According to an article on www.visir.is There has been an increase in population in the south of the Westfjords in the last two years in connection with increased aquaculture in the area. Matís has been involved in this, but innovation and research in the field of aquaculture as well as support for business development in the countryside has been a common thread in the company's operations since its establishment.
The article states that the population in the southern western fjords has increased by 5% from 2012 - 2014, but population growth has been negative in the area in recent years. In 2012, 1,186 people lived in the area, but the number has now increased by 60 and today there are 1,246 individuals living in Vesturbyggð and Tálknafjörður. By comparison, in 2000, 1,596 people lived in the area. The reason for the increase in population is due to job creation in connection with aquaculture, which has been on the rise in recent years and is expected to continue.
In 2012, Matís opened an office in Patreksfjörður, which serves the south of the Westfjords and the Breiðafjörður area, where the road to aquaculture has steadily increased in recent years. The goal of Matís' offices is to serve the local community and support research and development in the field of food in the local area. In Patreksfjörður, emphasis is placed on research related to aquaculture and the intention is to contribute to the progress and development of aquaculture throughout the country.
In recent years, research has mainly focused on improving the profitability, growth and quality of farmed fish, as well as increasing efficiency in production and reducing feed costs, which is one of the largest expenditure items. The research thus contributes to an increase in value and makes it easier for companies and individuals to start production of some kind.
In the southern part of the Westfjords, there is a long tradition of fishing and fish processing, but in recent years there has been a certain decline in that profession. However, the area is suitable for aquaculture in the opinion of many and has undoubtedly contributed to the great development that has already taken place, especially in the farming of salmon, char and rainbow trout as well as mussels. The aim is for products in the area to receive sustainable certification, as they are processed in a sustainable manner and the bioeconomy as a whole is included in the picture at all stages of production.
Matís places great emphasis on ensuring that value added goes hand in hand with the well-being of the bioeconomy. Therefore, better utilization of feed and products not only results in more money but also a more valuable and environmentally friendly product that is spun from a sustainable environment. This contributes to increased food security for the future.