ao link

Iceland calls halt to new salmon permits

Linked InXFacebook
bookmark_borderSave to Library
The Icelandic government has called a temporary halt to issuing new salmon farming permits. The move comes amid a growing national debate over aquaculture in the wake of various incidents including escapes. Food and Fisheries minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir suggested it was time to draw breath, stating that the country has been chasing an industry which has grown rapidly. But the chief argument is that salmon farming has been allowed to expand rapidly with comparatively little supervision. Aquaculture has grown almost sevenfold in the past decade and is on course to almost double by 2030 on existing permits alone. The sector has brought huge economic benefits including hundreds of new jobs to remote areas, particularly in the Westfjords region, which had lost their traditional fishing activities. Production has risen from around 8,000 tonnes a decade ago to more than 50,000 tonnes last year and industry profits have grown accordingly, hugely boosting the country’s tax take. Much of the investment, however, is not home-grown, but from Norway, which makes the country vulnerable to important decisions beyond its control. [caption id="attachment_117095" align="alignnone" width="217"] Fisheries Minister Svandís Svavarsdóttir[/caption] To outsiders, fish and Iceland are synonymous, but the country is deeply divided over some aspects. The government recently called a temporary halt to whaling, for example, an activity which is centuries old and deep in the DNA of coastal communities. Recent salmon escape incidents have led to several calls for restrictions on open pen farming, even in areas where it has brought economic benefits. The Reykjavik government is due to announce a national aquaculture strategy, probably early next year. It is likely to include a ceiling on how much salmon should be farmed.
Linked InXFacebook
bookmark_borderSave to Library
Add New Comment
You must be logged in to comment.
Marine Engineering Technician - Bakkafrost Scotland Limited
PA35 1AGPA35 1AGUp to £47,000 per annumUp to £47,000 per annum

Farm Technician (Greshornish) - Mowi Scotland
Skye & LochalshSkye & Lochalsh£27,236 to £30,504 per annum£27,236 to £30,504 per annum

Field Engineer - Isle of Mull - Scottish Sea Farms Ltd
Isle of MullIsle of MullSalary On ApplicationSalary On Application

Farm Technician (Loch Etive) - Mowi Scotland
Argyll & ButeArgyll & Bute£27,236 to £30,504 per annum£27,236 to £30,504 per annum

Senior husbandry Persons, Loch Pooltiel, Skye - Kames
Skye, Dunvegan, GlendaleSkye, Dunvegan, Glendale£34,500 to £41,000 per annum£34,500 to £41,000 per annum
Fish Farmer Magazine
IPSO
Facebook
X
Linked In

© 2025 Fish Farmer.