fiskveiðar

Fiskveiðar (Icelandic for fishing) is the term used in Iceland to denote fishing activity, including the harvesting of fish and other marine resources from Icelandic waters. The word covers both commercial fishing conducted by licensed vessels and smaller-scale or recreational fishing governed by regulation. Fishing methods vary by target species and season and can include trawling, longlining, gillnetting, potting, and angling.

Regulation is administered through a national framework of laws, licenses, and quotas. The Fisheries Act and related regulations set who may fish, what gear may be used, and reporting requirements. The Directorate of Fisheries (Fiskistofa) issues licenses, monitors compliance, and collects catch data. Stock assessments conducted by national research institutes inform annual quota-setting. An Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system allocates portions of the allowable catch to licensed entities and is designed to balance stock health with livelihoods.

Fiskveiðar have long been central to Iceland's economy and regional culture. The sector provides substantial export earnings and employment, particularly in coastal communities, and has shaped coastal infrastructure, education, and local governance. Internationally, Iceland negotiates quota shares with other countries while maintaining a distinct policy from the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy under the European Economic Area arrangement. The management approach emphasizes science-based limits and precautionary principles to ensure long-term sustainability of fish stocks.

Historical note: In the mid-20th century, conflicts over fishing rights culminated in the Cod Wars, which strengthened Iceland's control over its exclusive economic zone and laid groundwork for modern fisheries governance.