The students were well received at all the companies and were given an insight into the challenges of the aquaculture business. Some of the students might have gotten ideas on how to develop further their master's thesis topic through this course.

Teachers on this new field course were Dr. Peter Krost, who had taught an introduction course to aquaculture at UW's Coastal and Marine Management program before, as well as María Maack.

The days started in the mornings with discussions where the reasons for innovation were discussed especially. As one of the teachers has extensive experience from fish farming in the Baltic Sea, ecological limitations and ways to avoid eutrification through for example multitrophic cultures were an important part of the discussions.

[mynd 3 h]In the afternoons the group went for visits to companies while the evenings were reserved for the work on student projects, which were presented to the group on the last day.

As the course was new, this was an experiment to all, students, teachers, organizers at UW as well as the local community. In the end all participants agreed that it was a marvelous experience and an extraordinary insight into the aquaculture business. The building Dunhagi at Tálknafjörður was perfect for such a “think tank” and having access to companies representing all the phases of the process in the same fjord proved to be very beneficial for the course. Having one of the best swimming pools of the Westfjords just the other side of the Dunhagi-community centre was also an icing on the cake.

The course received grants by the regional development plan Sóknaráætlun Landshluta.