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Hítará River Lease Extended, Emphasizing Sustainable Fishing

From Morgunblaðið · (7h ago) Icelandic Positive tone

Translated from Icelandic, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The Hítará Fishing Association has extended its lease agreement with the private company Grettisstillur ehf until 2030.
  • Grettisstillur, owned by Reynir Þrastarson and Haraldur Eiríksson, has managed the Hítará river since 2022, focusing on sustainable fishing practices.
  • The river is now considered self-sustaining, with minimal intervention, and the fishing season begins on June 17th, with spring fishing currently underway.

A significant development for Iceland's renowned angling scene, the Hítará Fishing Association has inked a new, extended lease agreement with Grettisstillur ehf, securing operations until 2030. This partnership, built on a foundation of respect for nature and sustainable practices, highlights the commitment of Reynir Þrastarson and Haraldur Eiríksson, the owners of Grettisstillur, to preserving the Hítará river's rich ecosystem. Since taking over in 2022, they have championed a self-sustaining model, notably ceasing the stocking of salmon fry five years ago. This approach has yielded impressive results, maintaining healthy catch numbers between 430 and 500 salmon annually, a testament to the river's natural resilience. The focus now is on minimal intervention, allowing the salmon to manage their own reproduction, a strategy that Icelandic fisheries experts endorse. The extension signifies confidence in this sustainable model and ensures continuity for anglers who cherish this pristine environment. It's a story that resonates deeply in Iceland, where the connection to nature and responsible stewardship of our natural resources are paramount. The fact that Reynir, after half a century of involvement with Hítará, continues to discover new fishing spots underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving character of this treasured river.

We have not released any fry for five years and have been maintaining decent fishing, between 430 and 500 salmon. Hítará is now self-sustaining.

— Reynir ÞrastarsonSpeaking about the river's sustainability and his management approach.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Morgunblaðið in Icelandic. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.