Cage aquaculture

Cages

Cages consist of a fish-net bag which is open at the top, where it is hung from a floating framework. The bag hangs loose in the sea, but it is kept taut by the weight of sinkers. The nets are usually 10-15 meters in depth, with a perimeter of 50-90 metres. The most popular cage type in Iceland is plastic collar cages, with 2-3 rings.

History

The first experiment with cage aquaculture in Iceland began in Hvalfjordur, Southwest Iceland, in 1972. In the 80s, cage aquaculture increased, reaching the maximum number of 24 farms in 1988. The farms operated in all parts of Iceland. In the 90s the number of sea cage farms decreased because of disappointing results and by the end of the decade only one farm was operational. In the beginning of this century the number of farms increased again, reaching 20 farms in 2004, then decreased with only 10 farms remaining in 2009.

Difficult environmental conditions

Over the past decades there has been little success in cage aquaculture in Iceland while at the same time the industry has been growing successfully in the neighbouring countries. The environmental conditions for cage aquaculture are difficult in Iceland. Damage of equipment and mortality and escape of farmed fish has been common, especially in the years 1985-1991. Recent years have seen more success in cage aquaculture in Iceland.

Increasing optimism

Since the first experiment with cage aquaculture in Iceland in 1972, there have been considerable problems and most of the farms have only operated for a short period of time. Consequently, doubts remain regarding the future competitiveness of cage aquaculture in Iceland. But in recent years important factors have changed. There is more knowledge in general about environmental conditions and the operation of sea cage farms. Cages have been adapted to the environmental conditions in Iceland and climatic changes (global warming) increase the potential for cage aquaculture in Icelandic waters. The farming of Atlantic cod has recently started.  Cod is better adapted than Atlantic salmon to the conditions in Iceland. Today, Atlantic cod, Arctic char and Atlantic salmon are commercially reared in cages in Iceland.

Valdimar Ingi Gunnarsson