Laxy: Pioneering Sustainable Salmon Farming in Vestmannaeyjar

Introduction

In our latest feature, Fish Focus takes you on a journey to the stunning Icelandic archipelago of Vestmannaeyjar, where the land-based salmon farming company, Laxey, is making waves in sustainable aquaculture.

Meet Laxey

Our adventure began after a refreshing night’s rest, as we drove to Laxey, where we were greeted by Frosti Gíslason, our guide, and Óskar Jósúason, the head of public relations for Laxey.

Established in 2019 by Daði Pálsson, Hallgrímur Steinsson, and Lárus Ásgeirsson, Laxey is bolstered by the Ós family, whose fishing industry legacy spans over 80 years. Mr. Sigurjón Óskarsson, the head of the Ós family, remains actively involved in the operations, which we were excited to learn more about.

The Smolt Station

Óskar guided us through Laxey’s cutting-edge smolt station, detailing the nuances of the salmon’s journey from egg to full-grown fish. “We receive salmon ova from Benchmark Genetics, which start their lifecycle in our hatchery. As they grow, they move through three Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), and currently, we have biomass across all growth stages.”

“Vaccinations are given to all young fish, but we do not use any medications during production,” he emphasized. “Adhering to the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) standards ensures our salmon receive controlled conditions and premium quality feed.”

Once the smolt reach 100 grams, they’re transitioned to a post-smolt system that utilizes saltwater sourced from 30-metre deep boreholes, employing six large fish tanks for their continued growth.

Community and Workforce

During our visit, Óskar showcased the amenities available to Laxey employees, including recreational facilities and specially designed housing for overseas staff, making it clear that community well-being is a priority.

Mr. Sigurjón Óskarsson

Later, we traveled to Viðlagafjara to meet Mr. Sigurjón Óskarsson himself, a former vessel owner renowned for his invaluable contributions to the Westman Islands’ economy. His leadership during the transition from traditional fishing practices to modern aquaculture is commendable.

With the establishment of Laxey, he aims to rejuvenate the local economy, keeping a close eye on the construction projects to ensure their successful completion. Remarkably, Mr. Óskarsson actively participates in the construction process himself!

Innovative Farming Practices

Laxey’s salmon farming operation thrives in the natural warmth of the waters surrounding the Westman Islands, which enjoy optimal temperatures ranging from 7 to 9 degrees Celsius. The facility utilizes an intricate system for managing waste, ensuring that all effluent is processed efficiently and repurposed as fertilizer or for shellfish and seaweed cultivation, embodying a circular economy approach.

Project Milestones

Since commencing in 2018, Laxey’s project has progressed dramatically. In just a short period, they’ve achieved significant milestones:

• November 2023: Arrival of the first ova
• November 2024: Initial fish transferred for rearing
• November 2025: First harvest completed

Future Outlook

With aspirations for production reaching 36,000 tonnes annually by 2031, Laxey is set to become a cornerstone of the local economy, providing over 100 direct jobs and further opportunities for the community. As demand for responsibly sourced seafood rises globally, Laxey’s commitment to sustainable practices positions it favorably in the market.

Acknowledgements

Our visit provided valuable insights into innovative aquaculture practices and the impact of Laxey on the Westman Islands’ economy. A special thanks to Óskar Jósúason for the warm welcome and comprehensive tour of their impressive facilities.

Stay tuned for daily articles detailing our exploration of the Icelandic seafood industry, showcasing cutting-edge aquaculture and Icelandic heritage.

Images: Laxey