An intensive pedagogic methods and fieldwork session on ocean literacy and stewardship on the Svefneyjar islands (Sleepy Islands) in Breiðafjörður, Iceland, a habitat well-known for its diverse range of seaweed species. The session involved project partners from the Estonian Academy of Arts, Aalto University, Iceland University of the Arts, as well as two graphic designers. We were hosted by the Sleepy Islands’ owners Áslaug Magnúsdóttir of Katla and Sascha Tueni, who are exploring the cultivation of native seaweed species around the islands for use in textile fibre production.

We had previously visited the fjord as part of our Nordplus collaboration when we spent time in Nyp with students and staff of Iceland University of the Arts. This time, we had inspiring conversations with Áslaug and Sascha about how to become stewards of the local ecosystem. We exchanged and discussed the benefits of
the pedagogical methods we had developed through the collaboration of our universities: Snorkelling, seaweed crafting, underwater filming, photography, and improvised exhibition formats. Between working sessions, we collected and identified local seaweeds.

The time together allowed us to get an overview of our diverse algae-related practices and outcomes, to reflect, record, and plan how to share our findings. We were able to identify areas of future research and expand our algae-network.

This project was funded by Nordplus .

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