Working with the Marine & Freshwater Research Institute of Iceland

From the very beginning of this venture, we have sought guidance from the Ministry of Industry and Innovation and the Marine Research Institute of Iceland. Sustainability is a core value of Íslandsþari and we are committed to working closely with the Marine Research Institute on a continuous program of research and monitoring regarding our harvesting activities.

In keeping with the dictates of our research and harvesting permit, we have in place a long-term plan of environmental monitoring with the Marine Research Institute. This involves setting up a number of marked control areas on the north coast of Iceland to study any potential impact of harvesting on the environment. In each area, we carry out a harvesting cycle and monitor the effects on the kelp forest over a number of years. This includes monitoring the regrowth of young plants after an older one has been removed and also wider impacts on the ecosystem such as fish populations.

Íslandsþari is currently operating under a research and harvesting permit, but even after obtaining a sustainable processing license, we will continue detailed research on the northern Icelandic sea area and hope to work closely with the academic community and other stakeholders.