosystem of Ísafjarðardjúpur and tolerance limits for pollution. Lokaskýrsla / Icelandic fjords: Natural biodiversity in Ísafjarðardjúp and pollution limits

The main objective of the project was to define the natural ecosystem of Ísafjarðardjúpur and the tolerance limits of pollution, especially with regard to the accumulation of organic matter on the bottom and possible nutrient enrichment. The project investigated the bottom habitat and shed light on possible species that can be used in Iceland to assess the accumulation of organic matter due to human activities, such as aquaculture.

Knowledge of benthic life in the shallow waters off Iceland is low, both under natural conditions and under stress from, for example, aquaculture. There is also a lack of knowledge about how benthic communities respond to stress from aquaculture, but in one study an attempt has been made to find answers to this regarding low stress. In order to understand which benthic community types exist under natural conditions and which in the case of pollution pollution, the relationship between benthic life inside and outside the area needs to be examined. In this way, it is possible to understand which animal groups are predominant in similar situations.

The main object of the project was to define the natural biodiversity of Ísafjardardjúp, pollution limits, and potential impact of eutrophication. This was done by studying benthic populations at specific locations and define indicator species which can be used in Iceland to estimate accumulation of organic matter which stem from man ‐ doings, like aquaculture. Knowledge about the benthic live in shallow waters around Iceland is little, both regarding natural circumstances and when there is pressure from man ‐ doings. Knowledge is also poor about how benthic communities respond to pollution from aquaculture. This study shows the relationships between research stations with regards to kinship between found indicative species.

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