First Water: Redefining Salmon Farming with Iceland’s Pure Water

Join Fish Focus as we embark on an insightful journey through the stunning Icelandic archipelago, Vestmannaeyjar. Stay tuned for daily articles showcasing the Icelandic Seafood industry, cutting-edge aquaculture, rich heritage, and the unmatched hospitality of the Icelandic people. Read the full publication here.

Exploring Iceland’s Aquaculture Gem

Our adventure began on mainland Iceland, where we visited First Water (formerly Landeldi) in Þorlákshöfn. This pioneering land-based Atlantic salmon farming company is located approximately 45 km from Reykjavík and 94 km from Keflavík Airport.

The Philosophy Behind First Water

The name ‘First Water’ reflects the company’s foundational belief that the cornerstone of healthy, sustainable aquaculture is the purity and quality of water. On-site, we were accompanied by Kristinn Bjornsson from Business Iceland, alongside First Water’s Marketing and Sales Manager, Ómar Grétarsson, who guided us through the facility.

Innovative Aquaculture at Work

Ómar introduced us to First Water’s ambitious 52-hectare development project, projected for completion in 2031. “Founded in 2017, our mission is to revolutionize salmon farming in Iceland through sustainability and innovation,” he shared. “By 2031, we aim to produce up to 60,000 tons of head-on gutted (HOG) salmon annually.”

First Water leverages advanced aquaculture technologies to optimize fish welfare and minimize environmental impact. The facility employs a hybrid flow-through system that integrates a conventional flow-through system with recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) technologies.

Exceptional Water Quality

What sets First Water apart is its access to pristine, naturally filtered seawater sourced from underground boreholes that traverse Iceland’s ancient lava fields. This volcanic composition acts as a natural filtration system, producing water of exceptional purity, low mineral content, and a balanced pH of 7–9°C—ideal for salmon health.

Key Advantages of First Water’s Approach

• Water Quality & Fish Health: The natural filtration process reduces the risk of disease and eliminates the need for antibiotics or chemicals.
• Reduced Environmental Footprint: Their recirculation system minimizes discharge volumes, aligning with First Water’s sustainability goals.
• Operational Consistency: The hybrid system allows for precise control over water parameters, ensuring high-quality salmon production.

©First Water

Scalability Meets Control

During our visit, we witnessed the extensive 52-hectare system layout. Each growth phase is contained in modular systems, providing scalability alongside environmental and operational control. This hybrid model reduces the risks associated with open-ocean net-pen farming, cementing the premium positioning of their salmon as ‘land-based, antibiotic-free, and high welfare’ in global markets.

First harvest ©First Water

Milestones and Future Outlook

First Water celebrated a significant milestone in 2023, harvesting 370 tons of average 3kg fish, followed by 1,300 tons in 2024. Looking ahead, they anticipate harvesting similar volumes in 2025 but with larger fish. To support this growth, First Water secured €160 million in funding toward the estimated €900 million needed to reach its full production capacity.

Logistical Advantages

The site’s proximity to the international airport and Reykjavík Harbour facilitates efficient export routes to key markets in the U.S., Asia, and Europe, ensuring that customers receive fresh, sustainably produced salmon.

Commitment to Responsible Aquaculture

First Water is setting a new global standard for sustainable seafood production by combining Iceland’s unique natural resources with innovative aquaculture technology. With a focus on fish welfare, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency, they are poised to transform the future of responsible fish farming worldwide.

We extend our gratitude to Ómar Grétarsson and the First Water team for their warm welcome and insightful tour. We look forward to following the company’s journey of growth and innovation in the years to come.

Next Steps: Westman Islands Adventure

As we concluded our tour and bid farewell, it was time to head to the ferry for the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar). Despite a slight detour due to weather conditions, we were excited for the new adventure ahead.

Main image: ©Fish Focus