The United Nations University -
Fisheries Training Programme in Iceland
General Information
Establishment
In 1998 the Fisheries Training Programme (FTP) of the United Nations University (UNU) was established at the Marine Research Institute in Reykjavík, Iceland. The possibility of establishing an FTP in Iceland as part of the UNU network of academic training and research was suggested in the late 1970s at the time the UNU Geothermal Training Programme was initiated in Iceland. The idea was revisited in 1994 by officials from Iceland and the UNU. Following a pre-feasibility study in 1995 and a feasibility study in 1996 by a team of international experts, appointed by the UNU, a formal agreement was signed in June 1997. After a year of preparatory work the first six fellows came to Iceland in August 1998. The programme offers a six month post-graduate training in fisheries to professionals from developing countries.
Programme structure
The programme runs for six months, from August through February. It consists of two main parts, a core course which is common to all participants, and specialist training where there is scope to tailor the studies to meet individual needs. In the core course which takes 7-8 weeks, the aim is to give the participants a holistic view of fisheries, through an overview of world fisheries and aquaculture, and an insight into the various disciplines within fisheries and their interrelationships. After completing the core course the participant should be able to put the fisheries sector in the home country into a regional and international perspective and have gained an appreciation for its development potential. Early on in the core course, emphasis is placed on formal training in using computer technology, not only to obtain information, but also to process data and to prepare presentations. These skills are further developed when preparing assignments in subsequent sections of the core course which are:
- World fisheries and aquaculture
- Gear technology and fish finding equipment
- Fisheries biology and stock assessment
- Fisheries policy and planning
- Quality management of fish handling and processing
- Management of fisheries companies, and marketing
Visits to companies and institutions are an integral part of the programme to illustrate the development of the fisheries sector and of a fishing nation in past decades. The final section of the core course is combined with a two week study tour to northern Iceland where diverse companies and institutions in the fisheries sector are visited in conjunction with lectures given at the University of Akureyri.
The specialist training is divided into a four week specialist course and a three month final project. In this part of the programme fellows gain increased knowledge in their areas of specialisation, improve their practical skills and learn to appreciate the need for adaptability and flexibility. Part of the training takes place in working situations and is designed in consultation with the fellows to meet individual needs. When possible, the project is based on information and data the fellows bring from their own work. If not, care is taken to design a project that will have a direct application in their work back home. The lines of specialisation are seven, but not offered all at the same time. They are:
- Fisheries Policy and Planning
- Marine and Inland-Waters Resources, Assessment and Monitoring
- Quality Management of Fish Handling and Processing
- Management of Fisheries Companies and Marketing
- Fishing Gear Technology
- Aquaculture
- Aquatic Environmental Assessment and Monitoring
On completion of the specialist training students should have improved practical orientation and a heightened awareness of their own strengths. They should be able to use their talents in an effective way under a variety of circumstances. Attention is paid to attitudes and cultural aspects as well as transfer of knowledge and skills. Assessment is continuous and is done through written and oral exams, assignments and presentation of the final project. Those who complete the programme successfully are awarded a Certificate of the United Nations University.
The working environment
A major advantage of the programme is the free and easy access it has to institutions and a large number of fisheries related companies. The programme itself is managed by the Marine Research Institute, but in formal cooperation with a number of other institutions. The fellows become an integral part of the working environment of Icelandic researchers.The main partners in the programme include:
The Marine Research Institute. Its role is to conduct research on the marine environment around Iceland and its living resources, to provide advice to the government on catch levels and conservation measures and to inform the government, the fishery sector and the public about the sea and its living resources. The headquarters are in Reykjavik, but with six branches around the country and strong links to the two universities in Iceland. The MRI runs three research vessels, has a staff of approx. 160 and an annual budget of about USD 14 million. Website: http://www.hafro.is
The Icelandic Fisheries Laboratories is a research institution in the field of foodstuffs, with specialization in marine resources and products. Its headquarters are in Reykjavik, in the same building as the MRI, the Directorate of Fisheries and the Ministry of Sea Fisheries. The institute has 4 branches in other parts of Iceland and strong links with the two universities in Iceland. Number of staff is about 80 and the annual budget about USD 3.5 million. Website: http://www.rfisk.is
The University of Iceland in Reykjavik was established in 1911. It has about 7000 students. The fellows of the FTP have the same rights and privileges to use the facilities and services of the university as registered students. Several member of staff carry out their research duties at the MRI and the IFL. Website: http://www.hi.is
The University of Akureyri was established in 1987 in northern Iceland. It has four prgrammes, including fisheries science and management studies and a total enrolment of about 500 students. Both the MRI and the IFL have branches in Akureyri and research staff have teaching duties at the university. The University of Akureyri has good connections to the fishing industry which is strong and varied in the district. Website: http://www.unak.is
Selection of fellows
The Fisheries Training Programme is designed for professionals (both civil servants and in the private sector) in the fisheries sector. The FTP strives to establish cooperation with key national institutions in developing countries that are entering or have entered into a phase of internationalization through expansion of their fisheries and the development of an export orientated fisheries sector. The training programme is of an international nature and strives to derive maximum benefits from the fact that Iceland is one of the leading fishing nations of the world. The participants are all practicing professionals in their own fields and are expected to contribute actively to the course as well. Candidates for the course are selected through a thorough interview process, giving consideration to the development priorities of their countries and institutions. To qualify the fellows must have obtained at least a first university degree (B.Sc. or BA),or have any other background enabling them to participate in a post-graduate course, speak and write English and be highly motivated. Equally important, however, is to establish whether the requirements and expectations of individual candidates can be met by the programme.The graduates
So far, 15 fellows from eight countries have graduated from the programme. For the year 2000, 14 fellows will be accepted but the plan is to have 16-18 fellows enrolling each year. The table below shows the number of fellows that have finished the programme and their lines of specialty.
| Country | Quality Management of Fish Handling and Processing | Fisheries Policy and Planning | Marine and Inland Waters Resources, Assessment and Monitoring | Fishing Gear Technology | Total |
| Argentine | 1 | 1 | |||
| Cape Verde | 1 | 1 | |||
| The Gambia | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||
| Mozambique | 2 | 1 | 3 | ||
| Namibia | 1 | 1 | |||
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | |||
| Sri Lanka | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||
| Uganda | 3 | 1 | 4 | ||
| Total | 7 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 15 |
Funding
The UNU - FTP offers 11 fellowships each year, which cover all the cost, including travel and living expenses in Iceland (housing and about 23 US$ daily allowance). Fellows not receiving full fellowships need to secure funding through other sources. Under special circumstances the FTP will pay part of the cost for such fellows.
Living in Iceland
The programme's headquarters are in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland. Reykjavik is a city of 110 thousand inhabitants. Its culture is rich with many art galleries, theatres and concerts of all sorts every month. The national symphony orchestra and the national opera are located in the down town area along with the national theatre. In August, when the fellows arrive, the weather in Reykjavík is usually good with calm winds, the temperature around 13°C and the Icelandic flora blossoming. As winter approaches the temperature in December and January drops and one might experience temperature down to - 10°C and an occasional snowstorm. The houses are well built with geothermal central heating. The public transportation system, which consists of buses, is very good in the metropolitan area of Reykjavik.
Further information
For further information please contact:
Dr. Tumi Tomasson the Programme Director (tumi@hafro.is)
Mr. Thor Asgeirsson the Deputy Programme Director (thoras@hafro.is)
