EU Funds UW, Strandabyggð, and Fine Foods for Sustainable Kelp Farming
We're pleased to share that the University Centre of the Westfjords (UW), the Municipality of Strandabyggð, and Fine Foods Íslandica ehf. in Hólmavík have received a grant from the European Union amounting to 70,000 euros, to support the implementation of the IceKelp project during the period 2024–2026. The aim is to develop a model for sustainable kelp farming and a blue economy in rural areas. The announcement was published on the website of Strandabyggð.
The IceKelp project is part of a much larger initiative, Atlantic-Arctic AGORA (A-AAGORA), which supports the European Commission’s goals for the protection and restoration of marine and freshwater ecosystems by 2030. The total funding for the A-AAGORA project is €9,778,174.76, or over ISK 1.4 billion. The aim of A-AAGORA is to develop innovative solutions to activate the blue economy in coastal communities. The process emphasizes the participation of local communities and stakeholders, while ensuring environmental protection and promoting social resilience.
The main partners in A-AAGORA are municipalities in Norway, Ireland, Portugal, and—as previously mentioned—Strandabyggð in Iceland. All these partners collaborate with research groups, particularly the municipality of Tromsø in Norway, which tests and evaluates solutions for municipalities in the Arctic region.
The project plan was presented by Fine Foods Íslandica ehf. to the municipal council of Strandabyggð in November 2024, which approved its support for the project. Among the objectives of the project are:
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To engage with local stakeholders through information meetings and open workshops on kelp farming.
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To disseminate education and knowledge about kelp farming in Strandabyggð.
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To conduct research on biodiversity in relation to kelp farming.
The University Centre of the Westfjords is responsible for research on biodiversity in relation to kelp farming. Alexandra Tyas, UW alumna, will lead the biodiversity research. Dr. Catherine Chambers, UW's Research Manager, will oversee research and the academic aspects of the project, and will generally serve as UW’s representative in communicating research activities to stakeholders. Fine Foods Íslandica has conducted substantial research work in recent years, which will serve as the foundation for the UW's research.
Þorgeir Pálsson, municipal manager of Strandabyggð, represents the municipality in the project. Jamie Lee from Fine Foods Íslandica ehf., and UW alumna, is the project manager and holds operational responsibility for the project. She, together with Bergsveinn Reynisson from Nesskel ehf., will share their expertise and provide training in practical implementation.