Beneath the surface of Iceland’s fjords, industrial fish farms threaten to destroy one of Europe’s last remaining wildernesses. Join us as we link arms with local communities and NGOs for an evening of inspiration and action in Reykjavik. There will be uplifting speakers, live music, and the world premiere of our new film Laxaþjóð | A Salmon Nation. Help send a message to Iceland’s government: Open net salmon farms have no place in our wild waters.
Katrín Oddsdóttir is a lawyer, lecturer, activist, and former member of the Icelandic Constitutional Council. A passionate advocate for human rights and expert in refugee law, Katrín has recently shifted her focus towards the protection of nature and animal welfare—fighting against whaling and the growing threat of open net salmon farming in her home country.
In 2019, explorer and environmentalist Veiga Grétarsdóttir became the first person to paddle counterclockwise around Iceland’s coastline by kayak. It was on this trip she witnessed open net salmon farming up close—capturing some of the first images from inside the industrial pens, and kick-starting a movement to defend Iceland’s wild waters from this harmful and destructive practice.
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz leads Washington state’s Department of Natural Resources and manages nearly 6 million acres of public lands – from coastal waters and aquatic reserves, to working forests and farms, commercial developments, and unparalleled recreation areas.
Commissioner Franz is committed to ensuring our public lands are healthy and productive, both today and for future generations. She has led efforts to protect our communities and environment from the impacts of a changing climate, increased development, and wildfire.
Franz is a third-generation farmer and small forest landowner, and has three boys who she raised on a farm on Bainbridge Island. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Smith College and a juris doctor from Northeastern University Law School.
Jon Kaldal
Jón Kaldal is The Icelandic Wildlife Fund's (IWF) strategist and spokesman. For 24 years he was the editor of various Icelandic magazines and newspapers, and is a frequent commentator on news and politics in Iceland's media. IWF is a non-profit grassroots organisation focusing on environmental protection and conservation, including the protection of wild salmon and other freshwater fish in Icelandic rivers and lakes.
Benedikta Guðrún Svavarsdóttir
Educated as a nurse, Benedikta moved to Seyðisfjörður 11 years ago to manage the local hostel—the oldest company in Seyðisfjörður. She is one of the founders of Vá Félag um vernd fjarðar, an NGO with the sole goal of protecting the Seyðisfjörður fjord from open net pens.
Sigurður Jóhannesson
The director of the Institute of Economic studies at the University of Iceland since 2016, Sigurðu is responsible for creating economic reports for the government, special interest groups, and many others. He was born in Reykjavik, and currently teaches international economics at the University.
GDRN, or Guðrún Ýr Eyfjörð Jóhannesdóttir, is a 26-year-old musician from Mosfell who burst onto the scene two years ago with the song "Lætr mig". Since then, Guðrún has released two albums, played all of Iceland's major music festivals, and won recognition at the Icelandic Music Awards with her unique brand of jazz-influenced pop.
Nothing replaces wild. And in Iceland, there’s a growing movement to provide food that honours the country’s deep ties to nature. On Thursday, 8 February, we’ve partnered with seafood restaurant Fiskmarkaðurinn (Fish Market) to offer a fine dining experience ahead of our special event in Reykjavik. From 17:30 until approximately 19:20, you’ll have the chance to sample the best of Icelandic cuisine in a three-course dinner dedicated to fresh, locally sourced fare—all while learning more about the importance of taking open net farmed salmon off the menu.
Spaces are extremely limited, so use the link below to reserve your spot now.
Pre-event refreshments at Skúli Craft Bar
Grab a drink and a light bite ahead of the main event at Skúli Craft Bar. Just a short walk from Gamla Bíó, there’ll be beers, wines, and soft drinks served alongside a selection of snacks—including sushi rolls prepared by Fiskmarkaðurinn. Join us from 17:30-19:30, no reservation necessary.
