Monitoring Macroalgae Extent and Biodiversity in the Arctic
Our Role: Principal Investigator, Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic (LEX-NG) Visiting Scientist Programme
About the Project:
We aim to understand macroalgal biodiversity and its relationships with people in Iceland.
Macroalgal communities contribute to marine and human health and wellbeing globally, but their extent and success is impacted by climate change and other environmental threats.
Aims and Objectives:
- Map macroalgal biodiversity in sub-arctic Iceland
- Define and enhance the value of macroalgae biodiversity to local communities in Iceland
- Demonstrate the efficacy of low cost, high data density methods for predicting and testing macroalgae biodiversity monitoring methods
We used a low cost in situ filtration system to collect 48 eDNA filter samples for barcoding and sequencing analysis.
Following the fieldwork phase of the project we hosted an outreach event in Reykjavik and will host a workshop in October 2025. The workshop brings together researchers, policymakers, industry, and community representatives to explore the role of seaweed in Iceland’s social-ecological systems. The programme will feature a panel discussion, lightning talks, and small group discussions to exchange knowledge, strengthen science–policy–society connections, and identify priority research gaps.
Want to work together? Tamar Coastal Lab has almost a decade of experience in coastal and community resilience projects. Can we help you with a project through consultancy services, partnership, collaboration, or something else?
