Marine Debris and Iceland's Energy Future
[mynd 1 h]On Tuesday, April 30, two master's thesis will be presented in the Coastal and Marine Management master's program at the University Centre of the Westfjords. At 12.10, Anna-Therese Kientiz will present her thesis titled, Marine Debris in the Coastal Environment of Iceland´s Nature Reserve, Hornstrandir: Sources, Consequences and Prevention Measures. The thesis advisor is dr. Hrönn Ólína Jörundsdóttir, a project manager at Matís ltd. - Icelandic Food and Biotech R&D and the external reader is dr. Helgi Jensson, a senior consultant at The Environment Agency of Iceland.
At 16.00, Daniel Metzger will present his thesis titled, Iceland's Energy Future: Identifying and Analyzing the Risks and Opportunities Presented by the Dreki Area. The thesis advisor is dr. Benedict Colombi, Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, and the external reader is Auður H. Ingólfsdóttir, a PhD candidate and head of the department of social sciences at Bifröst University, Iceland.
Both presentations will be in English via Skype and are open to the public. For further information about the presentations please read their abstracts below.
[mynd 2 h]
At 12.10, Anna-Therese Kienitz
Marine Debris in the Coastal Environment of Iceland´s Nature Reserve, Hornstrandir: Sources, Consequences and Prevention Measures
Abstract
Marine debris is a growing problem, which adversely affects ecosystems and economies world-wide. Studies based on a standardized approach to examine the quantity of marine debris are lacking at many locations, including Iceland. In the present study, 26 transects were established on six different bays in the north, west and south of the nature reserve Hornstrandir in Iceland, following the standardized approach developed by the OSPAR Commission. Results showed that 95.4% of all debris items consisted of plastic. On average, 104 debris items were found in 100 x 10 m transects with an average weight of 10.4 kg. Based on those findings it was calculated that approximately 32,600 litter items, having a weight of approximately 4300 kg are polluting the north, south and west of the nature reserve Hornstrandir. Indicator items were used to trace industrial origins of debris, identifying the fishing industry as the main contributor to the pollution. Labels and types of fishing gear found, indicated that the major proportion of marine debris was coming from Icelandic industries. Management recommendations are based on the analysis of effective management practices in other countries and the circumstances in Iceland. As a result, enforcement of the use of biodegradable fishing gear is seen as the best long-term solution. Additional measures like gear marking and deposit systems, improvement of port reception facilities, education and beach cleanups are also recommended.
At 16.00, Daniel Metzger
Iceland's Energy Future: Identifying and Analyzing the Risks and Opportunities Presented by the Dreki Area
Abstract
Exploration of oil and gas reserves on Iceland's continental shelf is currently underway, particularly concentrated in the Northeast's Dreki area. This study systematically analyzes ecological, economic and legislative baselines in order to present managers with a nuanced understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with developing the area. This study uses document analysis and stakeholder interviews to integrate original ethnographic data with existing secondary literature. Respondents identify what they view as the most important and divisive questions concerning exploiting the Dreki area's resources. Discussions of the area reveal broader concerns regarding Iceland's future as a producer of non-renewable energy, perceived regional inequities within the nation, and the impact of the international community on decision-making within Iceland.
At 16.00, Daniel Metzger will present his thesis titled, Iceland's Energy Future: Identifying and Analyzing the Risks and Opportunities Presented by the Dreki Area. The thesis advisor is dr. Benedict Colombi, Assistant Professor at the University of Arizona, and the external reader is Auður H. Ingólfsdóttir, a PhD candidate and head of the department of social sciences at Bifröst University, Iceland.
Both presentations will be in English via Skype and are open to the public. For further information about the presentations please read their abstracts below.
[mynd 2 h]
At 12.10, Anna-Therese Kienitz
Marine Debris in the Coastal Environment of Iceland´s Nature Reserve, Hornstrandir: Sources, Consequences and Prevention Measures
Abstract
Marine debris is a growing problem, which adversely affects ecosystems and economies world-wide. Studies based on a standardized approach to examine the quantity of marine debris are lacking at many locations, including Iceland. In the present study, 26 transects were established on six different bays in the north, west and south of the nature reserve Hornstrandir in Iceland, following the standardized approach developed by the OSPAR Commission. Results showed that 95.4% of all debris items consisted of plastic. On average, 104 debris items were found in 100 x 10 m transects with an average weight of 10.4 kg. Based on those findings it was calculated that approximately 32,600 litter items, having a weight of approximately 4300 kg are polluting the north, south and west of the nature reserve Hornstrandir. Indicator items were used to trace industrial origins of debris, identifying the fishing industry as the main contributor to the pollution. Labels and types of fishing gear found, indicated that the major proportion of marine debris was coming from Icelandic industries. Management recommendations are based on the analysis of effective management practices in other countries and the circumstances in Iceland. As a result, enforcement of the use of biodegradable fishing gear is seen as the best long-term solution. Additional measures like gear marking and deposit systems, improvement of port reception facilities, education and beach cleanups are also recommended.
At 16.00, Daniel Metzger
Iceland's Energy Future: Identifying and Analyzing the Risks and Opportunities Presented by the Dreki Area
Abstract
Exploration of oil and gas reserves on Iceland's continental shelf is currently underway, particularly concentrated in the Northeast's Dreki area. This study systematically analyzes ecological, economic and legislative baselines in order to present managers with a nuanced understanding of the risks and opportunities associated with developing the area. This study uses document analysis and stakeholder interviews to integrate original ethnographic data with existing secondary literature. Respondents identify what they view as the most important and divisive questions concerning exploiting the Dreki area's resources. Discussions of the area reveal broader concerns regarding Iceland's future as a producer of non-renewable energy, perceived regional inequities within the nation, and the impact of the international community on decision-making within Iceland.