Kelp (Laminaria hyperborea) has been used around the world for a long time. In Europe, it has been used in Norway and off the coast of France for many decades. In Norway, an industry based on kelp income has been established and has created jobs and export value since the second half of the 20th century. The industry is responsible for a lot of product development, leads to innovation and contributes to value-creating research.
In the early stages of the project, preliminary observations were made of the distribution of Giant Kelp along the coast of Iceland. The observations were carried out in 2019 and 2020 and it was found that the amount of Giant Kelp was sufficient to justify further research into its distribution.
Íslensk Verðbréf hf. joined the project in early 2021. The company has extensive experience in fisheries-related projects and has strong sponsors to support such projects. Further and more extensive research was then conducted in a larger sea area in good collaboration with and under the guidance of the Marine Research Institute. The research revealed that sufficient quantities of giant kelp exist outside the North to justify prudent authorization for research and utilization. Íslenskðari was granted such a license at the end of 2021. This created a commercial basis for kelp income and processing of Icelandic giant kelp harvested outside the North.
Íslandsþari ehf. began actual operations in the second quarter of 2022 after having raised sufficient share capital to explore the feasibility and basis for future plans for Stórþaretekju off the coast of Iceland and the final processing of products in Iceland.
The guiding principle in Iceland Seaweed’s operations is to approach the natural product that Stórðari is with respect. This is best done through rational and sustainable seaweed production in the best possible harmony with nature and society. The company has a very long-term view and intends to deliver value and knowledge to society. All of Iceland Seaweed’s operations are based on research conducted under the guidance of the Marine Research Institute. The research is intended to monitor the long-term effects of seaweed harvesting and lay the foundation for rational utilization. Rational utilization defines the company’s strategy and path.
Subscribe our newsletter and get information about all latest updates.
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.