AN Icelandic company has been given the go-ahead to expand cod farming on a limited scale in the north-west region of the country. The development is interesting because Iceland is better known around the world for its conventional trawler catching of wild cod, arguably its most important fishing activity and seafood export. Few appreciate it also produces cod through aquaculture.

The country’s food agency has told Háafell, a subsidiary of Hrastfrystihusin – Gunnvarar (HG), that it has been granted an extended four year operating licence extension to cultivate 7,000 tonnes of fish, of which 6,800 tonnes is rainbow trout and 200 tonnes cod on a 17 acres site in Isafjord. It previously had permission for 2,000 tonnes of fish. HG said it has carried out a full environmental assessment on its plan.