Eutrophication

Eutrophication is a major problem along coastlines and especially off estuaries in densely populated areas. However, because of the low population density and strong currents this is not a problem in Icelandic waters. There are no indicators of any eutrophication in the coastal waters around Iceland. There are no indicators of lack of oxygen in Icelandic waters either, with the minor exception of fjord of Arnarfjörður on the northwest coast. This is because it is the only Icelandic fjord with a sill at the entrance of the fjord, hence limiting the mixing of the deep waters within the fjord and the outside. This is a natural phenomena as very few people live in the area and agriculture is very limited.

References and further information

Minstry for the Environment. 2001. Iceland’s National Programme of Action 1 for the potection of the marine environment from land-based activities

For full citation and further information on the ecosystem in general see this page

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