REYKJAVÍK, ICELAND – April 20, 2026 – Premium Atlantic Salmon continues to anchor the European seafood market, with the EU accounting for approximately 46.3% of global consumption. Within this market, Trim D fillets are widely recognized as the most popular specification across the region. Consistently achieving the 5kg benchmark for these fillets year-round remains a challenge for many land-based salmon farming operations. However, Iceland’s First Water is setting a new standard by combining land-based farming with pristine Atlantic seawater, enabling the reliable production of 5kg salmon for the EU market throughout the year.
Hybrid Flow-Through System (HFS) Built on Iceland’s Unique Geological Landscape
At First Water, the ability to grow large, premium salmon year-round begins with one fundamental element: water. Instead of relying solely on fully recirculated systems, the farm is built around a Hybrid Flow-Through System (HFS) that is deeply connected to Iceland’s unique geological landscape.
Far below the facility, ancient lava fields naturally filter incoming seawater, acting as a vast, passive purification system. From this subterranean source, crystal-clear water is continuously drawn into the grow-out tanks, refreshed in a constant flow that maintains stable, pristine conditions. This steady renewal of pathogen-free water, combined with controlled recirculation, prevents the buildup of compounds that can compromise taste. The result is salmon that is clean, firm, and pure in flavour.
Low-Stress Conditions for Premium Quality Salmon
Every detail at First Water is designed around one principle: stability creates quality. In this environment, naturally occurring geothermal energy maintains a constant water temperature of 7–9°C throughout the year, eliminating the seasonal volatility that fish would otherwise experience in open-net or less controlled systems.
Inside fully enclosed, large-scale tanks, the salmon are protected from external stressors such as harsh weather, predators, and fluctuating conditions. This stability is reinforced by advanced, non-invasive monitoring systems that allow the fish to be observed without disruption.
The outcome is a calm, stable growing environment where intervention is minimal and the use of antibiotics, pesticides, or chemical treatments is not required. In this setting, the salmon develop strong natural resilience, growing steadily to the 5kg mark while achieving a firm texture and premium fillet quality that reflects optimal biological conditions.
A Circular Blue Economy Built on Sustainability
The story of First Water extends beyond farming; it is part of a wider commitment to working in harmony with nature. The entire facility is powered by Iceland’s abundant renewable geothermal and hydroelectric energy, ensuring that production is rooted in a low-carbon foundation from the outset.
Once harvested, the journey continues through carefully optimized sea freight routes within Europe, designed to reduce emissions by avoiding air transport while maintaining product freshness and reliability. Nothing in the system is wasted: all byproducts are recovered and transformed into organic biofertilizers, closing the loop in a fully circular production model.
In this way, First Water is not only producing salmon; it is building a system where energy, water, and biology are part of a single, integrated ecosystem.
EU Premium Salmon Supply
The European Union market demands a product that does not require a trade-off between consistency and premium quality. By successfully scaling its Hybrid Flow-Through System, powered by Iceland’s natural lava filtration, First Water has removed many of the traditional constraints associated with salmon farming. The reliable, commercial-scale production of 5kg Atlantic salmon ensures a stable year-round supply, setting a new benchmark for premium salmon in the EU seafood market.
First Water will be exhibiting at the Barcelona Seafood Expo, taking place from 21st to 23rd April.
For more information about First Water and its land-based salmon farming in Iceland, visit https://www.firstwater.is/
About First Water
Founded in 2017, First Water set out with a clear vision: to produce high-quality salmon while minimizing environmental impact and leading the way in responsible seafood production. By harnessing Iceland’s unique natural resources, particularly its renewable energy and pristine seawater, First Water is setting new standards in the industry. For more information about First Water, visit https://www.firstwater.is/
