The Nordic conference on freshwater aquaculture took place on 13th and 14th October 2009 in Reykjavik, Iceland. The conference focused on Arctic Charr (Salvelinus alpinus) and the development of a competitive charr industry in Scandinavia. Marketing and sales, breeding, management technology and sustainable production, and production optimizations were some of the most important topics that were presented. In addition it was arranged group sessions with possibilities for Nordic project cooperation.

During the conference we also visited the Icelandic Marine Research Institute and two charr facilities - among the world's largest!

The overall objective was to contribute to sustainable freshwater aquaculture in the Nordic countries. The conference is scheduled to alternate between the Nordic countries. It will focus on both established species and promising new species for commercial farming in the Nordic countries, as well as common challenges for the industry.

Aims of the conference:

• Be an annual meeting place for fish farmers, the aquaculture industry, researchers and public administrators in the Nordic countries.
• Present new research and development advances that can be exploited by the industry.
• Identify opportunities and challenges for the industry.
• Strengthen the aquaculture industry by establishing Nordic networks and joint research and development program.

The conference program may be downloaded here .

Presentations from the conference in Reykjavik:

Eva Brännäs - "Northcharr" - Status, challenges and potential of the Arctic charr industry in Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

Lise Haug - Nordic politics, laws and directives related to freshwater aquaculture.

Lars-Ove Eriksson - Is freshwater aquaculture in cages a future way of farming Arctic charr?

Alfred Jokumsen - Methods of farming with reduced environmental impact - experiences from "Model trout farms".

Kristin H. Roll - Lessons from other species.

Ólafur Sigurgeirsson - Toward more economical and sustainable feed for Arctic charr.

S. Gunnarsson - Three year project: Optimization and induced sustainability of Arctic charr culture.

Jón Kjartan Jónsson - Global Marketing of Arctic Charr.

Leif Sollén - Triple helix in aquaculture industry in northern Sweden.

Sjöfn Sigurgisladottir - Product development and marketing of Arctic Charr - How to contribute to increased demand among consumers.

Kurt Oterhals - Norwegian Arctic Charr - Standard of Quality.

Kari Kolstad - Breeding programs in Arctic charr - Nordic cooperation?

Sigridur Thormodsdottir - Nordic funding for innovation - freshwater aquaculture.

Steinar Skybakmoen - Recycling technology for fish in cold water vs model trout farms and cage farming.

Bioforsk is a national R&D institute under the Norwegian Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Bioforsk works within  the field agriculture, food production, plant health, environment and resource management. The division Bioforsk Nord has national activities related to freshwater aquaculture.