Ölfus in the Conversation on the Future of Aquaculture
Lagarlíf / Aqua-Ice 2026 took place at Harpa on 29–30 September. The conference brought together a diverse group of Icelandic and international participants from industry, research, education and government, alongside others interested in the development of aquaculture. It provided an opportunity to share knowledge, discuss challenges and explore new solutions and different perspectives. Ölfus Cluster contributed through its partnership on communications and promotion, as well as participation in the conference programme.
Eva Lind Guðmundsdóttir, Project Manager at Ölfus Cluster and Chair of Aqua-Ice, delivered the introductory remarks. She emphasised the importance of bringing people, knowledge and different perspectives together. While technology and knowledge are advancing rapidly, continued development calls for dialogue and cooperation on biological challenges, sustainability and relationships with local communities.
Páll Marvin Jónsson, Managing Director of Ölfus Cluster, and Eva Lind Guðmundsdóttir, Project Manager at Ölfus Cluster and Chair of Aqua-Ice.
Resource Use and Sustainability in Focus
Innovation, sustainability and the future of aquaculture featured prominently in the programme. Discussions explored how new knowledge and technology can support responsible development, with a focus on resource use, fish health and community relationships. Topics included biogas solutions, circular resource use and sustainable groundwater management.
Among the presentations was a talk by Elliði Vignisson, Chair of Hydros Ölfus, on sustainable groundwater use. This relates directly to a key priority for development in Ölfus: building knowledge of the groundwater resource and monitoring it to support responsible use over the long term.
Connecting with Development in Ölfus
Ölfus was also a stop on the Salmon & Lava Tour, held on 28 September as part of the wider conference programme. The visit focused on the development of land-based aquaculture, its contribution to local economic development and opportunities for circular resource use. It connected the conference discussions with projects and developments in the area.
The partnership between Ölfus Cluster and Aqua-Ice aims to strengthen knowledge sharing and connections between industry, research and public bodies. For Ölfus Cluster, the conference provides an important platform to introduce opportunities in Ölfus and gain knowledge relevant to green industrial parks, the use of side streams and continued local economic development.