The educational and conservation organization Icelandic Aquatic Animals (ice. Vatnaverur Íslands) is dedicated to safeguarding the future of Iceland's aquatic ecosystems, benefiting both aquatic life and the island nation. Iceland’s marine and freshwater environments boast a rich variety of unique species and habitats crucial for maintaining ecological balance. Protecting these ecosystems is increasingly urgent, as they’re threatened by climate change, overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. To tackle these challenges, Icelandic Aquatic Animals promotes habitat restoration, pollution control, establishing protected areas, and raising awareness about aquatic ecosystems' biological and cultural significance.

 

At the heart of this non-profit organization are Dalrún Kaldakvísl, a natural historian, and her father, Jóhannes Sturlaugsson, a biologist. Together, they work to preserve Iceland's vibrant aquatic life while fostering a deeper connection between Icelanders and the organisms in both freshwater and saltwater environments. A key part of their mission involves engaging with the youngest generations by promoting ocean and freshwater life awareness. They achieve this through school visits, where they educate primary school children about aquatic creatures from historical and biological perspectives. Furthermore, the organization aims to enhance the connection between Icelanders and marine life by producing documentaries about underwater ecosystems. The association does not charge membership fees to ensure democratic participation in the association, regardless of finances. Those who wish to join the association can send a request to the email address sharkiceland@gmail.com

 

In 2025, the organization will focus on teaching schoolchildren about the biology, ecology, and history of Greenland sharks and the wild salmon through a program called Fish in the Classroom. During these interactive sessions, children will learn about the biology and ecology of these fascinating species, alongside insights into how humans have interacted with them throughout centuries of Icelandic settlement. This project aims to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of these remarkable creatures and to foster greater knowledge, interest, and empathy towards these unique aquatic creatures of Iceland.