Marine and Freshwater Research Institute

Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) is a government institute under the auspices of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries (Matvælaráðuneytið). The institute employs around 190 staff, operates 2 research vessels and 10 branches around the country, including an aquaculture experimental station.

MFRI conducts various marine and freshwater research and provides the Ministry with scientific advice based on its research on marine and freshwater resources and the environment. MFRI is leading in marine and freshwater research in Icelandic territories and the arctic, providing advice on sustainable use and protection of the environment with an ecosystem approach by monitoring marine and freshwater ecosystems. The main research priorities are research on marine and freshwater ecosystems, sustainable exploitation of main stocks, ecosystem approach to fisheries management, research on fishing technology and seafloor and habitat mapping.

MFRI is highly regarded in the scientific community and is therefore a valuable research partner, active at an international level with a strong infrastructure and high quality equipment. MFRI is an appealing work place with progressive human resources policy to strengthen the institute’s competiveness and an effective gender equality policy.

MFRI was established on July 1, 2016 as a result of a merger of two inveterate Icelandic research institutes, the Institute of Freshwater Fisheries (founded in 1946), and the Marine Research Institute (founded in 1965).