ABOUT HÚSAVIK
Húsavík, is located on the north coast if Iceland and is one of the best destinations worldwide for whale watching. It sits on the immensely biodiverse Skjálfandi Bay, with the dramatic north Atlantic in the distance. Here, there is tremendous potential for expanding conservation work in collaboration with Icelandic research institutes, museums, and whale-watching operations. You can find the University of Iceland Húsavík Research Center, North Sailing and the Húsavík Whale Museum.
LOCAL GOALS
UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
LOCAL PARTNER
Founded in 2019, Ocean Missions is an Icelandic NGO based at the edge of the Arctic, in Húsavík, Iceland. Their goal is to inspire people to be part of solutions through a combination of traditional sailing, education and citizen science. They began their efforts because of the deep need for more conservation and sustainable tourism in the unique and fragile Icelandic environment and nearby Arctic regions.
They strive to educate people about the crucial importance of our oceans and engage them in the excitement and beauty of scientific research
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH EXPEDITIONS
During their long expeditions (two per year), they study plastic pollution, zooplankton and underwater sound. They also monitor whale and bird populations in Icelandic waters.
Thanks to these expeditions, the support and donations from the people, not only they learn more about the ocean’s health, but can also work with stakeholders and the local communities on educational and environmental projects to inspire both ours and the young generations.
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EDUCATION
Annual field courses for local kids in Húsavík to increase their awareness about the value of their natural landscapes and the oceans.
STUDY OF MICROPLASTICS
A study on microplastic pollution and zooplankton to investigate its potential effects on whales in Skjálfandi Bay, an important feeding ground for humpback whales and other large baleen whales. The data collection is included as part of a special new tour offered by North Sailing and open for the public “Whales Sails and Science“, where people can participate actively on the research project and leave a positive footprint.