Iceland Allows Arctic Fish to Continue Salmon Farming Despite Concerns

Iceland authorities have rejected a request to suspend the operating licence of Arctic Fish, allowing the company to continue farming 7,800 tonnes of salmon in Tálknafjörður and Patreksfjörður in the Westfjords until 2040. The request was made by sports fishing associations in the area, including the National Associations of Hunting Associations, citing concerns over the company's operations.

Why this matters: The decision to allow Arctic Fish to continue operating has significant implications for the environment and local ecosystems, as well as the economic livelihoods of communities dependent on the aquaculture industry. It also raises questions about the balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability in the face of growing concerns about the impact of industrial-scale fishing on marine ecosystems.

Arctic Fish, which also trades as Arctic Sea Farms, had its licences to farm salmon in the two fjords renewed by the Iceland Food Agency MAST in March. The renewed licences are valid until March 2040. However, the sports fishing associations appealed the renewal, citing violations of requirements and navigation risks posed by the company's operations. Their appeals were ultimately turned down by the authorities.

The decision to allow Arctic Fish to continue operating came after the company made improvements to its practices, which were deemed sufficient by MAST to issue the renewed licences. Arctic Fish has been fighting attempts to close or restrict its operations since a large fish escape incident at one of its Westfjords sites last summer. While local police were initially instructed to investigate the incident, the order was later suspended. However, the Office of Public Prosecutions may still require an investigation into the matter.

Arctic Fish, majority owned by Norwegian giant Mowi, has been operating in Tálknafjörður and Patreksfjörður since 2017 and is a significant local employer in the region. The company's presence and salmon farming activities have been met with mixed reactions from the local community and environmental groups concerned about the impact on the fjords' ecosystems and traditional fishing grounds.

Despite the concerns raised by the sports fishing associations and the fish escape incident, Iceland authorities have determined that Arctic Fish has taken sufficient steps to address issues and improve its practices. The decision to allow the company to continue farming salmon in the Westfjords until 2040 underscores the economic importance of the aquaculture industry in the region, even as it remains a contentious issue among some local stakeholders.

Key Takeaways

• Iceland authorities reject bid to suspend Arctic Fish's operating licence.
• Arctic Fish can continue farming 7,800 tonnes of salmon in Westfjords until 2040.
• Sports fishing associations raised concerns over company's operations and navigation risks.
• Arctic Fish made improvements to practices, deemed sufficient by authorities.
• Decision highlights economic importance of aquaculture industry in the region.