Opponents criticize risk assessment for salmon farming in Seyðisfjörður, Iceland

Opponents of salmon farming in Seyðisfjörður are expressing strong criticism of a newly released risk assessment for maritime operations in the fjord, claiming it paves the way for potential legal violations. The Icelandic Maritime Administration (Mast) counters that these concerns are based on misunderstandings, asserting that conditions in any forthcoming operating license would ensure compliance with the law.

In response to the risk assessment, the organization VÁ, dedicated to protecting the fjord, argues that it is flawed. They highlight a prohibition on anchoring in the main part of the fjord due to the Farice undersea cable, indicating that vessels may need to anchor in coves where salmon farming is planned.

The risk assessment states that three proposed salmon farming sites in Kaldvík would not unduly obstruct maritime passage, implying that two large cruise ships could navigate the area alongside a mandated 50-meter safety zone per aquaculture regulations. Reports surfaced indicating that the Food and Veterinary Authority now finds it likely to grant a salmon farming license for Kaldvík in Seyðisfjörður, following a formal proposal with an opportunity for public comment.

VÁ contests the assessment’s claims, saying that anchoring restrictions would lead to violations of laws and regulations necessary for initiating salmon farming in the fjord. They emphasize that vessels may not anchor over the undersea Farice cable and that the safety zone is only 50 meters instead of the preferable 200 meters, impacting navigational safety.

The debate continues, with VÁ also raising concerns about possible anchoring within avalanche risk zones, pointing to the necessity for clear regulations and permits before farming operations commence.