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Iceland is known for its deep and historic relationship with nature. However, industrial fish farms threaten the country's pristine wilderness. That's why the people in Iceland are united with the message: "Salmon farms in open net pens have no place in our wild waters". Patagonia's new film 'Laxaþjóð | A Salmon Nation' tells the story of Iceland, united by its land and waters. And of the influence of a community that wants to protect this special place and its wild animals, which have contributed significantly to its identity.
Our relationship with nature not only defines our history but also shapes our future. However, beneath the surface of Iceland's fjords, industrial fish farms threaten to destroy one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Europe. Salmon farming in open net pens leads to the extinction of wild salmon, pollution of Icelandic coasts, and mistreatment of farmed animals. "A disaster for animal welfare!" This is how experts describe salmon farms with open net pens. The overcrowded net pens cause diseases and infestation with sea lice. One in every five farmed fish dies due to poor conditions - that means up to 70 million dead fish per year.
That's why Patagonia and the NASF are now calling on the Icelandic government with their petition to take responsibility in Europe and ban this harmful method of industrial fish farming. Salmon farms with open net pens have no place in our wild waters!
For many years, Patagonia has been advocating for the protection of wild rivers, their biodiversity, and against destructive practices of industrial fish farming. In 2019, the documentary film 'Artifishal' was released, which addresses the extinction of wild salmon, the threats posed by hatcheries and fish farms, and the ongoing loss of our trust in nature (click HERE to watch the film 'Artifishal'). Now, with 'Laxaþjóð | A Salmon Nation', Patagonia focuses on the situation of salmon farming in Iceland, one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Europe. With a ban on salmon farming in open net pens, Iceland has the opportunity to take responsibility in Europe and influence other countries using similar methods.
„Without drastic action, wild salmon faces extinction. That’s why I am dead serious about ending the destructive practice of open net fish farming, before it’s too late. We have made every mistake in industrial farming on land and now are we’re making the same disastrous mistakes with farming fish.
As a fly fisherman, I have seen first-hand the way that Icelandic waters are dying more quickly than I could ever have imagined. Now Iceland has the chance to show the world that the damage can be reversed with a ban on open net fish farming.“
Yvon Chouinard,
Gründer von Patagonia
How can WE help TOGETHER?
Public opposition to salmon farming in Iceland is strong (and growing), but it's important for people in Iceland to influence the upcoming legislation while there's still time. Let's build a movement against open net salmon farming across Europe and raise awareness about its negative impacts. So now YOUR voice is also needed, because only in this way can pressure be exerted on politicians and decision-makers.
For more information about Patagonia's campaign and the film 'Laxaþjóð | A Salmon Nation', visit: https://pat.ag/iceland