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Andrea Ósk Hermóðsdóttir and her family have been immersed in the world of fishing on the Laxá River in Aðaldalur, Iceland, for seven generations. While Iceland is often celebrated for its progressive stance on gender equality, the realm of wild salmon fishing has remained predominantly male-dominated until recently. Women have historically been barred from working as fishing guides, but now a new generation is emerging.
Andrea, alongside her sister Alexandra Ósk and their friends, Arndís Inga Árnadóttir and Áslaug Anna, is part of the first cohort of female guides on the Laxá River. At just 21 years old, Andrea is embracing a role that was previously unavailable to women in Iceland, marking a significant shift in the fishing community.
However, the fragile future of this evolving opportunity is threatened. In 2023, a significant escape of farmed salmon from an offshore facility posed a dire risk to the wild salmon population across numerous rivers. Andrea expresses deep concern that the traditions and livelihoods she values may not be sustainable to pass down to future generations. “The thought of losing this opportunity for my life is truly disheartening,” she remarked. “It’s not just about us; it’s about nature’s wellbeing.”
The four young women are prominently featured in an upcoming documentary titled Strengur (or Tight Lines), directed by Gagga Jónsdóttir. This film captures their personal journeys and the impact of the salmon escape on their aspirations, incorporating themes of family ties and environmental stewardship.
The threats posed by farmed salmon are multifaceted. They introduce diseases and parasites, like sea lice, to wild populations, and interbreeding can alter the life cycles of wild salmon, making them less viable for reproduction. The women’s ongoing efforts to continue fishing for both farmed and wild salmon highlights a troubling intersection of environmental challenge and traditional livelihoods. Andrea articulated her bewilderment regarding the lack of action from the Icelandic government, stating, “It is perplexing that more isn’t being done—especially as we can learn from what has happened in Norway.”
In Norway, 33 rivers were shut down to fishing due to a sharp decline in wild salmon populations attributed to similar issues with farming practices. “With evidence like this, how can we remain passive?” Andrea questioned, underlining a sense of urgency surrounding the situation.
“Without decisive action, we risk the extinction of Atlantic wild salmon; it’s not a matter of if, but when,” she added. Andrea advocates for conscious consumer choices, recommending that people avoid sea-farmed salmon for the sake of protecting wild populations. “My hope is to pursue this guiding profession for a lifetime and to share this passion with my children, as my dad did with me,” she remarked, expressing her determination for change.
Growing up in a male-centric fishing culture, Andrea was first introduced to the sport at the young age of eight. Her earliest memory involves her father battling a large salmon, an experience that deeply shaped her connection to fishing. She attributes the historical absence of women in the field to entrenched gender roles that defined family and work life in past generations. Now, through the lens of their experiences, she hopes that the documentary will inspire more women to seek out fishing opportunities. “The tranquility I find while casting by the river is ingrained in my essence,” she shared.
Gagga Jónsdóttir, the documentary’s director, found herself drawn to the story of these young women beyond the fishing theme itself. However, as filming progressed amidst the unfolding crisis from the salmon escape, Gagga became significantly invested in the plight of wild salmon. “I didn’t initially approach it from a political standpoint,” she clarified. “But witnessing the devastation firsthand has reshaped my perspective.”
Gagga emphasized the importance of preserving ecological knowledge and called for the prohibition of open-sea pens: “This isn’t solely an Icelandic issue; it’s about the future of Atlantic salmon, which affects us all.” While she spotlighted the challenges faced, she also expressed hope in the groundbreaking efforts of the female guides. “There’s a palpable shift occurring, and this new generation is disrupting the old paradigms,” she noted.
Source
www.theguardian.com