January 5, 2024

Iceland engulfed in debate over impact of farmed salmon escapes on wild cousins

A discussion has erupted in Iceland following claims by fisheries expert Gunnar Davidsson that escaped farmed salmon may not significantly harm their wild counterparts, Fish Farmer reported.

Davidsson, Head of Natural Resources in Norway's Tromsø and Finnmark municipality, presented his argument in the Christmas edition of the fish and seafood journal Fiskifretta, sparking a debate over the potential impact of farmed salmon releases on wild populations.

Davidsson challenged assertions made by environmentalists, stating that research has not conclusively proven the material harm caused by escaped farmed fish. According to him, annual measurements of genetic mixing in Norwegian rivers show a decreasing trend, and releases have significantly reduced in recent years. He said there is a need for thorough equipment maintenance to prevent negative impacts on wild populations.

While acknowledging that some rivers still surpassed acceptable limits, Davidsson maintained that scientific research had not established a permanent, detrimental effect of farmed salmon on wild salmon. He drew attention to other threats, such as overfishing and the impact of power plants, which have led to the depletion of wild stocks in certain areas.

Elvar Örn Friðriksson, executive director of the North Atlantic Wild Salmon Conservation Fund, challenged Davidsson's assertions. Friðriksson rejected the comments, particularly those referring to the alleged influence of a propaganda machine involving anglers, wealthy individuals, and business owners in Iceland.

He criticized Davidsson's remarks about opponents of fish farming receiving excessive media attention, characterizing it as indicative of an industry living in an echo cave in Iceland.

-      Fish Farmer