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Meet the scientists behind fish research in Iceland and find out what it really is like to be a scientist.
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Learn more about past and present research on fish in Iceland. Not to worry, we do it in a fun and simple way.
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ABOUT US
We want to make research on fish in Iceland available to everybody.
We hope that our passion will reach people across Iceland and inspire you to connect through fish science.
We highlight researchers who are just getting started and motivate them to share their work with young and old.
Hopefully, this will inspire especially young people to be curious and ask questions.
Latest posts
November 28, 2025This past summer, Ingibjörg G. Jónsdóttir at the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute, along with her co-authors Jón Sólmundsson, Peter J. Wright, William Butler, and Pamela Woods, published a paper in the ICES Journal of Marine Science. The study, titled ‘Key drivers and spatio-temporal variation in the reproductive potential of Icelandic cod’, investigates the roles of total egg production and first year survival ratio (how many one year old cod out of a group survive).
To investigate this, data from an annual gillnet survey that has monitored the Icelandic spawning stock (Adult cod that reproduce) across various regions since 1996 were used to assess the reproductive potential of the stock by examining location- and time-variability in egg production and the survival ratio during the first year. Specifically, the study analysed how egg production varied between different spawning regions, how changes in female age diversity and mean length influenced it, and whether the survival ratio had changed.
Figure represents sampling location during the annual gillnet survey. The colours define the Atlantic cod spawning regions.
What are the main findings?
The main findings show a general increase in total egg production, which mirrors the rise in spawning stock biomass. This increase in egg production was most pronounced in Breiðafjörður and Faxaflói. At the same time, a decrease was observed in the slope east of Vestmannaeyjar, where the number of spawning cod has declined substantially. However, the survival of the cod in their first year has decreased, especially since 2010. This suggests that even though more eggs are produced, a lower proportion survives. It is unclear what causes this, but it may result from increased density-dependent mortality (a higher number of deaths due to how crowded the population is). It is interesting to the public because it indicates that having more parents (a larger stock) does not automatically mean more offspring survive to adulthood.
Figure represents: (A) The number of 1-year-old cod found during the yearly groundfish survey in March. (B) The survival ratio, which is the number of 1-year-old cod in March divided by TEP. (C) How TEP is related to the number of 1-year-old cod. (D) How is TEP related to the survival ratio? The horizontal lines in panels (A) and (B) show the average values. The numbers in panels (C) and (D) show the year of each group.
Who should read this research?
This research is important for a variety of audiences. Fisheries managers and policymakers can use these findings to understand the complex factors affecting cod stock. For the scientific community, the research provides valuable insight for marine biologists and ecologists interested in population dynamics and the effects of density dependence. This paper can also serve as a useful case study for students learning key concepts in fisheries science. Finally, the research is relevant to the general public, especially those interested in fishing and the marine environment.
What could future follow-up studies look like?
Future studies could investigate the specific causes of the increased mortality, such as competition for food or increased predation in areas with high densities of young cod. Researchers might also examine how ocean currents may be carrying eggs and larvae from high-production areas to less favourable environments. Additionally, more complex models could be used to predict how the stock will behave under different environmental conditions and management scenarios.
Why is it important that this research was carried out, and is there value in this research beyond academia?
This research is important because it highlights that long-term health depends on a resilient stock structure and variable spawning areas, which are crucial for ensuring successful recruitment. It provides a critical tool for sustainable fisheries management by identifying that the distribution of spawning effort across different regions and the resulting egg production are important for recruitment. This understanding helps to ensure the long-term health and productivity of the cod stock, which is vital for the Icelandic economy.
Link to paper: https://academic.oup.com/icesjms/article/82/7/fsaf128/8213717 [...]
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November 13, 2025Bottom trawling is harmful to life on the ocean floor. Many people agree with this. But we still need to learn more about how and why it causes damage.
Mason Kenny wanted to better understand the impact of bottom trawling gear on the seafloor. During his Master’s in Environmental and Natural Resources at The University of Iceland he dived into this.
He worked together with the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (Hafró). There he got help from Pamela Woods, Haraldur Einarsson, and Sveinn Agnarsson. They gave the opportunity to participate in the Optigear project. Through this project he got to investigate the interaction between fishing gear and the seafloor.
What is bottom trawling?
Bottom trawling is a fishing method where large nets, held open by heavy metal doors and weighted with chains, are dragged directly across the seafloor to catch bottom-dwelling fish (see figure below).
Studies have shown that this fishing practice has a major negative effect on plants and animals living near and on the bottom of the ocean. Bottom trawling stirs up sediment (solid material at the bottom of the ocean) by dragging big nets and heavy chains along the bottom and destroys the natural seafloor habitat. For example, it tears up plant roots and collapses animal burrows (tunnel or holes that animals dig to hide in). Sediment will start floating in the water which will block light from the plants on the ocean floor which is needed for them to grow.
Left: Bottom trawl. Credit: NOAA. Right: The chains of the vessel that are dragged with the net over the ocean floor.
Impact on the seafloor depended on ship’s speed and sediment type
Mason focussed on real-world vessel specific trawling data. This data included, for example, the distance between the bottom trawling net and the sea floor. As well as the tension on the wires that connect the net to the boat. This can give information on how the gear interacts with the seafloor and how the bottom substrate affects bottom trawling.
First, he mapped and classified the sediment on the ocean floor. He did this using grab samples, which is a sample of sediment at a specific location. He categorised the sediment classes into average grain sizes. Then he built a new substrate map for the Icelandic waters (see below). This is helpful for future research to be more precise when looking into the interactions of the trawling gear with the seafloor.
A map of Iceland that shows the different substrates (coloured areas) and the location of the grab samples. Sediment classification is indicated by colour.
He then looked at how different aspects of bottom trawling affected the gear and how that impacts the seafloor. He found that the speed of the fishing boat has an impact on tension imbalance of the trawling net. This imbalance will have a negative impact on the seafloor. His findings showed that a speed below 4.6 km/h resulted in the highest instability, while at a speed above 6.4 km/h it stabilised. So, a slower boat does more damage.
He also found that the kind of substrate on the seafloor affected the imbalance. Coarser substrate (bigger than 10 mm) decreased the imbalance by 22%. This is because these types of sediment give greater resistance to the net and make the gear more stable.
Bottom trawling has more impact than we expected
Mason’s results also show that bottom trawling can be a hidden driver of ocean carbon release that is stored in seafloor sediment. Our oceans are the largest natural carbon sink on the planet, absorbing and storing more carbon than any other system on Earth. As mentioned before, the dragging of heavy nets, doors, and chains along the seabed stirs up the sediments which will start floating in the water. With this sediment the carbon gets released as well. And as you might know, carbon release is a major driver of climate change. This figure below shows how bottom trawling disturbs the seafloor and releases carbon (CO2) into the ocean:
This research is important as it can help to inform fisheries on how to improve their gear design, so unnecessary seabed damage can be avoided. Bottom trawling is one of the most widespread human disturbances on the seafloor but there is not a lot of research that have put this disturbance into numbers. This study is a first step to show fisheries and policy makers how we can begin to lessen trawling’s impact.
Looking into the future
This research was a big undertaking but there is so much more that can be done. Mason looked into data from a certain type of ship, so this work can be widened to other types of ships and their gear to see how they impact the seafloor. Furthermore, to really see how the fish are impacted this study can be synchronised with Afladagbók catch logs that can link the bottom trawling gear with biological outcomes.
This study that Mason Kenny set out to do is part of a bigger project, the Optigear project. This project sets out to increase efficiency in trawling fisheries. It is a project funded under European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme MarineGuardian (Grant agreement ID: 101212608). [...]
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November 7, 2025If you ask Kolbeinn what drives him as a scientist, he’ll tell you it’s curiosity and exploration. Those two words weave through everything he does — from his fascination with marine life to his love of art, music, and nature. Currently pursuing his master’s studies at the University of Iceland, Kolbeinn is diving into the world of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). His research focuses on the depth distribution, age, and growth of 0-group (juvenile) Atlantic cod following benthic settlement in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland. It’s an important stage in the cod’s life, one that helps scientists better understand early survival and habitat use — key pieces of the puzzle in marine ecology and fisheries management.
Photos feature Kolbeinn collecting juvenile cod from beach seine tows for data sampling
The Scientist Behind the Research
When asked what he wanted to be growing up, Kolbeinn replied:
“Something creative but something in nature as well — maybe a shaman or a witch.”
That mix of creativity and connection to the natural world has clearly stayed with him. He says curiosity and exploration are still his greatest sources of motivation, and he’s drawn to biology because it lets him explore both the mystery and the mechanics of life.
Favourite Fish
Kolbeinn couldn’t choose just one — and honestly, we don’t blame him.
“Either Lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus) or Whale shark (Rhincodon typus), mostly because they are both very cute.” That appreciation for marine life carries through to his work and his outlook on nature. He admits to preferring marine ecosystems “slightly more than freshwater because it is bigger and feels more primordial.”
Photo features Kolbeinn holding a female lumpfish caught from a fyke net
Either / Or: Quickfire Round
Freshwater or marine? Marine — it’s vast and ancient.
Fieldwork or labwork? Both! Especially when part of the same project — he loves seeing the full process from start to finish.
Coffee or tea? Tea — preferably herbal, since caffeine hardly affects him at all.
Summer or winter? Winter person at heart, though he appreciates the seasonal change.
Big international or small national conferences? Small national ones — a great chance to hear about friends’ projects and exchange ideas.
The Joys (and Challenges) of Research Life
For Kolbeinn, one of the best parts of being a scientist is the community:
“People driven by curiosity and exploration, and the willingness to work together and learn.”
He’s only recently begun his master’s degree, but already feels “more fully immersed into the scientific community and lifestyle — more than it just feeling like school.” That sense of belonging and shared curiosity is what keeps him motivated.Of course, there are challenges too….
“Just not finding the time to do everything that I would want, but that’s usually what I say about anything I’m interested in.”
Advice for Future Scientists
Kolbeinn’s advice to aspiring scientists is simple and heartfelt:
“Be curious and follow your passions. I, for instance, watch a lot of biology documentaries and YouTube videos in my downtime — that helps.”
He also encourages students to step outside their comfort zones: “Try to take the extra step of talking to other people and be social. Your fellow students are somehow both incredibly interesting and very interested in what you have to say, which is great.”
Photo features Kolbeinn assisting with other projects at the University of Iceland, Research Centre of the Westfjords
Beyond the Lab
When he’s not thinking about cod, Kolbeinn channels his curiosity into creativity. He loves writing, music, drawing, and cooking, and finds that his passion for biology actually fuels those creative outlets — and vice versa. [...]
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October 31, 2025Last year we introduced you to Sadie Ainsworth, her favourite fish (Westslope cutthroat trout), and her journey from growing up in Canada with a supercool hello kitty phone to studying her master’s in the Icelandic Westfjords. Back then, Sadie had just started her thesis looking at salmon in Iceland (https://icefishresearch.com/saidie-ainsworth-from-hello-kitty-to-iceland/). A lot has happened since then and we are happy to announce that Saidie successfully defended her thesis in September. We now had a chance to catch up with her and find out how her thesis experience was from beginning to defense.
How was the experience with your master thesis?
“As I type this question, I’m smiling a bit because if you were to have asked me this question while working on this thesis, my answer would have been drastically different depending on the day and time you asked me. But now that I am done, all I can say is amazing!”
Did the thesis/project turn out how you first imagined it in your thesis proposal?
“When I first started the project, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had never done any genetic work previously. And when my advisor first sent me papers we were going to base the thesis off of, I remember having to reread the papers over and over again to even understand what they were doing. This led to a rather big learning curve when first starting my project which in a way was great since I was still figuring out what would be possible to complete in my timeframe. With that said, after getting more into the project, my ambitions quickly exceeded what was feasible.”
What were the main results of your thesis? And what were the steps to get there (i.e. fieldwork, labwork etc.)
“The main objective of the thesis was to get a baseline of the genetic predisposition of the maturation timing in wild Atlantic salmon by genotyping two major effect loci. In order to do this, I needed finclip samples, which I was able to get by participating in fieldwork in addition to accessing samples archived from the Icelandic research company Lakfiskar. After fieldwork was complete, it was time for the labwork, where the DNA was extracted and analyzed.”
In our last post, you mentioned that besides fish & science, your favourite things are going for bike rides with friends and enjoying some self-made sandwiches while soaking in a good hot pot. Did you still find time for these things next to your thesis?
“Lets just say, next summer is going to be really really fun since I have double the bikerides, soaks, and sandwiches to eat.”
Is there something that you would have liked to know before starting your thesis? Do you have some recommendations for future master students?
“The biggest challenge that I faced when working on my thesis was when it came to the data analysis portion. This has never been my strength, so I wasn’t surprised when I struggled with the analysis but I was taken aback by how much my frustration got in the way of motivating me to consistently work on the thesis. My recommendation would be to form a group of other students to work on your thesis. That way you are held accountable to work and can ask each other questions. I think I would have really benefited from having consistent peer motivation.”
How did you prepare and experience your thesis defense?
“Once your defense comes around, you know the material so well and are so excited to talk about it that I honestly believe the best way to prepare is just trying to mitigate the nerves. For this, the best thing I think you can do is practice in front of your friends and ask them if your presentation makes sense to someone who has never heard your research before. And then make sure to drink your coffee with them the morning of your presentation, so you’re not just a nervous wreck alone!”
What does your life post-defense look like and what are your next steps?
“Right now, I am living and working in Ísafjörður. Currently, I am taking the time to appreciate a schedule where I am not balancing work and school. I am not sure what’s next, but I have been keeping my eye out for opportunities to continue working in fisheries.”
What is your favourite memory of your thesis project?
“My favorite memory is when I first showed up to data collection, I had driven from Ísafjörður to Selárdalur, arriving at around 8:00 pm coming from my closing shift at heimabyggð. I’m pretty sure I ate a cinnamon roll for dinner. When I arrived at the house, everyone said “Are you ready?”. And I was like yes of course! But what I didn’t realize was that we were starting sampling at midnight and would be finishing early the next morning. It was October so of course it was pitch black when we started but the Northern lights were out the whole night, and here I was, walking the entire length of the rivers looking for fish to catch with two people I had just met. I just loved the whole thing!”
As you can see, doing a master’s thesis is often not a straightforward process. It can come with steep learning curves and frustrating moments of trying to analyse your data, but it will also allow you to explore exciting topics and learn new tools and approaches. Doing research and writing a thesis can be a rollercoaster of emotions between stressing about deadlines and the beauty of small moments and big achievements. If you ask Sadie, it is important to keep your friends close during your thesis, both for the motivation and support to keep on working but also to help you calm those nerves before the big day of your thesis defense.
We would like to congratulate Sadie again on defending her thesis on an exciting research project! We wish her all the best for the next steps and can’t wait where her path will lead her!
If you have more questions about the process of doing a thesis or if you want to hear more tips and tricks, let us know! [...]
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October 8, 2025As I’m writing this, it is the last week of my five and a half weeks stay at the Benedikt Hallgrímson lab (https://hallgrimssonlab.ca/) at the University of Calgary in Alberta Canada. They specialize in genetic morphometric analysis exploring complex traits in zebrafish, mice, and humans. However, I’m here to micro-CT scan some Arctic charrs.
Maybe some of you have seen a CT scanner in person, or just in the movies. These huge machines that look a little bit like doughnuts that take up an entire room. Micro-CT scanners are a bit different, for starters they are smaller and often are just big boxes instead of having that doughnut shape.
Picture of the micro-CT scanner I was using. It’s a big machine but not as big as the scanner they have in the hospitals
How I scan the fish
Micro-CT scanning fish has been an interesting process. Here I will briefly go over my work protocol. The first step is to put the fish in a chemical solution. We must do this so the fish will be stiff during the scanning itself. Fish generally have to stay in the solution for around a week before they are ready to scan. This chemical solution is made with formalin, which is a dangerous chemical, therefore whenever I was working, I had to wear a lab coat, gloves and mask for safety.
When working with dangerous chemicals it’s extremely important to protect yourself
The scanner I was using came with a sample holder where I had to put the fish in. However, no part of the fish was allowed to touch the sample holder directly. I had to wrap up the fish in foamed plastics, so they ended up looking like little fish burritos. After this I put the fish in the holder, then placed the holder in the scanner. Made sure all the settings were correct and then it was ready for scanning.
My little “fish burritos” are then placed in the sample holder. After which the sample holders are placed in the scanner
As I needed to have very good resolution on my scans they needed to run for a long time. My longest scans were around three hours, for just one fish. Thankfully, the scanner I was using allows you to scan in batches, so I could prepare multiple fish which could then be scanned over the night while I was sleeping. Once all of this was over, I ended up with some super cool scans of the fish heads. I will then use these scans to study how the shape differences (in 3D) between Arctic charr morphs and age classes.
Over my five and a half weeks I scanned over 80 fish
The final product are these lovely 3D scans of the Arctic charr skull
Important to take breaks
Even though I came to Calgary to work. Having a healthy work life balance is very important. One of the important things during research visits is to meet other researchers and see how other labs (and Universities) do their research. But it is also important to be a bit of a tourist and explore the city/country you are visiting. For example, going to museums or hiking around in the natural parks around the area.
Image on left: Skull of a Dunkleosteus, at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Image on left: Rawson Lake in Kananaskis Country [...]
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September 19, 2025
What are fish nursery grounds?
Nursery grounds are places where young fish find food, favourable temperature and protection from predators during their early life stages. Different species of fish, including Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and saithe (Pollachius virens) juveniles, settle in nearshore areas at different times and depths, depending for example on the timing of spawning and oceanographic conditions. These nursery areas are important for helping young fish survive and grow so they can support future fish stocks.
What is the study about?
The study focused on the shallow coastal waters in the fjords of northwest Iceland. These areas have a variety of habitats, from gravel beaches to rocky and algae-covered zones. Traditionally, scientists have used beach seines—long nets pulled in from the shore—to catch small fish and measure their numbers. While useful, this method cannot cover areas that are deeper or very rocky. In this study, the researchers combined beach seining with scuba diving surveys. Divers swam along set paths underwater and counted the number of young cod and saithe they saw at different depths. This approach provided a clearer picture of where fish were living and how those patterns evolved throughout the summer.
What did they find?
Overall, the researchers observed clear differences in timing and depth use between cod and saithe.
Saithe settled earlier in the summer. They were most common in shallow spots, especially where algae grew close to the shore. As the summer progressed, their numbers in these areas decreased.
Cod settled later than saithe, but they stayed in shallow areas longer. They were seen both in dives and caught with beach seines in late summer, suggesting that cod rely on these nurseries for a longer time. Cod were also found across a wider depth range, although most stayed in waters shallower than 10 meters.
The study also showed that young cod often appeared in bigger groups earlier in the summer and later were seen as more scattered individuals. This change may reflect a shift in behavior from shoaling to more solitary living as they grow.
Importantly, both beach seining and diving revealed that during the study period, only cod and saithe utilized these shallow fjord nursery areas—no other closely related species were found.
Why is this important?
This research helps explain how two important commercial fish species utilize Iceland’s shallow waters during their early life stages. Cod and saithe are vital for Iceland’s fishing industry and local ecosystems. Understanding when and where these juvenile fish settle provides knowledge that can be used to manage fish stocks and protect key habitats.
Because beach seine nets are not effective in all places, dive surveys added new insights. For example, divers could record fish in rocky and algae-rich habitats where nets would not work. This filled a knowledge gap beyond what standard surveys usually capture.
Protecting nursery grounds is essential because survival at this stage significantly influences the number of fish that will reach adulthood and become part of the population that supports fishing.
What future research can be done?
While this study filled some important gaps, more work remains. Future studies could:
Use genetic tools to separate different ecotypes of cod, since it is known that some live closer to shore while others are further offshore.
Track changes over more years to see how climate and water temperature affect settlement patterns.
Combine dive surveys with new tracking technology for a fuller picture of how small fish move.
By building on this work, scientists can better predict how young cod and saithe survive in their first year of life and how healthy populations for the future can be supported.
Access full scientific article here: https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71674
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August 22, 2025What swims between the algae of the rocky intertidal zone?
You can find a very lively ecosystem in the rocky intertidal zones along Iceland‘s coastlines. One highly abundant species using this habitat is the brown algae Ascophyllum nodosum, also commonly known as knotted wrack in English and Klóþang in Icelandic. This species is harvested for multiple purposes such as food or fertilizers. But what can we find swimming between the algae and are there differences between harvested and unharvested areas? This is a question Jón Tomas Magnússon and colleagues have addressed.
But first things first, what do we mean by rocky intertidal zones? Generally, the intertidal zone lies between the lowest point the water edge reaches during low tide, and the highest one during high tide. Species in this habitat have to adapt to rapidly changing environments throughout the tidal cycles where they can go from fully under water to mostly dry. But this habitat can also serve as important area for juvenile fish who use it as nursery grounds, seeking shelter in rockpools, between rocks, or underneath algae.
In their recently published study “Icelandic intertidal fish communities and effects of knotted wrack (Ascophyllum nodosum) harvesting”, Jón and colleagues placed multi-mesh nets in the rocky intertidal area of Breiðafjörður for full tidal cycles to document what fish are caught moving into or out of the intertidal. They first set up this system in June 2019 before the harvest and then repeated it once per season until June 2020. The collected information on what species are present.
Among the fish species that they caught in the nets were the commercially highly important cod (Gadus morhua) and saithe (Pollachius virens) who use the rocky intertidal as nursery and feeding grounds. While the results currently show no significant impact of the harvesting activities on the observed fish, the authors point out that this was a very small-scale study. Knowing how our activities, in this case the harvesting of knotted wrack, can impact commercially important species especially in their most vulnerable juvenile stages is crucial. Jón Tomas hopes that future studies will follow that will continue to monitor the potential impacts on the fish in the rocky intertidal zone across a bigger region as well as over multiple years.
If you are interested to read more, especially when you are curious about the impacts of seaweed harvesting and the ecology of intertidal fish, find out more here.
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August 5, 2025
Nursery grounds are habitats mainly used by juvenile (baby) fish. As the name suggests these habitats are like nurseries for fish. Nursery grounds are very important for the fish species using them. Since they provide protection and food for the young. Therefore, knowing where they are and how they are holding up is important. If a nursery ground is destroyed or not usable anymore that would be terrible for the fishes using them.
The the search begins
Last year researchers from the University of Iceland and the Marine and Freshwater Institute published a paper in the Icelandic journal Náttúrufræðingurinn. In that paper they looked at nursery grounds of Brown trout and Arctic charr in lake Þingvallavatn and neighbouring rivers.
They used two datasets in the paper. One dataset was collected by researchers at the Marine and Freshwater Institute. They did regular surveys on trout and charr nursery grounds in lake Þingvallavatn and neighbouring rivers from 2000 to 2021. The other dataset was collected during the summer of 2022, by researchers at the University of Iceland.
The data was collected using electrofishing. A fishing technique using electricity to shock the fish and then catch it with a net. Electrofishing does not kill or harm the fish. So, a researcher can catch a fish, measure it and then set it free.
And what did they find?
The results showed that the two species use different nursery grounds. Brown trout mainly uses the shallows of the rivers. Which is expected since trout mainly spawn in the rivers. On the other hand, Arctic charr juveniles were mainly found in shallow waters along the shoreline of lake Þingvallavatn. Often close to known charr spawning sites. Adult trout and charr are found in deeper water.
During the early 2000s Brown trout fry were released into the lake. This was to increase the population size. Which was very low at that time. According to this study the releases appeared to have work. The amount of juvenile trout has increased in the last 20 years. However, Arctic charr numbers have stayed the same (neither increasing nor decreasing). The researchers also looked at the differences between habitats. They found that it was more likely to find fish if the shoreline had vegetation on it.
Anyone interested to know more can access the article here: https://natturufraedingurinn.is/uppeldissvaedi-laxfiska-i-thingvallavatni-og-tengdum-am/
The article is in Icelandic. However, a short abstract as well as figure and table text are provided in English. [...]
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June 12, 2025
This week, we’re excited to introduce Einar Pétur Jónsson, a PhD candidate and fish researcher at the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI). Einar is passionate about marine biology and has a deep curiosity for how life responds to environmental change.
Meet Einar
Einar’s favorite fish is the spotted wolffish, and when asked to choose between the lab and the field, his answer is enthusiastic: fieldwork! He prefers tea over coffee, and when it comes to seasons, he enjoys whichever one shows up with full force. As for conferences, Einar favors national ones—they throw the best parties.
What Does He Study?
Einar’s research focuses on how organisms respond to environmental changes. “Right now,” he says, “we are doing experiments to see how capelin responds to a warming ocean.” It’s a topic that’s not only timely, but also crucial to understanding the future of marine ecosystems.
Inspiration & Motivation
What inspired Einar to pursue science? “Teachers, colleagues, circumstances, and the effects we are having on our environment.” He knew from a young age that he wanted to be a biologist and a football player. Science eventually won, and he hasn’t looked back.
The best part of being a scientist? “To be able to direct my attention on the interesting parts of our world and try to steer as close to the truth as possible.”
Advice for Students
Einar has a mantra for anyone thinking of going into science—or any challenging pursuit:“Keep it fun, nurture your interest, and read lots.”
This advice has carried him through his studies, including his favorite part of the PhD—diving for sea urchins—and the less exciting parts like paperwork and email.
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, Einar hopes to continue doing what he loves: staying curious, exploring the world, and sharing what he learns. [...]
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June 6, 2025
Last week we shared ICE Fish research’s first anniversary. 1 year of sharing exciting fish research & fun facts with you, diving deeper into the person “behind” the scientist, & coming up with many more ideas for this science communication platform. A lot can happen in one year. But what can one year mean for a scientist?
In the spring of 2024, Alessandra, Lieke, Michelle, and Theresa got to take part in a science communication workshop led by Anaïs Remili and organised by VistIs where the idea of ICE fish research initially sparked. Throughout the last year you got some glimpses into our personal academic journeys, but let’s check, what has happened over the past 12 months?
Theresa:
It has been a busy 12 months for Theresa. After five years in the making, she submitted her PhD thesis on European flounder in Iceland in October and successfully defended it in January. Three of her four PhD chapters have already been published (we introduced 2 of them on ICE Fish Research see here & here). Between finalising her PhD thesis throughout the summer of 2024, she was busy packing up her life and saying many goodbyes as a new adventure was waiting around the corner. In September she exchanged life in northwest Iceland for living at the Mediterranean Sea in southern Spain, having to adjust from wearing multiple layers on a day-to-day basis to learning the value of 50+ sunscreen. Leaving the flounder research behind (for now), she joined the IRIS lab at the Estación Experimental de Zónas Aridas (CSIC) in Almería, where she continues her work in invasion science. Besides wrapping up her PhD and starting her postdoc position in Spain, she also attended the Neobiota conference in Lisbon, Portugal in September, co-lead the Nordic symposium for biodiversity across the natural and social sciences in Trondheim, Norway in October and attended workshops in invasion culturomics and social dimensions of naturalised alien flora (SoNAF) in Pruhonice, Czech Republic in February.
Alessandra:
Much has happened in the past year for Alessandra. In October 2024 Alessandra was part of a unique networking opportunity upon the RRS Sir David Attenborough, where she gained first hand insight into the workings on a state of the art research vessel fit to sail the polar oceans. After submitting her PhD thesis in February, she then presented her work and represented ICE Fish Research at the national OIKOS conference in Finland. Alessandra then took a one month vacation in India to recharge her batteries for her defence which she passed with flying colours this past May. Currently she is working on publishing the manuscripts from her PhD thesis as well as applying for funding to continue her research in Iceland. In the coming months Alessandra will focus on producing the new ICE Fish Research podcast for which she will sit down with fish researchers across the country.
Lieke:
Since the beginning of ICE Fish Research, Lieke has been busy working on her PhD. She is writing her second and third chapters which involve acoustic telemetry (read more about it here!). This is a new area for her, so a lot of the time she has been learning how to work with this data, and results are slowly coming in. Very exciting! Furthermore, in the autumn of 2024 she was teaching a cartography class for bachelor and master students at the University of Iceland. This year is looking a little different but much was accomplished. At the beginning of 2025, she was awarded a PhD grant from Rannís as an extension for her PhD as well as a grant from Reykjavík Energy to study the impact of Nesjavellir waste water on Arctic charr behaviour. This, however, has to wait a bit, as earlier this year her daughter was born and she is currently on maternity leave. She is looking forward to working on her projects again starting in mid September but for now will enjoy all the baby cuddles!
Michelle:
Michelle completed her fieldwork last summer and is now in the process of compiling her papers for her PhD. In addition to her main research, she submitted two side project papers—one of which is under peer review and is based on an interdisciplinary workshop called Cod Construction and Communities while the other has been accepted for publication and includes dive survey data from her Masters Thesis. Last year, she traveled to South Africa to attend an international conference and volunteered at the South African Shark Conservation Academy (SASC). Earlier this year, she began preliminary fieldwork for her postdoctoral research on Atlantic cod as part of the CodSpa Nordforsk project grant (find out more here). Currently, she is finishing up her first PhD manuscript and is looking forward to presenting her findings at an international conference later this month in Tokyo, Japan. [...]
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April 4, 2025Hello, my name is Guðbjörg and I’m a new member of Ice Fish Research. I was born and raised in Iceland. Currently I’m working on my PhD in Biology at the University of Iceland where I research diversity in Arctic charr.
Wait, doesn’t everyone love natural science?
I was never going to be a biologist. As a kid I wanted to be a teacher, occupational therapist or an actress that also directed movies and wrote novels in her spare time.
I have always had a great interest in nature and I’m very curious. Biology was always my favourite subject in school, I collected dinosaur books, haunted for bugs and sticklebacks and loved watching nature documentaries. I just never put two and two together, that I may want to be a scientist.
Then one day in menntaskóli (Icelandic high school) when I was stressing over the fact that I had no idea what to do after graduation. I was informed that I was the only one of my classmates that found biology fun. That’s when I finally put two and two together. As a result, I applied for the undergraduate program in biology and have not looked back since.
My Research
I started working with the Arctic charr five years ago when I started my masters project. Where I examined differences in the shape of skull bones between Arctic charr morphs in Þingvallavatn. Many questions arose during that project which later became my PhD project.
I wanted to explore further the great diversity within the Arctic charr. To see how populations have adapted to their environments. Which populations are the closest to the ancestor and which are most different? Right now, I’m researching diversity between (and within) Icelandic Arctic charr morphs. Focusing on the shape of skull bones and number of teeth. I should have all my samples, now it’s just analysing them.
About me
When I’m not working, I like creating art whether it’s painting, drawing, writing or cross stitching (all good for mindfulness). I also enjoy hiking and other outdoor activities. Finally, I like hanging out with friends (especially if board games are involved).
Ice Fish Research
I have always found that science communication is very important. So, I was very proud of Alessandra, Lieke, Michelle and Theresa when they founded Ice Fish Research about a year ago. Now I am so thankful and feel honoured that they invited me to be a part of this initiative. Thank you.
Learn more about me
What is your favourite fish? Arctic charr
What is your research topic? Parallel evolution, plasticity and developmental origins of adaptive craniofacial traits in Arctic charr.
Where do you work? The University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
What inspired your research? I’m honestly just very intrigued by evolutionary processes, how biodiversity arises and how organisms adapted. The Arctic charr just happens to be a good species for these types of questions.
What is your favorite part of being a scientist? This is a bit of a hard question. There are so many fun parts of being a scientist. I’m a pretty curious person and have always liked solving difficult problems. After all the work of collecting the samples, measuring them and doing all the calculations you finally have an answer. Normally the answer isn’t even that striking, there is just something so fun about this “eureka” moment.
How would you explain a scientist to a child? Scientists are a bit like a detective, trying to solve or understand the great mysteries of the world.
How would you explain your research to a child? I look at the skulls of Arctic charr and compare fish that live in different places and eat different prey/food.
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March 14, 2025Have you ever wondered where the flounder found in Iceland has come from?
It is well known that alien European flounder has been officially documented in Icelandic waters in 1999. For a long time, the question remained where the flounder came from. Over the years, people have debated whether the flounder came from the Faroe Islands or from the coasts of western Europe. Now Theresa Henke and colleagues have published a study where they took a closer look at the origin of flounder. To do this, they followed the methods used in a study from 2007 that had shown a genetic difference between flounder in the Faroe Islands and other European populations. In the summers of 2020 and 2021, Theresa collected flounder samples all around Iceland. Comparing them to the data from the earlier study showed: European flounder found in Iceland likely arrived from the Faroe Islands.
One answer and many new questions
This study has answered a big question in the case of flounder in Iceland. But as it often is the case in research, it has also opened up many new ones. Even though we now know where the flounder came from, we still don‘t know how it arrived from the Faroe Islands (400 km from southeast Iceland): Did the flounder swim to Iceland? Was the flounder accidentally brought over to Iceland by boats? And does this even matter?
It does. Right now, European flounder in Iceland is classified as a potentially invasive, alien species in Iceland. The definition of an alien species, according to the recent IPBES report (read more here), is a species that was introduced because of human activity. If the flounder arrived in Iceland by itself without the help of humans,it would not be an alien species based on this definition. There is no definite answer to this question yet, but we hope future research will provide one. Read more about this discussion in the paper!
For now, Theresa and her co-authors suggest to keep the classification with a little addition. By adding the term “polyvectic” the classification points out that there are more than one potential ways how the flounder has arrived and that it is still unsure which one is correct.
What about the hybrids?
This study did not only find out where the flounder came from, it also showed that there are hybrids between flounder and the native European plaice. When, in this case, two different fish species produce an offspring, it is called a hybrid. When flounder and plaice live in the same area, you can often find hybrids, such as in the Baltic Sea. But this is the first time that these hybrids have been officially documented in Iceland.
Read the full study on the tale of the founder flounder here. [...]
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SHARE YOUR SCIENCE
Are you a researcher working on or someone passionate about Icelandic fish and want to share who you are and/or what you do? Contact us!