Aquacul­ture looks to the fu­ture at a stim­u­lat­ing con­fer­ence hos­ted by Arion Bank

The Icelandic Aquaculture and Ocean Forum (IAOF) hosted its aquaculture conference in partnership with Arion Bank for the fourth consecutive year on 21 and 22 May.

The conference was held at Arion Bank’s headquarters at Borgartún 19 and brought together a selected group of investors, executives from leading companies, and key stakeholders in the sector.

Strong industry participation

A wide range of influential industry figures attended the conference, including Aleks Engel, Partner at Novo Holdings; Maarten Bijl, CEO of Skretting, the world’s largest feed producer; Gustav Witzøe, Chairman of SalMar; and Nina Stangeland, CEO of High Liner Foods, the largest seafood company in North America.

A wide range of influential industry figures attended the conference, including Aleks Engel, partner at Novo Holdings; Maarten Bijl, CEO of Skretting, the world’s largest feed producer; Gustav Witzøe, Chairman and founder of SalMar, the world’s second largest salmon farming company; and Nina Stangeland, an executive at High Liner Foods, one of the largest seafood processing and marketing companies in North America.

Icelandic keynote speakers included Hanna Katrín Friðriksson, Minister of Industries; Vala Valþórsdóttir, CEO of Aurora Abalone; Dr Júlíus B. Kristinsson of Marbot; and Anna Þóra Hrólfsdóttir of Matís.

This year’s topics for discussion included emerging opportunities in algae and abalone farming, the development and future of aquaculture, and the evolution of the global seafood industry.

Particular focus was placed on Iceland’s competitiveness in the global arena, sustainability, and the opportunities arising from continued development in the sector.

Supportive regulatory framework essential for aquaculture

In his opening remarks, Benedikt Gíslason, CEO of Arion Bank, addressed Iceland’s position and the importance of a robust regulatory framework.

“Iceland’s unique advantages – green energy, pristine water, and a strong position in pelagic fish stocks – provide a solid foundation,” said Benedikt. “However, to maintain and enhance our competitiveness in aquaculture globally, careful attention must be given to the regulatory framework, tax environment, and tariffs.”

Benedikt noted that aquaculture in Iceland has grown rapidly in recent years and now accounts for around 15% of the export value of Icelandic seafood. Alongside this growth, the need for capital has increased significantly, highlighting the important role of financial institutions in supporting further development and the continued maturation of the sector.

Connecting domestic and international investors

Arion Bank has for many years been an active participant in the development of aquaculture in Iceland, both through financing and by connecting domestic and international investors with industry expertise. The annual IAOF conference, hosted jointly with the Bank, aims to provide a platform for knowledge sharing, discussion of challenges, and exploration of solutions that support the sustainable growth of the sector in the years ahead.