Stein Ove Tveiten, the outgoing CEO of Arctic Fish, says Iceland has the means to develop sea pen fish farming sustainably. However, he fears that ideas to make it subject to a heavier tax burden in Iceland than in other countries will hamper growth opportunities.
“Of course, I hope these concerns prove unfounded and that the politicians show common sense and foresight in the long term. The world needs more food and Iceland is in a unique position to contribute in this area,” he says in an interview with mbl.is’s 200 miles.
“Iceland has a unique opportunity to develop this industry further sustainably. At the same time, I am concerned that the current and proposed framework conditions, with one of the highest tax levels in the world on fire, may limit this development. Such conditions risk reducing the will to invest, weaken growth, and have a negative impact on competitiveness,” he explains.
Challenging road trip
It was recently announced that Stein Ove would step down as CEO of the company, and the search for a new CEO has already begun.
“Leading Arctic Fish has been an incredibly exciting and rewarding journey, but also very challenging at times. I feel that we have achieved a lot over the years, with a clear main focus on building a complete value chain – from eggs and hatchlings to sales,” answers Stein Ove when asked what it has been like to lead Arctic Fish.
He does not say for sure which will be his next adventure.
“For my part, the intention is now to terminate the contract with Arctic Fish in a good and organized way. As of today, I have no concrete plans for the future, other than to spend more time with my family and my two sons, ages seven and nine.”
Farming in six fjords
Arctic Fish is licensed to fish in eleven areas in six fjords in the Westfjords; Ísafjörður, Önundarfjörður, Dýrafjörður, Arnarfjörður, Tálknafjörður and Patreksfjörður. The combined maximum biomass of the areas is 29,800 tonnes.
Last year, 11,878 tons of salmon were slaughtered from the company”s pens, which is the highest production ever. The turnover amounted to 88.9 million euros or the equivalent of almost ISK 13 billion.
Mowi, the largest salmon farming company worldwide, has a 51.28% stake in Arctc Fish, while Síldarvinnslan is the second largest shareholder with 34.19%.