Faroese authorities investigate decline in young fish stocks near coast

The Faroese Marine Research Institute (Havstovan) and the aquaculture research station Firum are collaborating on a study into declining young fish populations in coastal waters, with 3 million krona allocated for the project, Faroese Broadcasting Corporation (KVF) reports.

Marita Rasmussen, director of Havstovan, stated that further investigation is needed before conclusive findings can be drawn on the relationship between aquaculture and local marine ecosystems. The research, funded with 1 million krona last year and 2 million krona this year, aims to assess whether salmon farming has impacted wild fish stocks.

Concerns over potential links between aquaculture and declining fish larvae emerged around five years ago, following a steady decrease in coastal fish catches—particularly cod—over more than 15 years. Fishermen and scientists noted the decline, with attention turning to the expanding salmon farming industry as a possible factor.

However, Rasmussen observed that cod stocks have shown signs of recovery in the past two years, despite no reduction in aquaculture activity. The first interim report on the study is expected shortly.