Opposition grows against Kaldvík’s salmon farming plans in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

In Seyðisfjörður, plans by Kaldvík to establish salmon farming in the fjord have sparked significant opposition from local residents and environmental groups. The Icelandic Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) has indicated that a license for salmon farming may be granted next spring, as recent risk assessments show that the proposed farming sites do not threaten maritime safety.

Despite this, local environmental group VÁ has raised concerns about navigation safety, the sanctity of the subsea cable area managed by Farice, and avalanche risks in the region near the proposed sites. A community survey conducted by Gallup revealed that nearly 75% of respondents oppose the farming initiative. This sentiment was echoed at a protest meeting held by VÁ in Seyðisfjörður.

In response to the backlash, Kaldvík has assured that their anchoring systems will be safely located outside the sensitive areas. The risk assessment concluded that the farming sites at Selsstaðavík, Sörlastaðavík, and Skálanesbót can coexist with current shipping routes without posing a significant hazard, as navigation will still accommodate two large cruise ships.

The traffic safety authority evaluated the risk study, supporting the proposed sites as long as all placement guidelines are followed. However, administrative hurdles remain, as Kaldvík must secure various licenses from MAST, the Environmental Agency, and the National Planning Agency before operations can commence. The local government has yet to confirm that these areas are fully safe for salmon farming due to persistent uncertainties, particularly at Selsstaðavík.