Matís has published in full the report Genetic diversity of salmon in Laxá in Aðaldal, with the permission of Landsvirkjun, which commissioned the project. The report was produced by the Matís genetics team and is dated March 27th 2024. The publication follows media coverage in which the findings of the report were criticised. On that occasion, Matís wishes to emphasise that the company stands by the report, its methodology and its findings.
The aim of the study was to analyse changes in the genetic composition of salmon in the Laxá river in Aðaldalur over time and to address three key questions concerning hybridisation, isotopic diversity and effective population size. Tracing individuals from catch samples collected in 1980, 2022 and 2023 to 26 salmon populations across the country shows that changes have occurred in the population structure of the river. The proportion of salmon traceable to Laxá has declined from 70.3% in 1980 to 25.5% in 2023, while the proportion traceable to other rivers has increased.
The study is based on internationally recognised methods in population genetics and the use of the ONCOR database for origin tracing. According to Matís specialists, the genetic differentiation between Icelandic salmon populations is generally greater than in many other parts of Europe, which strengthens the validity of the methodology for tracing individuals to specific rivers.
The findings raise important questions about the development and origin of the salmon population in the Laxá river in Aðaldalur. Matís considers it important that research of this kind be discussed on a professional basis and that further studies be conducted to increase knowledge of the genetic diversity and development of Icelandic salmon populations.
The full report is available on the Matís website the report's findings and methodology are available for all to review.