Species

The annual aquaculture production in Iceland was stable over the period 1995-2002, at around 4,000 tonnes. Aquaculture production increased up to a maximum of 10,000 tonnes in 2006 with increased activity in salmon farming in sea cages. In 2007 aquaculture production decreased to 5,000 tonnes when two big salmon farms on the east coast of Iceland ceased to operate. Aquaculture production in 2008 was around 5,000 tonnes and about 8 species of fish being farmed in Iceland.  Now there are about 10 species of fish being farmed in Iceland. Production is dominated by Arctic char (3,000 tonnes) and today Iceland is the world’s largest producer of char. Salmon production decreased from about 6,900 tonnes in 2006 to 280 tonnes in 2008. The production of marine species was about 1,600 tonnes in 2008, with Atlantic cod (1,500 tonnes) being the leader. Juvenile production is dominated by salmonid smolts and fry for on-growing, released into various rivers and lakes, as well as for export. The prognosis for the year 2009 is Arctic char 3,200 tonnes, Atlantic cod 1,500 tonnes, Atlantic salmon 500 tonnes, turbot 80 tonnes and other species less.

Valdimar Ingi Gunnarsson