News and Publications

Iceland Responds to One-Sided Decision by Marine Conservation Society Regarding Sustainable Mackerel Fishing - 16.5.2013

The following statement has been issued by Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Minister of Industries and Innovation, Government of Iceland, in response to the Marine Conservation Society's decision to re-list Icelandic mackerel as a ‘fish to avoid'. The Marine Conservation Society's decision unfortunately does not factor in Iceland's continual requests for collaboration with other Coastal States (the EU, including Scotland, as well as Norway and the Faroe Islands) to set sustainable catch levels or its own 15 percent reduction in its 2013 mackerel catch.
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RESPONSE TO EUROPEAN FISH COUNCIL MEETING, 14 MAY 2013 - Statement from Steingrímur J. Sigfússon, Minister of Industries and Innovation - 14.5.2013

With the European Fisheries Council meeting in Brussels today to discuss mackerel catch levels, Iceland continues to ask the Coastal States to return to the negotiating table to reach a fair solution to this dispute. Mackerel is a precious resource for Iceland and our fellow Coastal States, including the European Union, Norway and the Faroe Islands. We must work together to protect the mackerel stock through sustainable fishing levels based on collaborative scientific research.
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Response to notification from the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) of formal investigation of Iceland's investment incentives scheme - 30.4.2013

The Ministry of Industries and Innovation has expressed its objections to the decision by the EFTA Surveillance Authority, ESA, to open a formal investigation of the implementation of the scheme providing incentives for new investment in Iceland. Read more

Iceland Lowers 2013 Mackerel Fishing Quota by 15 Percent in Line with Scientific Recommendations - 2.2.2013

The Icelandic Ministry of Industries and Innovation today announced the country's 2013 fishing quota for mackerel, lowering the catch to 123,182 tons. This represents a 15 percent cut from the 2012 quota, in alignment with scientific recommendations from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), an international non-governmental organisation that promotes scientific research on the marine environment. Read more

"A fisheries stand-off won't solve the problem" - 24.1.2013

"We are ready to sit down with Scotland, and all the Coastal States involved, to discuss the facts behind this debate. We all need to ensure the mackerel stock remains at a healthy level for generations to come" says Steingrimur J. Sigfusson Minister of Industries and Innovation in an article in The Scotsman. Read more

STATEMENT FROM THE ICELANDIC MINISTER OF INDUSTRIES AND INNOVATION - 18.1.2013

It is with disappointment that we now learn that the EU and Norway have again claimed 90 percent of the scientifically recommended 2013 total mackerel catch, leaving only 10 percent for the other Coastal States, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, as well as Russia. Read more

No More Fishy Solutions to the Mackerel Dispute - 12.12.2012

In an article in in Wall Street Journal Steingrimur J. Sigfusson, Minister of Industries and Innovation says that we need a science-based solution that ensures a fair share for all and safeguards all parties' environmental and economic interests.

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Norway participates in exploration for oil and gas in Iceland through Petoro - 3.12.2012

The National Energy Authority of Iceland (NEA) has today finished processing two applications for licences for exploration and production of hydrocarbons in the Dreki Area. The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy in Norway has today, 3 December 2012, notified NEA of their decision to participate in both licences to a 25 % share in accordance with the agreement between Iceland and Norway. 

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Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation. - 31.10.2012

Great interest in an electricity interconnection between Iceland and the Faroe Islands

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Iceland Statements Regarding Coastal States Negotiations on Sustainable Fishing of Mackerel - 24.10.2012

The meeting between the Coastal States of Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands and the EU in London on the management of mackerel fisheries was inconclusive. The Icelandic delegation was lead by chief negotiator Sigurgeir Þorgeirsson and the round of talks took place on 22-24 October 2012.

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Two new Bills based on proposals from the Group of Three on Financial Stability in Iceland. - 17.10.2012

Framework legislation on financial stability needs to be adopted to enhance and preserve an efficient and effective financial system in Iceland for the public good. Read more

The Ministers letter to Nature Conservations - 5.10.2012

The Minister of Industries and Innovation, mr Steingrímur J. Sigfússon sent a letter to the World Wildlife Fund and the Iceland Nature Conservation Association ..........

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Information


Minister

The Minister of Industries and Innovation is Mr. Steingrímur J. Sigfússon

  • Mr. Sigfússon became Minister of Industries and Innovation for Iceland on September 1st 2012.
  • Member of the Alþingi since 1983
  • Chairman of the Left-Green Movement
  • Former Minister of Finance
  • Former Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture
  • Former Minister of Agriculture and Communication
  • B.Sc. degree in geology from the University of Iceland
  • Steingrímur

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