Kaldvík anticipates fish farming licenses in Seyðisfjörður amid local opposition

Kaldvík is anticipating the approval of fish farming licenses in Seyðisfjörður next year, even as a group of local residents protests against the initiative. Close to 75% of Seyðisfjörður’s residents expressed opposition to the fish farming project in a recent survey. Despite this, Kaldvík is already hiring staff and cultivating salmon fry in preparation for the operation.

The company plans to farm salmon in sea cages at three locations further out in the fjord, ensuring the farms would not be visible from the village after withdrawing plans for a fourth, innermost site. Opponents, represented by the group VÁ, argue that the fjord’s narrowness cannot accommodate fish farming and claim the operation would jeopardize navigation safety and sanctified areas of the undersea Farice cable.

Kaldvík, however, is moving forward with operations, having received numerous job applications—30 from Seyðisfjörður alone. They anticipate employing between 15 to 20 staff members once fully operational.

Local activist Benedikta Guðrún Svavarsdóttir contends that Seyðisfjörður does not need a large corporation overshadowing the community. Instead, she advocates for nurturing the local area from within, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development that prioritizes the well-being of existing residents.

In response to community concerns, Kaldvík’s Assistant Director Jens Garðar Helgason affirmed their commitment to engaging local stakeholders, particularly in the tourism sector, to foster collaboration and ensure a positive relationship with the Seyðisfjörður community as they advance the project.