“Even the Evil Need a Place to Live”: Wild Salmon, Salmon Farming, and Zoning of the Icelandic Coastline

Abstract In this article, we provide an historical overview of Icelandic Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) farming, wild stock management, and the often dichotomous philosophical bases for these activities. We then discuss how Iceland has sought to balance the benefits of salmon farming with the benef...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Fisheries
Main Authors: Gudjonsson, Sigurdur, Scarnecchia, Dennis L.
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2009
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1577/1548-8446-34.10.477
https://afspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1577/1548-8446-34.10.477
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Summary:Abstract In this article, we provide an historical overview of Icelandic Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ) farming, wild stock management, and the often dichotomous philosophical bases for these activities. We then discuss how Iceland has sought to balance the benefits of salmon farming with the benefits of and risk to wild stock management, valuable recreational fisheries, and protection of native wild fish fauna. Under regulations enacted in 2001 and expanded in 2004, the coastline is zoned with respect to salmon cage‐rearing; cage‐rearing is not permitted in the bays and fjords into which the most valuable salmon rivers drain. The zoning is provided as a compromise between opposing views. As experience is gained from salmon farming in designated areas, this information will be used to plan future development of the cage rearing industry in Iceland.