The Icelandic EEZ is about 754.000 sq.km, whereof some 713.000 sq.km are 100m depth and beyond. For proper future conservation and sustainable utilization of the ocean floor and its marine biota on and above the bottom, it is important to aquire to the extent possible accurate information of the bottom substrate and the bottom biota.
Only 12% of the ocean floor within the Icelandic EEZ has been mapped with high resolution equipment for this purposes, i.e. some 88.000 sq.km outside the 100m depth contour and some 2.600 sq.km within 100m. Therefore the Icelandic Marine Research Institute will lead a 13 year effort (2017-2029) in mapping the Icelandic EEZ with the help of modern multibeam-ecohosounder technique, that provides information on the bottom surface contours and sub-bottom profilers that will provide information beneath the surface, sediment type and lava structures. Other geological measurements will be conducted in part as the project will develop, such as measurements of magnetism.
It is planned that two platforms will be used for the conduct of this work, 70m long R/V rni Fridriksson that will be operating in waters beyond 200m depth contour and deeper, and the smaller 21m coast guard vessel Baldur. In all, it is estimated that in order to complete the measuring in the year 2029, the larger vessel will operate some 60 days and the smaller one 40 days every year. The estimated total cost of the project is in the range of US $ 31.000.000. Included is basic processing and storing of the aquired information, that will be the responsibility of the Marine Research Institute, but excluded is the cost that may follow and relates to further use of the data and dedicated research projects that are likely to arise when the data is made available for use free of charge to organisations, universities and institutions.
Progress reports
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
Type of commitment
- Integrated Coastal Management
- Ecosystem-based Adaptation
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
Type of commitment
- Other (please specify): Basis for planning such areas
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
Type of commitment
- Scientific, socioeconomic and interdisciplinary research
- Scientific cooperation
Other, please specify
Purchase of equipment- Jan 2017 US$ 1,6 Million
Other, please specify
US$ 1,0 Million/year 2017-2029 (vessel and equiment)
Staff / Technical expertise
US$ 1,36 Million/year 2017-2029
January 2017