September 20, 2023

Iceland suspends aquaculture permits amid industry and environmental concerns

In response to the burgeoning aquaculture industry and mounting concerns about its impact on local fish stocks, the Icelandic government has suspended further aquaculture permits, following years of rapid growth in fish farming, which has significantly increased profits but raised environmental and regulatory issues, Iceland Review reported.

The aquaculture industry in Iceland has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. In 2014, the country exported 8,300 tonnes of farmed fish. However, by 2022, this number had surged to more than 51,000 tonnes. Correspondingly, profits have soared, with total exports in 2014 amounting to ISK 1.4 billion (~US$10.3 million, ISK 100 = US$0.74), compared to ISK 40.5 billion (~US$298 million) in 2022.

Key importers include the US, UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and France.

The government's decision followed a recent report on the aquaculture industry, which revealed a fragmented regulatory landscape that left the sector largely unsupervised.

One pressing concern that has garnered attention is the hybridisation of farmed fish after their escape from pens. Conservationists worry that these escaped fish introduce parasites to native fish stocks and compete with them for food. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has documented at least 16 cases of fish escapes, with a recent incident involving 3,500 missing fish in Patreksfjorour village in Iceland

While most fish farming occurs in the Westfjords, where it accounts for approximately 5.5% of local employment, the industry has also expanded significantly in the Eastfjords, sparking debate and opposition in some areas.

Seydisfjordur, for example, has recently seen residents expressing their disapproval of proposed increases in aquaculture activities in the region. Concerns include the narrowing of shipping lanes, as Seydisfjordur is not only a ferry port but also a regular stop for cruise ships, which have become vital to the local economy.

-      Iceland Review