Kaldvík rejects claims Seyðisfjörður permits are a lifeline

Kaldvík’s CEO has rejected claims that permits for salmon farming in Seyðisfjörður are a lifeline for the company, telling mbl.is that they resulted from a lengthy formal process.

Vidar Aspehaug said the company respected people’s right to express their views and understood the concerns and divided opinions about its planned salmon farming in the fjord. Protests against the plans took place over the weekend.

He said attitudes to salmon farming varied between communities in East Iceland. A survey often cited in the debate also showed broad support for the industry in communities where Kaldvík already operates, he said.

Kaldvík’s owners have invested substantial sums in building up the industry in East Iceland, Aspehaug said, adding that it creates jobs, supports local suppliers and strengthens economies in communities that have faced population decline.

Aspehaug disputed the VÁR fjord-protection association chair’s description of the permits as a lifeline for a company close to collapse after operational setbacks. “Although the difficulties are real and have been publicly explained, we do not recognise that description,” he said.

The company is working to establish an appropriate long-term financial foundation, he said. Investors would be informed in accordance with the rules for listed companies.

Seyðisfjörður remains important to Kaldvík’s long-term plans, Aspehaug said, because having more farming locations would allow the company to build a more robust production system. The company intends to develop operations in the fjord gradually and responsibly. Preparations are under way, with timelines to be announced later.