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The study comprises a data set of CTD, optical properties— K0(PAR), cp, a(PAR), b(PAR)—and optical constituents—Chl a, SPM, CDOM—from 72 shelf and off-shelf stations in the Faroe Islands (62°N, 7°W) North East Atlantic, in early spring 2005. Results showed that shelf waters surrounding the islands were cold and low saline, whereas off-shelf waters were warmer (~1°C) and more saline (~0.05) PSU. A pronounced oceanographic front separated the two waters, and diffuse light attenuation K0(PAR), beam attenuation cp, Chl a, absorption a(PAR), and scattering coefficient b(PAR) were all significantly higher on the shelf. Analyses showed that off-shelf light attenuation K0(PAR) was governed by Chl a, shown by a high ( r2 = 0.64) Chl a– K0(PAR) correlation, whereas light attenuation on the shelf was governed by both Chl a, SPM, and CDOM in combination. A Chl a specific diffuse attenuation coefficient $$ K_{0}^{*} \left( {\text{PAR}} \right) $$ of 0.056 (m2 mg−1 Chl a) and a Chl a specific beam attenuation ( $$ c_{\text{p}}^{*} $$) of 0.27 (m2 mg−1 Chl a) coefficients were derived for the off-shelf. It is pointed out that Chl a is the single variable that changes over time as no rivers with high SPM and CDOM enter the shelf area. Data were obtained in early spring, and Chl a concentrations were low ~0.5 mg Chl a m−3. Spring bloom Chl a are about 10 mg Chl a m−3 and estimations showed that shelf K0(PAR) will increase about 5 times and beam attenuation about 10 times. The Faroe Islands shelf–off-shelf waters is a clear example where physical conditions maintain some clear differences in optical properties and optical constituents. The complete data set is enclosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To examine causes of perinatal mortality in the Faroe Islands, where it has been increased compared to other Nordic societies. Method. Cases were classified according to a fetal/obstetric, a fetal/neonatal, and a fetal/obstetric/neonatal classification (classifications C1, C2, and C3, respectively). Setting. The Faroe Islands 1986–1995; as reference materials were used a) the preceding decade in the Faroes and b) a parallel period in Denmark. Subjects. We examined all available information regarding each case from hospital records, midwife records, birth certificates, death certificates and autopsy records. Results. The perinatal mortality was 10.3 per 1,000 total births (83/8,096) compared with 13.7 (102/7,458) in the preceding decade; the fall could be attributed to fewer cases with preeclampsia, antepartum bleedings (C1) and antepartum asphyxia (C2) and the number fell despite an increased occurrence of cases attributed to congenital malformations. Perinatal mortality in Denmark was 8.3 (4,574/550,971), where rates were lower of cases with congenital malformations and fetoplacental dysfunction, but where the rate was higher of cases related to preterm birth (C3). Conclusions. Although the perinatal mortality rate still is higher in the Faroes than Denmark, the rate had fallen in the Faroes from 1976–85 to 1986–1995. The fall was mainly due to fewer cases attributable to antepartum asphyxia, preeclampsia, antepartum bleedings, and hyaline membrane disease, a pattern compatible with a more efficient perinatal service in the Faroes in the latter period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]