Aqua Ice 2024

 
Events

Aqua Ice 2024 examines the future of aquaculture in Iceland

The two-day event taking place 8-9 October in Reykjavík features key speakers from across the industry, and encompasses lessons learned from aquaculture in Norway and Chile, and also the evolving role of land-based farming.

Louisa Gairn

Today, the annual Aqua Ice conference begins at Harpa, Reykjavík’s premier concert hall and conference center, bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss the evolving landscape of aquaculture in Iceland.

The two-day event, running October 8-9, aims to tackle both the opportunities and challenges facing Iceland’s aquaculture industry, with sessions covering sustainability, technology, animal welfare, and market trends.

First day focuses on the challenges of aquaculture

The conference opens today with a session on the “Challenges of Aquaculture” led by Jens Þórðarson, Chairman of Aqua Ice and CEO of land-based salmon farming company GeoSalmo, and featuring an address from Iceland’s Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Bjarkey Olsen Gunnarsdottir. Speakers, including Sigurgeir Bárðarson, Legal Counsel for Fisheries Iceland, and Hjalti Már Hauksson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Finance at Arion Bank, address key topics such as financial perspectives for the next decade and the necessary courage to pursue ambitious industry goals.

Parallel sessions in the afternoon include a particular focus on environmental issues and fish health and welfare, with speakers includng Matthew Zimola (ReelData), Jónas Jónasson (Benchmark Genetics) and Kristin Aase (Aquabyte).

A dive into technology during Day 2

Tomorrow’s agenda shifts to practical solutions and technological advancements. Sessions will explore land-based and sea-pen aquaculture, with presentations from Iceland's land-based industry pioneers from First Water, Arctic Fish, GeoSalmo and Laxey. Other sessions will address the pressing issue of sea lice in fish farms, with innovative solutions from specialist firms BlueLice and Stingray.

The conference will conclude with discussions on the societal influence of aquaculture, led by representatives from rural municipalities and regional development offices. Gunnar Davíðsson from the Troms County Council in Norway will examine the social impacts of aquaculture on remote communities, while Arna Lára Jónsdóttir, Mayor of Ísafjarðarbær, will share insights on the role of fish farming in supporting local economies.

Full details of the AquaIce 2024 conference programme and speakers can be viewed here.