The University of the Faroe Islands and Bakkafrost extend research collaboration to support research in aquaculture

21.12.2022

The collaboration agreement is extended until the end of 2027. Bakkafrost will provide funding of 5.6 million DKK over five years for research and to support the establishing of a new Centre for Ccean Modelling. The aim is to further extend the project with additional partners

On the 20th of December, The University of the Faroe Islands and Bakkafrost signed an agreement to extend their current research collaboration until the end of 2027.
The project aims to improve knowledge about the ecosystems in the Faroese fjords and wider marine environment to support the development of the Faroese aquaculture industry. The collaboration will work to improve knowledge and strengthen assessments regarding the impact from the aquaculture industry on the fjords as well as the potential impact that climate change can have on the ecosystems of the fjords and on Faroese aquaculture.

The funding will support the establishing of a new University Centre for Ocean Modelling. Ocean modelling is a vital element in research into oceanography and the impacts from climate change, and through the agreement, Bakkafrost commits to support the University of the Faroe Islands with 5.6 million DKK through the next five years. The University and Bakkafrost share the initial financing of the research Centre but the aim is to extend the project and raise funds from additional partners and research foundations.

Chik Collins, Rector at the University of the Faroe Islands, and Regin Jacobsen, CEO at Bakkafrost, signed the agreement.

University Rector Chik Collins said:

“We are delighted to extend the successful collaboration with Bakkafrost. With the new agreement, we can establish the Centre for Ocean Modelling, and we now have funds to employ key staff for the next five years. We will start working together with colleagues to benefit the industry and Faroese society with a specific focus on sustainability in the Faroese aquaculture industry. We hope to also raise funds from other partners to further strengthen the Centre for Ocean Modelling, and in general, the University of the Faroe Islands aims to establish partnerships with other Faroese companies and institutions in the public as well as in the private sector to support the need for research and education in the Faroe Islands.”

Bakkafrost CEO Regin Jacobsen said:

“The extended agreement is part of our sustainability project, the Healthy Living fund, which aims to establish partnerships with companies, institutions and organisations which have a positive impact on the local communities in which we operate. We hope that this collaboration will provide valuable knowledge for the industry and support fish welfare and biologically and environmentally responsible operations. We are delighted to extend the collaboration with the University of the Faroe Islands on this project working together to strengthen the aquaculture industry in the Faroe Islands, and we hope that this will have a positive long-term impact on the industry.”

In addition to improving knowledge about the impact from salmon farming and the potential impact from climate change, the project includes research into fish health and welfare as well as biosecurity.

Contact:

Chik Collins, Rector, +298 292502

Regin Jacobsen, CEO Bakkafrost, +298 235001