Stolt Sea Farm (SSF) has marked the 10th anniversary of its warm seawater operations in Iceland, a model for sustainable seafood production that is gaining recognition worldwide.
Situated within HS Orka’s geothermal power plant on the Reykjanes Peninsula, SSF’s facility harnesses Iceland’s unique natural resources such as geothermal heat and Arctic cold seawater filtered through lava to cultivate high-quality sole.
“We tested the water quality, and it was quite unique,” explained James Hall, SSF’s aquaculture development manager.
“It was at a stable temperature of 32°C and sterile, as it had been filtered through the lava and ash bed under the surface. This warm water could be mixed with cold seawater, giving the perfect temperature for sole all year round.”
In 2011, SSF recognised the potential of using these resources for fish farming and began its collaboration with HS Orka.
The partnership led to the creation of a high-tech, low-energy aquaculture facility that officially opened in 2012. By 2014, SSF achieved its first harvest with the operation maintaining steady production ever since.
In 2022, SSF invited other companies including Aurora Abalone and Icelandic Sturgeon to share its infrastructure and sustainable practices.
Aurora Abalone, following the 2024 earthquakes, relocated its broodstock to the facility for safety and is now planning to move its full operations there. Icelandic Sturgeon continues to grow, ensuring sustainable caviar production.
“We are excited that highly innovative companies have come together to harness this pristine environment in a sustainable way and reinforce Iceland’s reputation for quality food products,” said Jordi Trias, president of Stolt Sea Farm.
“The park offers great potential to cultivate species such as sturgeon, caviar and abalone using natural resources, minimising waste and energy and optimising taste and quality.”
