Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (MFRI) is a government institute under the auspices of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries . The institute employs around 190 staff, operates 2 research vessels and 10 branches around the country, including an aquaculture experimental station. MFRI conducts various marine and freshwater research and provides the Ministry with scientific advice based on its research on marine and freshwater resources and the environment. MFRI is leading in marine and freshwater research in Icelandic territories and the arctic, providing advice on sustainable use and protection of the environment with an ecosystem approach by monitoring marine and freshwater ecosystems. The main research priorities are research on marine and freshwater ecosystems, sustainable exploitation of main stocks, ecosystem approach to fisheries management, research on fishing technology and seafloor and habitat mapping.