We don’t like to brag, but allow us to boast (just a little) about the premium quality of the Icelandic fish we sell – it’s truly some of the cleanest, most delicious fish you can find!
Fish from Niceland is a responsible choice. As an island nation with an economy and culture built on fishing, Iceland is (and has always been) protective of its primary natural resource. Did you know Icelandic currency even features fish (not presidents or monuments) on the face? Iceland is among a small group of nations recognized for excellence in sustainable fisheries management. In fact, every wild fish species Niceland sources is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified, which the Monterey Bay Aquarium (MBA) views as equivalent to a “good alternative” or sustainable. The farm-raised arctic charr and salmon niceland sources is Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified.
But we don’t stop at high-quality and sustainable fish. Through our TraceabiliT digital experience, we show you the entire journey of your fish, from sea-to-pan, and we give you tips on how to cook it. We’ve seen how bringing communities together in this way breeds transparency, and empowers shopper questions and thoughtful purchasing. This is how we create a healthier seafood system.
Great question! Most of the Icelandic fish we sell are wild caught by our fisherman partners. Every wild-caught species we offer is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.
We also sell farm-raised, Icelandic arctic char and salmon, both of which are delicious and responsibly farmed. Scroll down for more information about the char and salmon farms we source from!
Yes! Everything we do at Niceland is responsible. We always offer our customers what we believe to be responsible options, and we look to the regulatory & scientific authorities in Iceland to guide our decision making. We’re cognizant of carbon in the environment, and therefore we transport fish via passenger flights so there’s no additional carbon footprint.
Not all imported fish is created equal. Iceland is among a small group of nations recognized for excellence in sustainable fisheries management. In fact, every species of Icelandic fish supplied by Niceland is MSC certified and our farm-raised char and salmon are ASC certified.
We definitely encourage people to get to know the local products and fishermen they have access to! But, this is a complicated question. The simple answer is that, depending on the species, regional fisheries management, how and where the fish are caught (or raised), local seafood is not always the most sustainable choice.
Sustainability is just as much about supporting fishing communities and economic empowerment as it is about natural resource conservation. The fishing industry in Iceland doesn’t only support fisherman – it also supports adjacent industries like processing, technology and software. A sustainable fishery is one that’s willing to close its doors if needed. For an island nation like Iceland, sustaining its most valuable resource source is and has always been paramount. The strict fisheries management system in Iceland makes its fishing economy one of the most technologically advanced, efficient and sustainable in the world.
Check out our blog post for more detail on Iceland’s regulations – one of the best ways to help keep fisheries healthy and eat sustainably is to diversify the species you choose!
Every wild fish species Niceland sources is MSC certified, which MBA views as equivalent to a “good alternative” or sustainable. The arctic charr Niceland sources is ASC certified and also rated “green” or “best choice” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
We always offer our customers what we believe to be responsible options, and we look to the regulatory & scientific authorities in Iceland to guide our decision making. We work with commercial vessels and producers approved for use by the Directorate of Fisheries and Icelandic Marine Fisheries Institute.
The answer is sometimes. At Niceland, we invest in a team who ensures the accuracy of the information within our TraceabiliT platform, we pay fishermen well and we invest in environmentally-friendly packaging. Still, our prices are within the range that works for mainstream grocery buyers and home cooks in the US.
No, the strict fisheries management systems in place in Iceland prevent overfishing no matter the demand.