Institute of Coastal Research

The Institute of Coastal Research provides scientific ecosystem-based advice for management of aquatic resources in Sweden. The core of our research is assessment of fish stocks and ecosystems and the effects of humans and environment on these.
The Institutes headquarters is situated in Öregrund and we also have offices and personnel in Simpevarp, Väröbacka and at the Institute of Marine Research  in Lysekil.

The Institute possesses a dozen small boats for field sampling, field equipment for the experimental fishing and benthic sampling, hydro-acoustic equipment and well developed laboratories for sampling and analysis of fish age. The institute is also using experimental facilities at Biotest basin ¹ by the Forsmark nuclear power plant for studies of brackish water in Forsmark.

Environmental monitoring and analysis

The Institute collects and stores data on internationally and nationally managed fish stocks. Data collection is done within the framework of EU directives and national data collection programs. We conduct fishery independent surveys which provide important data to stock assessment of economically important fish stocks, both nationally and internationally. 
The Institute is also responsible for several environmental monitoring and recipient monitoring programmes along the Swedish coasts, and participates in monitoring of fish communities within the framework of HELCOM.

The Institute is also developing analytical methods for ecosystem-based advice. Knowledge about the fish's role in the ecosystem is gained through integrated ecosystem analysis, development of indicators and foodweb models. This research also sheds light to questions about how humans and the environment affect fish communities. The research is often carried out in collaboration with other universities and research institutes, the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), and HELCOM.