Laws and regulations

New act of law with focus on the aquaculture industry

The Aquaculture Act no 71 entered into force 1 July 2008, replacing Act no 33/2002 on farming seawater fishes and Act no 57/2006 on farming freshwater fishes. The new act regulates all aquaculture activity in Iceland. The main purpose of the new Aquaculture Act is to promote the profitability and competitiveness of the aquaculture industry within the framework of sustainable development, to contribute to value creation and build up industrial activity in the countryside. The Aquaculture Act will establish the framework for future growth of the aquaculture industry through the responsible management of national interests.

Other important Acts

Other important acts regulating the aquaculture industry are:

• Act No. 73/1997 on Planning and Building
• Act No. 106/2000 on Environmental Impact Assessment
• Act No. 55/1998 concerning treatment, production and distribution of marine products
• Act No. 60/2006 on protection against fish diseases
• Act No. 7/1998 on Environmental and Food Control
• Act No. 44/1999 on Nature Conservation
• Act No. 93/1995 on Foodstuffs

Valdimar Ingi Gunnarsson