The Natural Science Institute of Iceland conducted its annual research and monitoring expedition to Surtsey island during the summer, with a team of biologists stationed on the island from July 12th to 15th. The expedition included specialists from the Natural Science Institute, the Marine and Freshwater Institute, the Agricultural University of Iceland, Land and Forest Iceland, and the UK Health Security Agency, along with an artist and a specialist from the Nature Conservation Agency.

Dr. Brynja Hrafnkelsdóttir, representing Land and Forest Iceland, participated in the expedition as an entomologist. Her research focused on the impact of goose grazing and insect herbivory on plant life within the island's established plots, including the documentation of leaf-aphids and other grazing insects. Furthermore, she collected leaf-aphids from diverse plant species for subsequent analysis. This work complements the ongoing, comprehensive research conducted by the Natural Science Institute's entomologists on the island.

While insect herbivory on plants in Surtsey was not significant, leaf-aphids appear to be the primary pest on the island' vegetation this summer. Further details regarding the expedition are available on the Natural Science Institute's website. Accompanying photographs, taken by Dr. Brynja, document her research activities in Surtsey during the expedition. These include images of leaf-aphids on a lyme-grass straw, a broom moth (Ceramica pisi) on a buttercup leaf, and a general snapshot of Surtsey Island' nature and wildlife.