Iceland moves a step closer to new aquaculture law
Published
Iceland’s new aquaculture bill has been formally submitted and has gone through first reading in the country’s parliament, the Althing.
The bill was distributed on March 16, 2026 and had its first reading on March 23.
“It is now being considered in the Industry and Trade Committee before a second reading in the Althing,” Iceland’s industry and fisheries minister Hanna Katrin Fridriksson told Fish Farming Expert’s Norwegian sister site, Kyst.no.
The background to the bill is, among other things, a review by Iceland’s National Audit Office in 2023, which pointed to weaknesses in management and supervision.
Better management
“One of the main goals is to ensure more effective management of growth in the sector by strengthening administration and supervision,” said Fridriksson.
The minister pointed out that developments in the industry have become more complex in recent years.
“The purpose [of the bill] is to strengthen the regulatory framework, reduce negative environmental impacts and establish a more robust foundation for sustainable value creation.”
New model for production limits
The bill also contains changes to how production capacity is determined.
“Carrying capacity assessments should be able to be expressed both as maximum biomass at any time and as production over a rolling 12-month period,” said Fridriksson.
According to the minister, this should provide a system that better reflects how production cycles work in practice.
Introducing biosecurity areas
Another key measure is the introduction of biosecurity areas.
“Each fjord system should initially constitute a separate zone, where one actor is responsible for the biological status.”
The goal is to reduce risk and limit the spread of disease and parasites between areas.
The bill also calls for more systematic monitoring of nature.
“Continuous monitoring of rivers and lakes is being introduced to strengthen the knowledge base and make it possible to intervene earlier if necessary,” Fridriksson explained.
The measure will, among other things, provide better data on wild salmon populations, alien species and the occurrence of farmed fish in fresh water.
New farming methods
The bill covers more forms of production than previously. For the first time, an overarching framework is proposed for land-based aquaculture, which has seen strong growth in Iceland in recent years, with projects such as Laxey, First Water and Thor Salmon well under way with construction and production, as well as Samherji's Salmon Garden and Geosalmo under development.
“The regulations should provide predictability for investors, while safeguarding societal interests.”
The minister said the regulations will include provisions related to permits, supervision, biosecurity, and fish welfare. The authorities also point out that the sector is in an early phase, and that the regulations should provide predictability for further development.
A framework for offshore aquaculture is also being established, including the possibility of research and development permits. In addition, trials with so-called fjord grazing are being opened up. Fjord grazing is an experimental method where fish are kept in deep, closed cages and fed with natural zooplankton that are attracted to light.
“This is still at an early stage, and the bill is intended to provide a legal basis for pilot projects.”
According to the government, the goal is to facilitate further development of the industry.
“The industry must be given room to grow and develop, while ensuring predictability, environmental considerations and good animal welfare,” concluded Fridriksson.
