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title: About ISF
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# About ISF
About Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries
Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries (ISF) is a collaborative platform for the Icelandic seafood industry. ISF coordinates, obtains, and maintains MSC certifications for Icelandic fisheries so members can demonstrate that products from Icelandic waters meet recognized standards for sustainable fisheries management.
## Who we are
A collaborative platform for the Icelandic seafood industry
Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries (ISF) is a collaborative platform established to support certification, credibility, and market access for Icelandic fisheries. Founded in 2012 and owned by companies in fishing, processing, and sales, ISF coordinates and maintains MSC certifications on behalf of its members.
Through this work, ISF helps ensure that certified fisheries in Iceland can demonstrate responsible management, transparent processes, and alignment with internationally recognized sustainability requirements.
**Founded** - 2012
**Ownership base** - 60+ companies
**Traceability network** - 170+ companies
**Certified landed value** - 95%
## What we do
Coordinating certification for Icelandic fisheries
ISF coordinates, obtains, and maintains MSC certifications for Icelandic fisheries on behalf of its members. This work helps ensure that certified fisheries from Icelandic waters can demonstrate alignment with internationally recognized sustainability standards.
ISF supports credibility and transparency across the value chain, from fishing to market. By maintaining certification and supporting traceability, ISF helps members meet market requirements and provide buyers with documented confidence in the origin and sustainability of Icelandic seafood products.
## What MSC certification means
Independent verification of sustainable fisheries
MSC certification is an international standard used to assess whether fisheries are sustainable, responsibly managed, and supported by scientific data. It is based on core principles including the sustainable use of fish stocks, limited ecosystem impact, and active, transparent fisheries management.
For ISF and its members, MSC certification provides documented assurance for buyers and market partners. It helps demonstrate that certified fisheries from Icelandic waters meet internationally recognized requirements and supports confidence in the sustainability and credibility of Icelandic seafood products.
## Why it matters
Supporting market access and buyer confidence
MSC certification has become an important requirement in many seafood markets. Buyers, retailers, and supply chain partners increasingly expect clear, documented evidence that seafood products come from responsibly managed fisheries and meet recognized sustainability standards.
For ISF and its members, certification helps support market access and strengthens buyer confidence in Icelandic seafood products. It provides a credible framework for demonstrating sustainability, traceability, and responsible fisheries management in line with international expectations.
## Management and governance
ISF’s work is led by the Managing Director and supported by the board on behalf of the member companies that own the organization.
This structure helps provide continuity in day-to-day operations and oversight of the organization’s work. It also supports coordination across fishing, processing, and sales, in line with ISF’s role in maintaining certification and supporting cooperation within the industry.
### Kristinn Hjálmarsson
#### Managing Director
Managing Director at Icelandic Sustainable Fisheries. Kristinn is responsible for the day-to-day management of ISF and its work related to certification, coordination, and communication across the seafood value chain.
### Svavar Þór Guðmundsson
#### Chairman of the Board
Manager at Phoenix Seafood ehf. Svavar serves as the chairman of the board and contributes to the board’s oversight of ISF and its work across certification, coordination, and industry cooperation.
### Sólveig Arna Jóhannesdóttir
#### Board Member
Director of Groundfish Marketing at Brim hf. Sólveig contributes to the board’s oversight of ISF and its work across certification, coordination, and industry cooperation.
### Kristján Jóhannesson
#### Board Member
Sales, sourcing and logistics at Vísir hf. Kristján contributes to the board’s oversight of ISF and its work across certification, coordination, and industry cooperation.
### Friðrik Blomsterberg
#### Board Member
Manager Technical Services at Iceland Seafood. Friðrik contributes to the board’s oversight of ISF and its work across certification, coordination, and industry cooperation.
### Daníel Thomsen
#### Board Member
Sales and marketing at Danica Seafood Ltd. Daníel contributes to the board’s oversight of ISF and its work across certification, coordination, and industry cooperation.
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