Iceland is a fishing country and has been forever. This small country of 310,000 people has relied on the sea and its
major natural resource--the cod grounds--for its income.
Iceland has Fishing Limits
Since 1901 Iceland has had a sea limit around the island which marked off the zone that could be fished by
Icelanders alone. It started as 3 miles and by 1976 the exclusive area had expanded to 200 miles. This was done to
protect the diminishing fishing stock, particularly cod and haddock.
major natural resource--the cod grounds--for its income.
Iceland has Fishing Limits
Since 1901 Iceland has had a sea limit around the island which marked off the zone that could be fished by
Icelanders alone. It started as 3 miles and by 1976 the exclusive area had expanded to 200 miles. This was done to
protect the diminishing fishing stock, particularly cod and haddock.
| Iceland is the Success Story of Sustainable Fishing |
How Does the Quota System Work
catch had to be regulated as well. This was seen as the key to
stopping the decline in the cod stocks. By 1995 a workable system
of quotas was Once the zone was established, the amount of fish
that each fisherman could estimated stock. Each vessel is allocated
a certain share of the total allowable catch of the relevant species.
Twice a year, in the autumn and spring, the scientists set the
quotas after testing the biomass. They can close down fishing
grounds if there is evidence that there are falling stocks. By 2010
Iceland will have its own marine stewardship label which will certify
their responsible practices.
catch had to be regulated as well. This was seen as the key to
stopping the decline in the cod stocks. By 1995 a workable system
of quotas was Once the zone was established, the amount of fish
that each fisherman could estimated stock. Each vessel is allocated
a certain share of the total allowable catch of the relevant species.
Twice a year, in the autumn and spring, the scientists set the
quotas after testing the biomass. They can close down fishing
grounds if there is evidence that there are falling stocks. By 2010
Iceland will have its own marine stewardship label which will certify
their responsible practices.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Fish
The temperature of the sea water has changed in the past 10 to 15 years and become warmer. Before there
were haddock only on the SW coast of the country, now they are all over because they are a warm water fish.
If the size of the fish is too small the area is closed down. There are 40 people in the government who follow
fish size. However the fish sizes are increasing and many feel that this is a result of the ocean regenerating as
well as the food chain.
Throwing back fish that are not good enough or are dead is not allowed because then they are not counted
as part of the quota. Instead they must be brought ashore and given to the government to sell as part of their
quota. Iceland is in the unique position as the only country in the world that follows these strict standards.
The temperature of the sea water has changed in the past 10 to 15 years and become warmer. Before there
were haddock only on the SW coast of the country, now they are all over because they are a warm water fish.
If the size of the fish is too small the area is closed down. There are 40 people in the government who follow
fish size. However the fish sizes are increasing and many feel that this is a result of the ocean regenerating as
well as the food chain.
Throwing back fish that are not good enough or are dead is not allowed because then they are not counted
as part of the quota. Instead they must be brought ashore and given to the government to sell as part of their
quota. Iceland is in the unique position as the only country in the world that follows these strict standards.
Icelandirect is a registered participant in the NOAA Seafood Inspection Program
which inspects, approves, and certifies our products as safe and wholesome in
accordance with specific quality regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department
of Commerce
which inspects, approves, and certifies our products as safe and wholesome in
accordance with specific quality regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department
of Commerce
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U.S. authorized distributor of premium Icelandic fish oils
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