Q&A - islandsthar

Questions and answers

What kind of kelp are you taking?

We are taking Giant Kelp – laminaria Hyperborea, a large brown algae that grows underwater, sometimes at a depth of about 30m.

Do you plan to take all the available seaweed?

Of course not. We only harvest a small percentage (up to 2%) of the available biomass based on proven Norwegian seaweed harvesting methods that have been used for decades and according to the instructions and requirements of the Norwegian Seaweed Research Institute. With this seaweed harvesting method, we harvest mature older plants, only 5-10 years old. Every year, up to 10-20% of large mature plants are torn up in storms and washed up on our beaches. In comparison, we have minimal impact.

Have the effects of such seaweed harvesting been studied?

Yes, there have been studies conducted in Norway, among other places. A link to those studies can be found on this page. Research and measurements have been conducted by the Marine Research Institute.

What about carbon sequestration in the ocean, do you have an impact on it?

No, Þarataka removes large mature plants, as happens in nature. This allows more light to reach smaller plants that would otherwise grow under the larger ones, in the shade. These younger, smaller plants then grow faster and restore the carbon balance.

Will the seaweed harvesting process disturb the fish?

No, the process will not disturb the fish. We will continuously monitor the area with underwater cameras on boats and with divers in cooperation with the Marine Research Institute. We also point to Norwegian research on this subject.

Doesn't an environmental impact assessment need to be carried out to proceed?

As a company, we will continuously assess the impact of our operations on the environment in close collaboration with the Marine Research Institute. We also know that Norwegians have been engaged in seaweed harvesting for over 40 years without any noticeable negative impacts.

Have you received permission to harvest?

Yes! We have been granted a research and exploitation permit for seaweed harvesting for the next few years by the Icelandic government, under strict supervision and according to the conditions of the Marine Research Institute. Before the permit was granted, an extensive survey was conducted under the supervision of the Marine Research Institute of the amount of seaweed along the entire northern coast of Iceland.

Why can't you just cut off the tops of the kelp and leave the root head?

The type of seaweed we are using does not regenerate if the top is cut off, but dies. By removing the root head, we create space for the next generation of seaweed to grow.

Can't you plant more seaweed?

It would be great if we could! So far, no one has been able to grow Laminaria hyperborea economically. However, we are following the science and looking forward to new developments in this area.

Where does the ceremony take place?

We will harvest kelp in several areas off the coast of North Iceland in consultation and cooperation with the Marine Research Institute.

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Íslandsþari | Icelandic Kelp

Kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) has been widely used around the world for a long time. It has been used in Norway and France for many decades.

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islandsthari@islandsthari.is

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Garðarsbraut 5
640 Húsavík