Despite a 13-hour effort, no fish were recovered
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, Iceland’s Food and Veterinary Authority (MAST) received a report of an incident from salmon producer Kaldvík, formerly known as Ice Fish Farm.
The incident resulted in the escape of farmed salmon during the transfer of smolts from the company’s facility at Röndin in Kópasker to the well boat Ronja Fjord.
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The investigation revealed that a pipe used to transfer the smolts from the facility to the well boat had ruptured on the deck of the Ronja Fjord. The incident was discovered immediately at 13:47, and the leak was promptly stopped. However, it is estimated that up to 300 sea-ready salmon smolts entered the sea.
In response, Kaldvík staff followed their emergency response plan and deployed nets to recapture the escaped fish. Despite a 13-hour effort, no fish were recovered.
Kaldvík focuses on sustainable salmon farming and holds the AquaGAP certification, a distinction achieved by few salmon farmers. The company conducts its sea farming operations on the Eastern coast of Iceland.
Kaldvík holds a license to produce over 43,800 tons of salmon, with an additional 10,000-ton license pending confirmation. The company aims to slaughter approximately 21,500 tons in 2024.
Kaldvík is the sole fish farming company in the Austfjörður region, with operations in Fáskrúðsfjörður, Reyðarfjörður, and Berufjörður, along with licenses in Stöðvarfjörður and applications for sites in Seyðisfjörður and Mjóafjörður. The company also runs fry farms in Þorlákshöfn and Kópasker and a salmon slaughterhouse in Djúpavogur.
