The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA) is Norway’s leading institution for applied ecological research.

NINA is responsible for long-term strategic research and commissioned applied research to facilitate the implementation of international conventions, decision-support systems and management tools, as well as to enhance public awareness and promote conflict resolution.

The institute was established in 1988, employs a staff of approximately 240 and directs well-equipped laboratories and facilities at seven locations in Norway, with the head office in Trondheim. NINA offers broad-based ecological expertise covering the genetic, population, species, ecosystem and landscape level, in terrestrial, freshwater, and coastal marine environments.

NINA´s areas of activity

• Land use and nature management, including landscape analysis in the coastal zone
• Harvesting and sustainable use of fish and game stocks
• Community development and local participation in natural resource management
• Commercial development related to biological resources
• Environmental impacts of agriculture and aquaculture
• Vegetation and wildlife surveys
• Monitoring and time-series analyses regarding natural resources
• Red-list evaluations and conservation planning
• Analysis and resolution of conflicts related to utilization of natural resources and protection of threatened species
• Environmental databases; development, operation, use, and public information
• Pollution impact analysis and monitoring
• Environmental impact assessments connected to human encroachments, infrastructure development and land-use changes

Recent Publications:

• Computer vision enables short- and long-term analysis of Lophelia pertusa polyp behaviour and colour from an underwater observatory
• Modeling Habitat Suitability for the Western Ridged Mussel (Gonidea angulata Lea) in Okanagan Lake, British Columbia, Canada
• Introduction of Mysis relicta (Mysida) reduces niche segregation between deep-water Arctic charr morphs