The Svartá is only 16 km long, and flows through a unique landscape in northern Iceland, before joining the River Skjalfandafljot in Bardardalur. Among anglers, the river is known as a true brown trout paradise and every summer, fishermen from all over Europe and the US, find their way to this remote gem to fish for its prizes. Now, however, it has come to the attention of anglers that a hydro power station is planned in this magnificent river.
Dr. Árni Einarsson, director of the Myvatn Research Station, spoke on just how unique the river is:
“The River Svartá is a spring-fed and exceptionally rich river in the northern volcanic zone of Iceland. The river is one of the breeding places of the rare and very local Barrow’s Goldeneye duck and has notable populations of Harlequin Duck and Brown Trout. It is a small version of the famous River Laxá at Lake Mývatn. Plans to divert the river for power extraction seem inappropriate in every respect.”
Campaigner Morten Harangen commented:
“According to Icelandic sources, the environmental consequences of the project has not been discussed at all. It does not take a rocket scientist, however, to conclude that a hydro power station will damage a vulnerable ecosystem like the Svartá – and possibly the area in general. To what extent we do not know, but are we willing to wait and see?
Of course not!
Please help us convince Icelandic authorities to stop this madness, see full details on the Save Iceland’s River Svartá Facebook page HERE “