The main goal of the project is to define and explain invertebrate societies on the ocean floor and dynamic changes close to aquaculture farms and how these societies re-establish themselves during fallowing.  The research question is whether the first invertebrate species that return to an impacted habitat will have a direct influence on species that arrive later.

Our hypothesis suggests that a correlation is between the number of individuals of certain species and level of impact and that the results do not automatically apply to nearby farming areas. 

We at RORUM thank him for his dedication and good work!

We at RORUM wish him him well in everything he takes on!

The main object of the project was to define the natural biodiversity of Ísafjardardjúp, pollution limits, and potential impact of eutrophication. This was done by studying benthic populations at specific locations and define indicator species which can be used in Iceland to estimate accumulation of organic matter which stem from man‐doings, like aquaculture. Knowledge about the benthic live in shallow waters around Iceland is little, both regarding natural circumstances and when there is pressure from man‐doings. Knowledge is also poor about how benthic communities respond to pollution from aquaculture. This study shows the relations between research stations with regards to kinship between found indicative species.

The report is in Icelandic.

 Here is the report.

Authors of the project were Dr. Thorleifur Agustsson and Dr. Thorleifur Eiriksson at RORUM.