Icelandic Aquatic Animals -
a non-profit organization about Iceland's marine and freshwater ecosystems.
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, the establishment of protected areas, and raising awareness about the biological and cultural significance of aquatic ecosystems.
At the heart of this non-profit organization are KALDA [Dalrún Kaldakvísl], an animal 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 awareness of ocean and freshwater life. 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, regardless of financial circumstances. 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, as well as 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.
#Icelandic water creatures
Founder and executive, KALDA / dr. Dalrún Kaldakvísl, animal historian
Co-director, Jóhannes Sturlaugsson, biologist
FISKATENGSL | FISH TIES documentary by Eric Teo.
"Amid Iceland’s marine ecosystem battling challenges like the farmed salmon crisis and the growing impact of climate change, a father-daughter duo is trying to use research and history to reconnect Icelanders with the aquatic world."
Greenland shark 2025
In 2025, the non-profit organization Icelandic Aquatic Animals [Vatnaverur Íslands] will focus on educating the public about the history and behavior of the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus) in Iceland. The primary goal of this educational initiative is to strengthen the connection between Icelanders and our ancient neighbor, the Greenland shark, with conservation as a guiding principle. As part of its efforts, the organization will maintain an information page about the Greenland shark and its historical significance to Icelanders on its website. Additionally, the organization is producing a documentary on the history of sharks in Iceland, primarily based on interviews with elderly shark fishermen who possess a wealth of knowledge about the Greenland shark. The documentary will be made freely accessible on the website. Another important aspect of the organization’s educational campaign is the Fish in the Classroom project, which aims to provide schoolchildren with information about Greenland sharks through school visits.
trailer
Trailer for the documentary Huldufiskur í hafi | Seeking the Greenland shark, set to be released in summer 2025.
The organization received an operating grant from the Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate in 2025