The Association of Municipalities of the Westfjords, Teiknistofan Eik environmental planning and design agency and the University Centre of the Westfjords are jointly conducting a pilot project in marine spatial planning in the coastal zone of Arnarfjörður. Teiknistofan Eik is the most active partner. Starting in 2009 a survey on present-day resource use over all the Westfjords coastal areas was carried out, collecting basic data at open meetings in Drangsnes (Strandir-region), Reykhólar, Patreksfjörður and Ísafjörður in November 2009. The focus area was subsequently narrowed down to the centrally positioned, but widely undeveloped, Arnarfjörður fjord. Thus, the resource utilisation plan (marine spatial planning) for Arnarfjörður is a pilot project whose findings and methodological experience can be used as a basis for further marine spatial planning in the wider Westfjords region. The Westfjords region is ideal as a testing ground for honing marine spatial planning methodology for future use all over Iceland; as there is a strong connection between communities and the sea, as well as varied and widespread harnessing of coastal resources. The relatively light human-induced environmental stress on the region is nevertheless growing; making marine spatial planning necessary.

According to Icelandic planning and construction laws, the municipalities' authority is limited to a line 115 m from the high water mark. Beyond this line, there is no spatial planning in place. With a variety of institutions and ministries in charge for management and decision making in this area, management is ineffective and overview insufficient. As the municipalities have very limited access to decision making in the area beyond 115 m offshore, it is very difficult for municipalities and coastal resource users to put in place a comprehensive future vision. Apart from being sponsored through Vaxtarsamning Vestfjarða (Westfjords' Growth Agreement) and Náttúruverndarsjóður Pálma Jónssonar (Nature conservation fund), the project is carried out with central government support.

The project's main goal is to come up with an integrated resource utilisation plan for Arnarfjörður and to harmonise both its management and resource use in co-operation with stakeholders. The pilot project aims at making increased resource use in Arnarfjörður possible while following sustainable principles to the benefit of coastal society, the economy and the environment. At the same time the project aims to develop innovative practices in nature and resource management for coastal areas, based on a methodology which integrates citizens and stakeholders.

Further information is available on the Association of Municipalities of the Westfjords' website (in Icelandic only).

Abby Sullivan's (Coastal and Marine Management student 2010) master's thesis is connected to this project, working title: Marine Spatial Planning and Integrated Coastal Zone Management in Iceland: A Pilot Study. Work in progress.