He obtained his PhD in Statistics from the Ohio State University in 1983. Most of his career has revolved around mathematical and statistical models to marine resources.  Earlier positions include being a deputy directory of the Marine Research Institute in Reykjavik where he has also led the modelling division since 1983.  His current research interests include multispecies modelling in the marine ecosystem; evaluations of harvest control rules for marine organisms; and general applications of statistics to real world problems.