Matís participates in various projects in co-operation projects with the other Nordic countries. This applies to individual projects involving other research companies, institutions and production companies, and in many cases Matís leads other Icelandic institutions or companies to such Nordic projects.
These projects are not least relevant to the fisheries sector, as the basic industry in Iceland and the fisheries sector are very similar in the Nordic countries. In addition, some fish stocks in the North Sea are shared or stray stocks, which means that catches from the same stock are within more than one fishing jurisdiction.
Sigurjón Arason, Matís' chief engineer, represents Iceland in two working groups that outline research and co-operation in the Nordic fisheries sector. The working groups are part of the Nordic Council of Ministers. On the one hand, there is the EK-FJLS group of officials, which formulates the Nordic Council of Ministers' policy on fisheries and aquaculture, and on the other, the so-called AG-Fisk working platform, which oversees these projects and provides funding in the form of grants to the group's various projects. Sigurjón says that participation in this Nordic co-operation is very important. This is a value for Icelanders as a fishing nation, in addition to which other nations enjoy the experience and knowledge that Icelanders have to offer from their fishing industry. "The tasks in this Nordic work are diverse, such as the utilization of marine resources, fish processing development and fish processing technology. The aim of all such projects is, of course, first and foremost to improve the final product, create increased value for seafood and thus create a better market position. But we also have issues on the table that deal with political issues, such as the exploitation of common fish stocks. The basis for solutions in such cases often lies in the dialogue and collaboration of scientists, "says Sigurjón.
Despite the fact that the Icelandic fisheries sector has much in common with the Norwegian and Faroese fisheries sectors, Sigurjón says that it is of great value to also gain the experience of other Nordic nations in the fisheries sector, such as Denmark, Finland and Sweden. "All of this gives us results, both the research company Matís, other Icelandic companies and institutions and in fact Iceland as a progressive fishing nation," says Sigurjón.
For further information Sigurjón Arason, chief engineer at Matís.