The fish farming and fishing companies in the besieged town of Grindavik are grappling to save their businesses from the looming threat of an anticipated volcanic eruption. The latest updates indicate that the town’s port, a vital hub for these industries, may be lost permanently, and the repercussions are expected to persist for years.
Reports highlight that earthquakes in the region have already inflicted extensive damage, raising concerns that magma, in its molten rock form, could breach the surface, causing further havoc. Iceland’s unique geology, situated on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates diverge, makes it highly susceptible to volcanic activity.
The impact of such eruptions is not only highly localized but also comes at a staggering cost. The Arctic char fish farming company, grappling with the aftermath, reveals that a processing factory has suffered severe damage. Arni Pall Einarsson, the Managing Director, lamented the emotional loss, emphasizing the challenging conditions on the ground. Despite significant fish losses, he noted that there remains a substantial biomass at the base, underscoring its inherent value.
Einarsson stated, “This is an emotional loss. The conditions on the ground are all very challenging. There is a lot of fish still at the station, which is of great value.”
Complicating the situation further, difficulties persist in accessing the affected sites, hindering the efforts to address the crisis. The logistical challenge extends to providing essential sustenance for the fish, as Einarsson explained, “At times like this you have to reduce feeding and reduce your sails accordingly.”
Collaboration between Matorka’s employees and the authorities is underway to devise the best strategies for mitigating the unfolding disaster. Trawlers that typically unload their catches at Grindavik are diverting to alternative ports unaffected by the eruption, illustrating the ripple effects on the broader fishing industry.
Grindavik, positioned near planned sites for several new Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS) fish farms in the coming years, faces an uncertain future. While the eruption’s immediate impact is evident, decisions regarding the fate of these projects remain pending as the community grapples with the ongoing crisis.
