SEA CHANGES ASHORE: The Ocean and Iceland's Herring Capital
Lawrence Hamilton, Steingrímur Jónsson, Helga Ögmundardóttir, Igor M. Belkin
published in Arctic (2004) 57(4)
Abstract
The story of Siglufjordur, a north Iceland village that became the "Herring Capital of the World," provides a case study of complex interactions between physical, biological and social systems. Siglufjordur's natural capital -- a good harbor and proximity to prime herring grounds -- contributed to its development as a major fishing center during the first half of the 20th century. This herring fishery was initiated by Norwegians, but subsequently expanded by Icelanders to such an extent that the fishery, and Siglufjordur in particular, became engines pulling the whole Icelandic economy. During the golden years of this "herring adventure," Siglufjordur opened unprecedented new economic and social opportunities. Unfortunately, the fishing boom reflected unsustainably high catch rates. Overfishing by an international fleet was steadily reducing the huge herring stock by mid-century. Then, in the mid-1960s, large physical changes took place in the seas north of Iceland. The physical changes had ecological consequences that led to the loss of the herring's main food supply. Severe environmental stress, combined with heavy fishing pressure, drove herring stocks toward collapse. Siglufjordur found itself first marginalized, then shut out as the herring stocks progressively vanished. Over the decades following the 1968 collapse, this former boomtown has sought alternatives for sustainable development.