Innovation has been central to the success of Iceland’s fisheries and seafood sectors and is an increasingly important factor behind the value that they are creating. But this progress must be further harnessed, particularly in the development of environmentally-friendly fishing practices and reducing plastic pollution in the world’s oceans, according to the country’s Minister of Food, Fisheries and Agriculture Bjarkey Olsen Gunnarsdóttir.
Officially opening the 2024 edition of the Icelandic Fisheries, Seafood & Aqua Exhibition (IceFish), Gunnarsdóttir told the event that great strides have been made through new vessel technologies and their focus on sustainability.
“However, we must better align the ideas of environmental conservation with the sustainable use of our marine resources,” the minister said.
“The future of Icelandic fisheries lies in increasing the value of the catch that we already harvest. This requires further innovation” she said, giving the example of the ongoing work conducted by the growing Iceland Ocean Cluster, the leading innovation hub in the Icelandic blue economy with now over 70 companies in its full fish utilisation network.
“Today, fisheries are no longer just about catching and processing; they have evolved into the full utilisation of resources and the creation of new opportunities through scientifically-approved approaches and technological advancements. It is clear that innovation will be key to ensuring a sustainable future for Icelandic fisheries and our economy as a whole.”
