Marine and Freshwater Research Institute

Start of the autumn capelin survey

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:18:00 +0000

The 2026 capelin autumn survey will be conducted from 23 August to 24 September. The survey aims to estimate the abundance of both immature and mature capelin in the Iceland-East Greenland-Jan Mayen area (IEGJM). A similar survey has been conducted since 1978.

The origin of sprat in Iceland

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:50:00 +0000

Earlier this year, the article "Where are you from? Finding the origin of the recently observed sprat in Iceland using a panel of SNPs" was published.

Results from the mackerel survey

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Results are now available from a joint pelagic survey conducted by Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Norway, and Denmark between June 29 and July 30, 2026.

Harbour seal population estimate about to start

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 10:58:00 +0000

The Icelandic harbour seal population is about to start. For the first time, drones will be used to count the seals in the haul-out sites.

Seabed Habitat Mapping Survey Recently Completed

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

A research survey investigating the seafloor and the organisms that inhabit it recently returned to port after 20 days at sea.

Advisory recommendations for the upcoming fishing year.

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000

Today, the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute presents an assessment of the state of commercial fish stocks and advisory recommendations for the upcoming fishing year.

New research on hybrids between blue and fin whale

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:03:00 +0000

Scientists at MFRI recently published a review paper on the occurrence of hybrids between blue and fin whales in the world. Hybrids between blue and fin whales have been reported from commercial whaling since the late 1800s.

Ship Visit, Fish Exhibition, Shore Life Workshop and Educational Activities on Seamen’s Day

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:30:00 +0000

The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute invites the public to a diverse and educational program on Seamen’s Day, Sunday, 7 June, starting at 13:00 at the institute’s headquarters at Fornubúðir 5 in Hafnarfjörður.

Graduation from the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme

Wed, 27 May 2026 13:49:00 +0000

On Wednesday, May 20, twenty-three fellows graduated from the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme after completing a six-month training course offered by the Icelandic government as part of its international development cooperation efforts.

The Icelandic Seal Centre Symposium 29 May at Hvammstangi

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:50:00 +0000

The Icelandic Seal Centre Symposium will be held at the Icelandic Seal Centre in Hvammstangi on 29 May. The Centre welcomes everyone to this annual event focused on research on Iceland’s natural environment.

GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme´s Graduation ceremony

Fri, 15 May 2026 13:19:00 +0000

A graduation ceremony for GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme’s 27th cohort of fellows will be held Wednesday 20th of May.

Correction to newly published minke whale advice

Wed, 13 May 2026 14:22:00 +0000

Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MRFI) has discovered an error in the catch advice for minke whale in 2026, which is hereby corrected.

21 interesting presentations of research projects

Thu, 07 May 2026 12:38:00 +0000

Students of the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme will in the coming days present the research projects they have been working on over the winter.

Whaling advice in 2026

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:56:00 +0000

MFRI and NAMMCO advise that when the Revised Management Procedure is applied annual catch of fin whales in 2026 should be no more than 150 animals, thereof 116 animals in the East-Greenland/West-Iceland management area and 34 animals in the East Iceland/Faroes management area.

6% increase in TAC advice for lumpfish

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 14:19:00 +0000

The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) advises that the catch of female lumpfish in the 2025/2026 fishing year does not exceed 2932 tonnes.

Record ocean temperatures and salinity

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:34:00 +0000

Temperature in the upper 200 m was generally above the long-term average and salinity also reached almost record values.

A video about the remarkable achievements of the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:32:00 +0000

An interesting video about the remarkable achievements that the GRÓ Fisheries Training Programme in the last 28 years.

Capelin surveys this winter completed

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:07:00 +0000

The research vessel Árni Friðriksson conducted capelin measurements off the northwest coast of Iceland for the past week, which have now been completed.

Advancing sustainable fishing technologies through MarineGuardian

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:03:00 +0000

MFRI is a key member of a new international consortium of research and industry partners called Marine Guardian which focus on optimizing fishing practices, protecting vulnerable habitats and species , and improving data-driven decision-making at sea.

A lot to be learned from fishing management in Iceland

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:00:00 +0000

Jamacian fisheries scientist Annakay Crawford on the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science