Matís is currently working on a number of research and innovation projects aimed at minimising the environmental impact of fishing and supporting the effective adaptation of the fisheries sector to climate change. The projects share a common goal of advancing sustainability through the use of data, innovation and solutions that reduce environmental impact and improve decision-making.
Enhanced knowledge supports the protection and sustainable use of the ocean
Enhanced knowledge is key to protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of resources. Through targeted data collection and the development of solutions that support informed decision-making, the impact of human activities on the ocean can be reduced.
The project MarineGuardian aims to promote sustainable fishing and support the protection of marine ecosystems in the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Through the development of solutions and enhanced knowledge, work is underway to reduce bycatch, discards and fuel consumption, as well as to minimise impacts on benthic ecosystems and improve the utilisation of catches.
Digital solutions play an important role in Matís projects, for example in improving understanding of marine ecosystems and commercial fish stocks. The project ARCHFISH uses a Digital Twin that draws on oceanographic, meteorological, biological and fisheries data to provide improved information on marine areas. The project BioProtect also develops technical solutions to address climate change. The project involves monitoring biological diversity and mapping human impacts on the ocean, with the aim of supporting decisions on the use and protection of marine areas.
Tackling Climate Change with Robust Mitigation Measures
Matís is currently running several ambitious projects focused on strengthening the response of the fisheries and aquaculture sectors to the challenges posed by climate change. The projects share a common emphasis on developing and implementing practical solutions that both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the adaptation of these industries to changing conditions.
In MeCCAM the focus is on developing and implementing solutions that reduce the carbon footprint of the fisheries sector, while OCCAM focuses on mitigation and adaptation measures in response to the impacts of climate change on the aquaculture industry in Europe. NATALIE the project works on the development and implementation of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in coastal areas, with an emphasis on working with ecosystems as part of the solution. The project is carried out in close collaboration with municipalities and stakeholders, with a focus on strengthening the resilience of both ecosystems and communities.
Increased Transparency Through Better Data
There is a growing emphasis on transparency and the measurement of environmental impacts in the fisheries sector, reflected in projects aimed at improving access to reliable data and strengthening decision-making.
Eitt þeirra verkefna er Visible Sustainabilityin which a web-based database is being developed that enables companies to record information on catches and processing and calculate the carbon footprint for each production batch. At the same time, work is underway to establish a standardised and transparent method for calculating the carbon footprint of Icelandic seafood products in the project KÍM – Seafood Products, the results of which will be published publicly in ÍSGEM, alongside nutritional information, which enhances comparability and transparency.
It is also important for Icelandic food production to understand where it stands. The project GreenTool is working to lay the foundation for a user-friendly environmental accounting tool and calculator that enables the tracking of input use, emissions and environmental impacts down to individual products and production stages.
Together, these projects reflect a clear trend towards a more sustainable, data-driven and environmentally responsible fisheries sector, where knowledge, innovation and transparency are key factors in shaping the future of the industry. The aforementioned projects are carried out in close collaboration with Icelandic companies and institutions, including the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, the University of Iceland, the University of Akureyri, Brim, Samherji, Trackwell, Hampiðjan, Stika Environmental Solutions, Efla, the Agricultural Advisory Centre, the Farmers Association of Iceland, as well as numerous fishing companies across the country.
Further information on all projects undertaken by Matís can be found here: https://matis.is/rannsoknir-og-nyskopun/rannsoknarverkefni/