From left: Lárus Sigurður Ásgeirsson (Laxey), Jón Kjartan Jónsson (Samherji Fishfarming), Jónatan Þórðarson (Thor Salmon) and Eggert Þór Kristófersson (First Water) at the signing of the intent letter © Farmers Association of Iceland
Four of Iceland’s leading land-based fish farms – First Water, Laxey, Samherji Fishfarming and Thor Salmon – have signed a declaration of intent to collaborate on the responsible and sustainable management of aquaculture waste streams.
The goal of the partnership is to convert waste into valuable products, strengthen the sustainability in land-based aquaculture and advance Iceland’s circular economy. As part of this commitment, the companies will prepare a joint venture to process fish sludge. A business plan and financing needs assessment is to be completed before the end of October 2025. The Icelandic Farmers’ Association and other key stakeholders will play an active role in the process.
This initiative builds on the work of Terraforming LIFE, an EU-funded project, in which both First Water and the Icelandic Farmers’ Association are key partners. Together with other collaborators, they are pioneering methods to convert a mixture of saline fish sludge and livestock manure into high-quality organic fertiliser and biogas.
“The declaration demonstrates that Icelandic land-based fish farming is ready to join forces in developing sustainable solutions. Together with Terraforming LIFE and the Icelandic Farmers’ Association, this initiative aims to turn waste streams into valuable products and strengthen Iceland’s circular economy. It is a pivotal achievement for aquaculture and a model for others to follow,” said Margrét Ágústa Sigurðardóttir, CEO of the Icelandic Farmers’ Association, in a press release.
