Iceland approves AquaGen salmon eggs for Laxey farms

Iceland’s Food and Veterinary Authority has authorized Laxey to use fertilized salmon eggs from Norwegian supplier AquaGen at its production sites in Friðarhöfn and Viðlagafjöru in Vestmannaeyjar, mbl.is reports. Laxey had previously been allowed to use eggs only from Benchmark Genetics.

The authority, Matvælastofnun, published a proposed change to Laxey’s operating licences on August 18. The deadline for comments was September 19, and the authority ultimately raised no objection to importing the AquaGen eggs.

Comments were submitted by the National Association of Fishing Clubs, Laxinn lifi, NASF and Benchmark Genetics. The association and NASF said the change would allow a new breeding line, while the genetic introgression risk assessment did not specifically cover the line being imported.

In response, Matvælastofnun cited an opinion from the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute that the AquaGen line does not pose a greater risk of genetic introgression than the Norwegian-origin line already used in Iceland. The authority said the risk assessment refers to Norwegian-origin farmed salmon generally, rather than specifically to the SAGA strain. Requirements for preventing escapes will remain in force.

Benchmark Genetics also raised concerns about risk assessment, emergency plans and disease. Matvælastofnun said AquaGen has recognized disease-free status and that permission to import eggs does not exempt operators from health and biosecurity requirements. It added that importing eggs alone would not revoke Iceland’s disease-free status.

The authority said its review found that the conditions for allowing AquaGen eggs had been met. Laxey’s amended licences are now in force and run until June 2040.