Global International Waters Assessment
Faroe Plateau, GIWA Regional assessment 13

University of Kalmar on behalf of United Nations Environment Programme

November, 2004

Pedersen, S.A., Madsen, J. and M. Dyhr-Nielsen

1651-940X

64

Electronically (PDF)

This report presents the results of the GIWA assessment of the marine waters around The Faroes – one of the important national and international fishing grounds in the North Atlantic. Toxic contamination of the tissue of marine fish, birds and mammals is causing human health problems, but may also affect the economically important fisheries sector. The cause is long-distance transport of pollutants by ocean currents and air from industrial areas in Europe, North America and Asia. Improved international cooperation is needed to address this issue. The marine resources are also threatened by unsustainable exploitation, in particular because the fish stocks are stressed by climatic and oceanographic variability. The need for efficient governance and management frameworks is acknowledged, but lack of scientific documentation impede the actual implementation. Comprehensive international research efforts, supporting the Faroe research community, is needed.