Even the Evil need a Place to Live: Wild Salmon, Salmon Farming, and Zoning of the Icelandic Coastline

In this article, we provide an historical overview of Icelandic Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming, wild stock management, and the often dichotomous philosophical bases for these activities. We then discuss how Iceland has sought to balance the benefits of salmon farming with the benefits of and risks to wild stock management, valuable recreational fisheries, and protection of native wild fish fauna. Under regulations enacted in 2001 and expanded in 2004, the coastline is zoned with respect to salmon cage-rearing; cage-rearing is not permitted in the bays and fjords into which the most valuable salmon rivers drain. The zoning is provided as a compromise between opposing views. As experience is gained from salmon farming in designated areas, this information will be used to plan future development of the cage-rearing industry in Iceland.