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Marine biotechnology It is of no surprise that marine biotechnology is taking its first steps in Iceland in Akureyri region. This development is based on the large fisheries and seafood sectors and the only university in Iceland specializing in the fields of biotechnology, fisheries, aquaculture and natural resources. Knowledge and plentyful marine raw materials make Akureyri region and ideal place for marine biotechnology.
Fisheries and fish processing is one of the most important industry in Iceland where around 60% of export is fisheries based. Akureyri area is the main fisheries hub in Iceland with two of the largest seafood companies in Iceland based in Akureyri and number of smaller ones. It is often said that Akureyri is the fisheries capital of Iceland and some state that it is the fisheries capital of the North Atlantic. It can truly be said that Akureyri area has a large fisheries and seafood cluster and if one is thinking about establishing or relocating a marine biotechnology department, Akureyri should be on that list. Food processing plays a big part in the economy of the Akureyri region. Seafood processing is a big part but also meat processing, beverage and dairy production. Food from the area is well known for its good taste and excellent quality.
Research institutions in the field of marine biotechnology that operate in the area University of Akureyri (UNAK) operates The Faculty of Natural Resource Sciences. It is designed to prepare its students for employment and graduate studies in a challenging international market. Its four departments are: Aquaculture, Biotechnology, Fisheries, and Environmental Studies. Other faculties are Computer science, health services, business and teaching. The Icelandic Marine Research Institute (MRI) conducts research on the marine environment around Iceland. The MRI has five branch laboratories, where the Akureyri branch is the largest. The MRI cooperates with the University of Akureyri on research and training in fisheries biology and oceanography. Furthermore, students from the university undertake practical training and carry out research projects at the institute. The Icelandic Fisheries Laboratories (IFL) has operation in Akureyri. IFL joined forces with the University of Akureyri in 1991 where several IFL senior scientists teach courses in cell biology, microbiology, and food microbiology in the Faculty of Natural Science. Students are involved in ongoing research projects at IFL and also may work at the institution as laboratory assistants during summers. This cooperation has enhanced the relations with the food industry in the Eyjafjordur region, mostly by students taking part in experimental work for various firms, under the supervision of research scientists at IFL. Center of Excellence in Marine Biotechnology has recently started operation. Its aim and goal is to identify opportunities in marine biotechnology and to put those opportunities onto research stage and further production stage. Largest fisheries in Iceland, BrimSeafood and Samherji as well as Rammi fisheries companies are among those that are based in the area. These companies are all listed on the Icelandic stock exchange. These companies operate number of trawlers and large fish processing factories. Because of this activity, there is abundant fresh raw materials for marine biotechnology. Search Marine Biotechnology is owned by BrimSeafood and international partners. The company will produce Gelatin from fisheries byproducts. Our vision is that the Marine Bio sector co-operation in the Akureyri Region will produce new products for the global market that enhance people?s health and well being. A number of companies will be established in the area in the years to come, known for their new-generation products and world edge knowledge. Abundant of sea based natural resources, knoweledge based society and large market driven fisheries industry makes this area competable with the best in the world. Share
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