1What does Matorka mean?

In Icelandic, “mat” means food and “orka” means energy. Matorka translates to food energy.

Food is indeed energy, but we take it a step further. Our operations use only sustainable and renewable geothermal energy. We have been offsetting our energy linked carbon emissions since 2014 through certified reforestation.

1What is land-based aquaculture?

Land-based aquaculture refers to a method of fish or seafood farming that takes place on land. Unlike traditional open-net pens or cages in oceans, lakes or rivers, land-based aquaculture operates in a controlled environment and has several advantages: it enables truly sustainable fish farming; it allows for year-round production regardless of weather conditions; it reduces the risk of escapes and interactions with wild populations; and it provides better control over feed management and fish growth.

1Is it necessary to raise fish on land? Is it sustainable?

Raising fish on land is one approach to aquaculture that has gained significant positive attention in recent years. This very sustainable approach to aquaculture offers advantages across the board with environmental impact, water conservation and biosecurity. We are immensely proud to be part of the solution by supplying responsibly farmed fish to meet the growing demand for both healthy and low carbon impact protein.

1Are Matorka’s land-based fish as nutritious as wild catch?

Yes. Our fish are raised under optimal conditions, in pristine Icelandic waters and are fed perfectly formulated sustainable feed, all contributing to producing the finest Arctic char, a high protein, high omega-3 content fish.

1What is Arctic char? What does it taste like?

Arctic char is a cold-water fish species that belongs to the Salmon family. It has a streamlined body with silver skin, which may display various shades of pink, red, or orange. The flesh of Arctic char is typically pink to red, with a delicate and fine texture, unparalleled taste and superior flavour. It is highly regarded by seafood enthusiasts for its culinary versatility.

1Is the water where the fish are raised clean?

Yes. Iceland’s water is recognized for its exceptional quality and purity. Our Icelandic water is naturally filtered through local lava fields, yielding pristine water that is ideal for raising Arctic char.

1How much does Matorka Arctic char cost?

While our pricing necessarily varies depending on the point of delivery and the specific cuts, we deliver extraordinary value to both our customers and consumers. Guaranteed. Reach out directly for pricing on your specific needs.

1Do Matorka’s fish carry any parasites or disease?

No. Our Arctic char eggs are hatched in pristine glacial waters. The juvenile fish are then carefully transferred from the hatchery to the production sites at Grindavik where they thrive in pure Icelandic water that is naturally free of parasites and pathogens. To ensure the continued well-being and quality of our fish, we maintain an active health monitoring program. Regular screenings and assessments by an external veterinarian further guarantee the health and excellence of our fish.

1Are the fish treated humanely?

Yes. The welfare of our fish is a top priority and we treat them with the utmost respect. We have a passionate team of aquaculturists caring for our fish using the world’s most optimal production systems.

1What does Matorka feed its fish?

The fish are fed a sustainable diet free from any GMO ingredients and hormones. We work closely with our feed producers to ensure that we offer the best possible formulation with the lowest possible environmental impact.

1Can Matorka’s Arctic char harm wild fish populations?

No. Our fish are raised in a closed land-locked system with no open water access, ensuring there is no mixing with wild fish populations.

1What are Matorka’s sustainable practices?

We prioritise sustainability in all our business and operational decisions. Our systems are designed to be extremely energy efficient, with energy supplied from Iceland’s renewable and clean geothermal sources.

Our water is naturally filtered through local lava fields yielding perfectly pure water, ideal for an optimal rearing environment for our fish. We measure our carbon emissions and have been offsetting our energy related carbon footprint through supporting reforestation since 2014.

1Where can I find Martorka Arctic char?

Our Arctic char is available throughout Iceland, Europe and North America. Contact us to find out more.

1What third-party sustainability certifications does Matorka have?

Matorka is proud to hold multiple leading global certifications that cover a range of areas including environmental sustainability, labor practices, aquaculture, and animal welfare.

Matorka is certified by the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council), Global GAP, and recognised as Best Choice.

ASC: ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) is an independent organization that sets standards and certifies sustainable practices in the aquaculture industry, promoting responsible and environmentally friendly fish farming.

Global GAP: Global GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) is an internationally recognized standard that ensures safe and sustainable farming practices throughout the entire food production process.

Seafood Watch: Seafood Watch is a program that provides consumers and businesses with science-based recommendations to make informed choices about sustainable seafood options, aiming to promote responsible fishing and aquaculture practices.

1What size fish do you sell? How are the fish processed and sold?

Matorka produces and exports the following:

  • Head on, Gutted (HOG) fish in 55 lbs (approximately 25 kg) boxes
  • Skin on, pinbone out filets in 10 lbs (approximately 4.5 kg) boxes
  • Skin on, pinbone out portions in 10 lbs (approximately 4.5 kg) boxes

The above are available either fresh, or individually quick frozen (IQF).

1Where do you ship? How long does it take for fish to arrive after ordering?

Matorka fish is available throughout Iceland, North America, and Europe. New territories are continually being assessed. Delivery time varies depending on the location of the customer.

1How does Matorka fish get to you in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way?

Matorka fish is shipped by sea wherever possible and, alternatively, on existing regularly scheduled passenger flights with freight capacity, resulting in a lower freight related carbon emissions (scope 3). We continue to explore best possible packing solutions to ensure continuous improvements of our sustainability practices from egg to plate.

1Is the fish really fresh if it comes from Iceland?

Yes. We harvest-to-order, ensuring our fish always arrive fresh, with the time from harvest to loading for shipping taking as little as 4 hours. And we retain an optimal cold chain throughout the journey from our processing plant to our customers.