The ocean is the foundation of life on Earth and a cornerstone of Icelandic society’s prosperity. In the waters surrounding Iceland, there is a rich diversity of animal and plant life—more than we can easily imagine.
Marine organisms may seem unfamiliar to us, yet they live very close by, all around the island.
Sjávarlíf.is is a collection of photographs and videos by diver Erlendur Bogason, offering a new perspective on the underwater world around Iceland.
The site presents images and videos of a wide range of species found in Icelandic waters. The material includes both common species and organisms rarely seen by people above ground.
The site aims to gather and share visual material of Icelandic marine life in an accessible way. In doing so, visitors can learn more about the ecosystems beneath the ocean’s surface and gain insight into the world divers’ experience.
The site will continue to grow as new material is added from dives around the country.
The Cod in Lónafjörður
Every year, thousands of tonnes of cod gather in Lónafjörður to spawn. This period is now approaching, as spawning takes place in late March and early April.
This is a unique natural phenomenon, as the cod spawn at depths of only 8–15 meters. Such conditions are rare and make it possible to observe this important behaviour underwater.
Unfortunately, this area has not been protected during the spawning period, and it is still permitted to fish this spawning stock of cod at this time.
This natural phenomenon reminds us of the importance of protecting these sensitive areas, at least during the brief period when spawning occurs.
For decades, the diver Erlendur Bogason has photographed life under the ocean around Iceland in the North Atlantic. His photographs have now been made accessible on this website. In the upcoming weeks we will add more species in this beautiful fauna of life in the ocean. The texts are written by Hreiðar Þór Valtýsson, lektor in fisheries studies.
This website is built for educational purposes. Please note that all publication is not allowed.
Are you familiar with Tunicates?
Of all invertebrates, the tunicates (urochordata) are the closest relatives to humans. There is no resemblance in adult tunicates. However, the larvae stage is very unlike the adult stage and looks like a tadpole. Tunicates are in fact in the same phyla as we are in, chordata. Tunicates can be both sessile and planktonic.