The Fisheries Centre was formally opened on Thursday 16. April 2009, at the signing of an agreement between the University of Akureyri and the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. The agreement was signed by Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture and Þorsteinn Gunnarsson, the former Rector of the University of Akureyri.
The purpose of the Fisheries Centre at the University of Akureyri is to support the University of Akureyri [UNAK] policy of strengthening ties between the economy and the University, strengthening relationships and research, and gathering and sharing knowledge within the fishing industry.
Furthermore the Centre aims to strengthen UNAK's role as a leader in the fields of education and research in the fishing industry by promoting applied research, projects and teaching connected to the fishing industry.
This includes promoting collaboration between UNAK's and the industry, working towards improving the public's view of the fishing industry and strengthening the Fisheries Science programme at UNAK. The Fisheries Centre will work towards its goals by:
1. Gathering and sharing information with businesses and partners.
2. Oversee the creation and implementation of research programmes.
3. Promoting innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in the fishing industry.
4. Promoting collaboration with local and foreign research institutes, as well as with other partners, on matters concerning the fishing industry.
5. Organising conferences, round tables, courses, lectures and other educational events.
6. Connecting UNAK students to projects within companies.
7. Conducting applied research for clients.
8. Gathering information on the fishing industry into a database which can be used for research.
9. Publishing and collecting books, magazines and other material about the fishing industry.
