To be someone’s fish on the shore*

Matreiðsla

life is saltED fish*

Fishing has been an inseparable part of life

in Iceland since the country was first settled.

Fishing is intertwined with the nation’s history

and culture, and has shaped both the lives and

language of the people, as is evident from the

many idioms and proverbs that refer to fish and

fishing.

Fish has been the lifeline of the nation, not only as a

vital part of the Icelandic diet through the centuries,

but also as the country’s primary export product for

centuries.

For days to comeThe importance of this resource for the future genera-

tions makes sustainable harvesting a natural demand

which Icelanders fulfil with responsible fisheries man-

agement and protection of the ecosystem to guaran-

tee future growth of fish stocks. The Icelandic fishing

industry is united in protecting the fishing grounds

so that Iceland can deliver the demanded seafood

products not only today, but also tomorrow and days

to come.

*A latter day idiom used in reference to the livelihood of fishing villages depending on the processing and export of salted fish, or bacalao.

The Seabaron´s founder >

< the new owner

Product of the sea

Fish is not only used for food, it is also utilized in a range of products from design to dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.

> Lífið e

r saltfisk

ur

Cod of Arms

The Cod was used in the Icelandic Coat of Arms for centuries, dating back as far as 1415.

To be industrious with the plaice

CLEAN NATURE – PURE PRODUCT

Steady supply of fish Some of the richest fishing grounds in the North

Atlantic can be found around Iceland. Cold and warm

ocean currents meet off the island’s shores, creating

ideal conditions for fish stocks to thrive.

Iceland is an important supplier of healthy seafood

products for demanding buyers around the world.

Technical developments in the industry and accumu-

lated knowledge and experience in the field, makes it

possible to seek out the best fishing grounds relative

to regulations and to meet the needs of the market at

any time, and offer a steady supply of fresh catch.

Optimal treatmentWith optimal treatment of the product, quality and

freshness is preserved throughout the process, from

the moment the fish is caught and until it arrives in

markets. The fishing fleet is equipped with advanced

technology and the same holds true for the processing

facilities on land.

Through constant innovation, the utilization of the

catch has gradually improved during processing,

so that valuable by-products such as healthy proteins

and fatty acids do not go to waste.

“no skin - no bone” >

> Að vera

iðinn v

ið k

olann

To be efficient and resilient, comparable to those spending long hours when fishing plaice.

the fish story flies

Originally used in the sense “good news travels fast” in reference to fertile fishing grounds but can also mean “rumours get around”.

Responsible fisheriesSustainable and responsible fisheries management is

of a fundamental importance as fisheries are one of

the main pillars of the Icelandic economy. Iceland’s

current fisheries management policy strongly advo-

cates responsible fisheries through ecologically and

economically sustainable management of the marine

resources, focusing on the sustainable utilization of

the fish stocks and good treatment of the marine

ecosystem. Extensive scientific research of Icelandic

fish stocks and fishing grounds is the foundation for

decisions on fishing quota and fisheries manage-

ment.

Sustainable use of fish stocksFishing is strictly regulated in regards to which fish-

ing grounds may be harvested at each given time,

the size and quota of each stock, and what types of

vessels and gear is used. In addition to the individual

transferable quotas (ITQ) system, Icelandic fisher-

ies management includes many other management

measures such as area restrictions, fishing gear

restrictions, and the use of closed areas to conserve

important vulnerable habitats. Extensive provisions

Well managed fisheries in Icelandic waters

> Flýgur

fiski sagan

are made for temporary closures of fishing

areas to protect spawning fish from all fishing.

These measures are in place to support and

secure the sustainability of the fisheries.

may it be to your wellness

Fish is part of a healthy dietIt is a rich source of essential nutrients, trace ele-

ments and vitamins, and provides quality proteins,

including vital amino acids in suitable proportion with

the human body’s needs. Fish also contains long-chain

unsaturated fatty acids (Omega 3) which cannot

be found in vegetable oils. Studies have shown that

consumption of fish and fish liver oils help counteract

cardiovascular and other diseases.

Expect moreThe significance of fish in the Icelandic diet has

helped make the life expectancy of the Icelandic

people one of the highest in the world. Iceland prides

itself on a range of fine-dining restaurants where

master chefs use fresh local ingredients, taking

advantage of the availability of seafood, and tradi-

tional recipes to inspire modern dishes. “Fiskur dagsins”

(e. catch of the day). Icelandic fish restaurants

will often provide an option for the freshest

material from the market prepared in accordance

to the chef’s inspiration.

> Verði þér að góðu

A traditional greeting offered when a meal has been prepared.

for the benefit of future generationsThe fishing industry in Iceland was united in devel-

oping the Iceland Responsible Fisheries programme

in order to promote the Icelandic origin of the

seafood and well-managed fisheries in Icelandic

waters. The logo of origin for Icelandic seafood

and certification for Iceland’s responsible fisheries

serve as a marketing tool, providing both produc-

ers and sellers of Icelandic seafood an opportunity

to demonstrate their initiative in meeting market

demands for sustainable use of marine resources.

The purpose of obtaining certification of Icelandic

fisheries from an independent third party certi-

fication body is to demonstrate with complete

transparency that fishing and fisheries manage-

ment in Iceland is carried out in a responsible and

recognized manner. The UN FAO has developed

and adopted Guidelines for market based certifica-

tion and ecolabelling that are based on explicitly

stated principles.

These principles include avoidance of obsta-

cles to trade and state that ecolabelling

schemes should be considered

equivalent if consistent with

the FAO Guidelines.

Logo of originCompanies in the value chain of Icelandic seafood

can apply for authorisation to use the logo of origin in

their marketing efforts. Those companies that have

chain of custody certificate can apply for a permit

to use the certification mark. Further information is

available on the website www.ResponsibleFisheries.is

*TO CAUSE SOMEONE’S LUCK

> Að verða ein

hverj

um fi

skur í fjöru