Icelandic authority investigates aquaculture practices to prevent salmon escapes

The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority is investigating potential changes in practices within the aquaculture industry to reduce the risk of damage to fish nets in sea pens and prevent the escape of farmed salmon. Current methods for lifting nets from the sea involve various materials and techniques, raising concerns about their effectiveness.

Aquaculture companies utilize four types of fish nets, predominantly made of HDPE plastic and nylon, with some experimenting with ultra-strong materials like Dyneema or Royal. While there have been issues with seals chewing through nylon nets in the Faroe Islands, there have been no similar problems reported in Iceland. Nylon, although less durable, offers greater stretch and is gentler on fish, reducing the likelihood of injury if fish come into contact with the material.

Karl Steinar Óskarsson, head of the aquaculture department at the authority, has initiated a specific study to identify what damages the nets and could lead to accidental escapes. Companies are required to report any damage, no matter how minor, to address the issue comprehensively.

The authority is examining all aspects of net handling including maintenance, repairs, and storage, noting that the more frequently nets are lifted, the higher the risk of damage. Some companies have adapted their lifting methods by attaching nets to hooks and others are securing them to minimize stress during handling. The goal is to establish a clearer understanding of the factors causing net damage, potentially leading to regulations that mandate specific materials and practices within the industry.