The investigations which are carried out provide a basis for the most responsible exploitation of the fish stocks around the Faroes. Assessments are made of the most important fish stocks. These assessments are based on investigations, independent of the industry, which are carried out by the research vessel, Magnus Heinason; e.g. 0-group surveys, bottom trawls surveys and echo soundings, and on the catch and effort statistics for the commercial fleet.
The biology of the various species of fish are studied, including fluctuations in the stocks, growth, spawning and feeding.
Fish which are under-exploited are fished on an experimental basis. Consideration is then given to whether these could be fished commercially, and experiments are carried out to find the best equipment.
The oceanography and the living organisms in the waters around the Faroes are studied; for example temperatures, currents, and the conditions for living organisms to grow and reproduce are examined. This is done with a view to finding out more about the conditions in the sea that affect the reproductive success of various species of fish in Faroese waters, and the conditions affecting the growth of living organisms there.
The Fishery Laboratory has taken part in aquaculture experiments since 1966. It has, since 1973, been responsible for the running of P/F Fiskaaling, which is a publicly owned company. Emphasis has been laid on the improvement of the salmon stock and on counselling. In addition to this, experiments are carried out with other species of fish, particularly cod and halibut.
The Laboratory employs 12 academic staff, 12 office staff and assistants, and a further 7 people on an occasional basis.