Iceland suspends further aquaculture permits

The Icelandic government has suspended additional aquaculture permits due to concerns about the rapid growth of the industry and its impact on local fish stocks. Fish farming has expanded significantly in recent years, with exports of farmed fish increasing from 8,300 tonnes in 2014 to over 51,000 tonnes in 2022. Profits have also surged, from ISK 1.4bn ($10.3m) in 2014 to ISK 40.5bn in 2022. Concerns about the industry include the hybridiSation of farmed fish with native stocks, as well as escapes from fish pens. The majority of fish farming occurs in the Westfjords, accounting for 5.5% of local jobs. (Iceland Review)