Q&A

Question: What type of seaweed are you harvesting?

Answer: We are harvesting kelp - specifically, Laminaria hyperborea, a large brown algae that grows underwater at depths of up to 30 meters.

Question: Are you taking all available seaweed?

Answer: Of course not. Following the guidelines and requirements of the Marine Research Institute, we only take a small fraction (up to 2%) of the available biomass based on proven Norwegian harvesting methods that have been used for decades. With this harvesting method, we capture only mature older plants between 5 and 10 years old. Each year, up to 10-20% of these large mature plants are ripped up by storms and washed up on our shores. By comparison, our impact is minimal.

Question: Has the impact of such seaweed harvesting been studied?

Answer: Yes, studies have been conducted in Norway, among other places. Links to these studies can be found on our website. Research and measurements have been carried out by the Marine Research Institute.

Question: What about carbon uptake in the ocean, do you have an impact on it?

Answer: No, harvesting removes only the larger, more mature plants that would be anyway removed during storms. This exposes smaller plants that grow under the larger ones, in the shade. These younger, smaller plants then grow faster and restore the carbon balance.

Question: Will the seaweed harvesting process disturb the fish?

Answer: No it will not disturb the fish. We will constantly monitor the area with underwater cameras on boats and with sonars in collaboration with the Marine Research Institute. We also refer to Norwegian research on this matter.

Question: Don't you need to conduct an environmental impact assessment to continue?

Answer: As a company, we will constantly assess the impact of our operations on the environment in close collaboration with the Marine Research Institute. We also know that Norwegians have been harvesting seaweed for over 40 years without significant negative effects.

Question: Have you obtained permission for the harvest?

Answer: Yes! We have obtained research and utilization permits for seaweed harvesting for the next few years from Icelandic authorities, and we are under strict supervision by and limited to the conditions set out by the Marine Research Institute. Before the permit was granted, a comprehensive survey was conducted under the supervision of the Marine Research Institute on the amount of seaweed growing along the entire north coast of Iceland.

Question: Why can't you just cut the tops of the seaweed and leave the root head behind?

Answer: The seaweed species we are harvesting does not regenerate if the top is cut off, it dies. By removing the root, we make room for the next generation of seaweed to grow.

Question: Can't you plant more seaweed?

Answer: It would be great if we could! So far, no one has been able to cultivate Laminaria hyperborea in a cost-effective way. However, we are keeping up with the research and are looking forward to new developments in this area.

Question: Where does the seaweed harvesting take place?

Answer: We will be harvesting seaweed in several areas outside of northern Iceland in consultation and cooperation with the Marine Research Institute.