Marine and Freshwater Research Institute

The institute provides research and consultation on the subjects of ocean and freshwater and is a link to the fishing industry. The Vestmannaeyjar branch collects data from areas of the South coast of Iceland.

Branch Director: Valur Bogason

valur.bogason@hafogvatn.is

South Iceland Nature Research Centre

The Nature Centre provides the municipality of Vestmannaeyjar and other communities in the district with assistance and advice on the utilisation of natural resources, planning, building and evaluation of their effect on the environment. Additionally the Nature Centre does scientific research on South Iceland nature, collects data and preserves information and references to the district’s natural environment. It promotes acceptable land use, conservation of nature and environmental education both for the public and schools in the district.

Director: Dr. Erpur Snær Hansen

nattsud@nattsud.is

The world’s first Beluga Whale Sanctuary

The SEA LIFE TRUST Beluga Whale Sanctuary in Vestmannaeyjar was created with support from Merlin Entertainments and Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) with the aim of providing formerly captive beluga whales with a safe and more natural home.

General Manager: Audrey Padgett

help@sealifetrust.com

University of Iceland

The University of Iceland branch in Vestmannaeyjar has been conducting research for many years on whales, primarily Orcas, their habits, diet and role in the ecosystem.

Branch Research Specialist: Dr. Filipa Samarra

fips@hi.is

Vestmannaeyjar Research Services ehf.

A multirole laboratory which provides nutritional and microbial analysis and consultation for the food and and fishing industry. Vestmannaeyjar Research Services ehf. is a private limited liability company.

Director: Sigmar Valur Hjartarson

rannsokn@eyjar.is

Enviromental Agency of Iceland – Surtsey Exhibit

Surtsey was created as a result of a submarine volcanic eruption south west of Vestmannaeyjar in 1963. The island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 in recognition of its great scientific value. The Eldheimar museum hosts the Surtsey Exhibit which details the evolution of the island.

Daníel Freyr Jónsson

daniel.jonsson@umhverfisstofnun.is

Reykjavík University in Vestmannaeyjar

Next autumn a BSc. sport science programme from Reykjavík University will be available through Þekkingarsetur Vestmannaeyja. It is a varied and challenging programme that combines theoretical and practical studies. Students gain knowledge and skills to communicate in teaching, training, research and management. The programme is supported by Reykjavík University, Ministry of Education, Science and Culture and Vestmannaeyjar Municipality.

MATÍS ohf.

For years MATÍS has been at the forefront of innovation in food production, biotech and food safety. This engaging company aims to provide enough nutritious and safe food for Iceland and the world’s growing population, developing new and more environmentally friendly energy sources, and tackling global warming which can have major disruptive effects on land and the oceans.

matis@matis.is

Research vessels

Friðrik Jesson is a 15 tonne boat with a 750 hp. engine, a generator and a crane. It’s 12 metres long and 4 metres wide and is well-suited for ocean research.

Golli is a nimble and powerful 6 metre rigid-hull inflatable boat with a 200 hp. engine and a navigation computer. It has been specially outfitted for whale research with a front-mounted observation platform.