NORDFORSK - fundur í NLH - 8. juni 2026
Good morning and welcome to the Faroe Islands to the Nordic participants in this very interesting midterm meeting on research in sustainable fisheries hosted by NordForsk.
It is a great pleasure to see so many researchers and other experts gathered here to discuss one of the most important challenges and responsibilities of our time — how we ensure that our oceans remain healthy, productive, and sustainable for future generations.
The Faroe Islands are strategically located in the middle of the North Atlantic, surrounded by rich marine ecosystems and shaped by the ocean in every aspect of our history and identity. For centuries, life here has depended on the sea. Fisheries is not only an industry for us; it ist part of our culture, our economy, and our daily lives. Because of this close relationship with the ocean, we understand both the opportunities and the responsibilities that come with managing marine resources wisely.
We are reminded every day that nature is both powerful and fragile. Sustainable fisheries is about much more than economics or production. It is about balance — balancing human needs with the health of marine ecosystems, balancing innovation with conservation, and balancing today’s opportunities with tomorrow’s responsibilities.
Research plays a crucial role in this work. Sound scientific knowledge is essential for understanding changing ocean conditions, fish stocks, climate impacts, and the long-term consequences of our decisions. In a rapidly changing world, cooperation between science, industry, and governments is more important than ever.
At the same time, no single country can solve these challenges alone. The North Atlantic is a shared ocean, and its future depends on strong international cooperation, open dialogue, and trusted partnerships across borders. Meetings and workshops like this are therefore extremely valuable. They create opportunities not only to share knowledge and research, but also to strengthen professional networks, develop new collaborations, and learn from each other’s experiences.
I hope that during your time here in the Faroe Islands, you will have inspiring discussions, productive exchanges, and meaningful conversations that continue long after the meeting ends.
Thank you all for being here, for contributing with your expertise, and for your commitment to sustainable fisheries and the future of our oceans.
I wish you all a successful and inspiring meeting and stay in the Faroe Islands.