Icelandic responsible fisheries management: 

Management of the fishing grounds around Iceland is based on allocating a fixed share of the permitted catch of the various species to each vessel. The government works constantly to ensure self-sustaining utilization of the natural resources. All decisions are based on scientific criteria and the careful work of the Marine Research Institute.
Icelandic fisheries scientists are members of international scientific organisations and their work and methods are constantly evaluated to ensure conformity with demands that meet international scientific criteria.

Protection of the fish in Iceland’s fishing grounds is based on three main methods:

• Catch regulations, which are developed for each utilizable fish stock. This involves deciding yearly how large proportion of the stocks may be allocated for fishing.
• Regulations controlling the fishing gear. Emphasis is placed on the efficacy of the equipment used, which means that effort is made to fish only those species and sizes that are sought.
• Protection and closing of specific areas. This means that use of certain equipment is banned in specific areas or the area is completely closed to fishing. This is done to protect, for example, spawning fish or the juvenile fish.

Further information on the fisheries management in Iceland and fish stocks: www.fisheries.is

Clean ses and seafood safety

Scientific research shows quite clearly that the Icelandic fishing grounds are virtually free from
pollution and that Icelandic seafood is wholesome and nutritious. This is due to the country's
remoteness from industrial nations, its small population and occupational structure.
Iceland is volcanic in nature and situated on the mid-Atlantic ridge. It is surrounded by the
North Atlantic Ocean and bordering on the Arctic and temperate areas as defined by oceanographic
and climatic criteria. Iceland is also surrounded by strong atmospheric and oceanic currents which
have a fundamental influence on its marine environment. A close watch on the whole area is therefore
important for safeguarding the cleanliness of Icelandic waters and, consequently, the wholesomeness
of Icelandic seafood products.
Monitoring of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic environment is under the auspices of
international programmes and Icelandic seafood is also studied extensively by Icelandic scientists.