THE PROJECT
Clean seawater is pumped up through the station and cleaned before being returned to the sea.
The goal
The aim is to build a 10,000 tonne a year fish farm for salmon in a flow-through system. This could create about 100 jobs in the Westman Islands.
Clean seawater is pumped up through the station and cleaned before being returned to the sea. A place has been chosen in Viðlagafjara on Heimaey.
The sea temperature at the Westman Islands is very favorable, which is important for a good growth rate and good operating results.
Progression
Work began on the project in 2018. An environmental assessment for the area in Viðlagafjara has begun in collaboration with EFLA – a large engineering firm.
We expect that the environmental assessment as well as the final design of the plant will be completed by spring 2022.
A lot of effort has gone into ensuring that all business plans and technical solutions will work out when the company starts operating.
Key advisors
EFLA has so far been the main consultant on the project. EFLA assisted in the choice of the location of the farm, created the basic design of the plant together with its expert consultants, and is currently working on an environmental assessment of the project.
A review group of aquaculture experts has been established to ensure that all solutions selected for the station are the ones that have proven to be the best in other similar circumstances.
Sustainability
Food is increasingly required by consumers to be produced responsibly, without causing harm to future generations or nature: sustainable.
The company will be set up in such a way that its impact on the environment will be minimal and production will be in accordance with such standards.
Production
9,000 tonnes of HOG (head on gutted) salmon ( Salmo salar) will be produced. The production will be gutted and packed in production facilities in Vidlagafjara. Production will be in accordance with the ASC standard for responsible aquaculture production.
With controlled conditions and high-quality feed, the aim is to produce a high-quality product that will be in demand in the markets.
Partnerships
When the design work is completed, construction will begin in 2022. In the future, the company seeks partnerships with suppliers, buyers of salmon, investors in sustainable industries and other companies with common interests to work with.