Research

The Marine Research Institute (MRI) is the centre of scientific research for marine resources. It has a staff of about 150, including 100 scientists and research assistants and it runs two research vessels. The most extensive of its activities is the systematic assessment of marine stocks and its advisory role for the management of fisheries. The institute publishes an extensive report in May each year on the state of the marine stocks and prospects for the coming quota year. This includes recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries and agriculture on the TAC for each stock.

MRI is an active participant in the work of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) and its advisory Committee on Fisheries Management. The stock assessment findings of the MRI are subject to review by ICES before the TAC recommendations are made.

The MRI is also represented in several other organizations, such as:

the Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC),

the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), and

the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO).

Icelandic scientists have also been involved in many international projects arranged by these organizations and in co-operative projects with research institutes and universities.

MRI's new research vessel, Arni Fridriksson, is named in honour of a pioneer in fisheries research and a former Director of the MRI.

Editor