Matorka's Icelandic Arctic Char

The Fish  

The Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus) is an extraordinary fish and the northernmost freshwater fish on Earth. It is a cold-water fish species that belongs to the Salmonidae family (which also includes salmon and trout) and is native to Arctic and subarctic regions, such as Iceland. 

It’s one of the healthiest fish, too. Its delicately flavored, rich, flaky flesh with a beautiful pink color is packed with EPA and DHA, the most beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, along with vitamin B12, selenium, and vitamin D. The mild flavor is less assertive than most salmon, often described as clean and slightly sweet with buttery undertones.  

This delicious and extremely versatile fish holds flavors beautifully, is suitable for grilling, steaming, sautéing, smoking, baking or poaching, and is the perfect size for whole fish plating. Whole fish are typically around 2lbs. when harvested; they are available skin-on, pin-bone-out fillets and portion cuts. 

Global production of char is around 8000-9000 metric tons, relatively small when compared to other farmed fish.  Matorka has earned international recognition for its Arctic char—an exceptional fish prized for both sustainability and flavor. 

The Farm  

For centuries, fishing and seafood have been an essential part of Icelandic society.  Matorka has found a new way to uphold that tradition with a vertically integrated, land-based farm in an area with a thousand-year-old seafood heritage.  

Matorka hatches and raises Arctic char in an aquaculture facility near Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula, part of Iceland’s dramatic southern coast. The spot is one of the few places on earth where you can see a ridge where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates diverge. It is also an active earthquake area with tons of seismic action. But volcanic activity is nothing new in Iceland, where it's been used as a renewable energy source for decades.  

Matorka works symbiotically with that remarkable natural ecosystem; the farm runs entirely on clean geothermal energy. That means it is both energy-efficient and lower in carbon-intensity than many traditional farms. 

Unlike traditional aquaculture, the farm uses naturally filtered groundwater, sourced from snowmelt and rain that percolate through ancient volcanic lava beds. This pristine water is never taken from lakes or the ocean, maintaining a closed-loop system that minimizes environmental impact and supports pure, healthy fish. We all wish we could be drinking water this clean.   

Their land-based farming method—rather than open-net pens in the ocean—means there is minimal interaction with wild populations, no escapes, and stronger biosecurity. The fish are raised with a focus on animal welfare: no hormones, no antibiotics, and no chemicals are needed thanks to the controlled environment and pure water.   

The Feed 

You are what you eat, and what it eats, too. At Matorka, the fish thrive on a non-GMO, responsibly sourced feed, which helps achieve a Food-Conversion Ratio (FCR) below 1.15. The feed is made of marine proteins and oils (not soy meal) that are natural and sourced locally from neighboring fisheries. This diet contributes directly to the taste and vitamin content of the fish, which is rich in vitamin D and omega-3s.  

The Future 

The entire project was conceived to protect the unique environment in Iceland, and to raise fish with low impact. The sustainable future of land-based aquaculture in Iceland revolves around responsible practices, reduced use of wild fish, ongoing use of renewable energy, technological innovation, community engagement, climate resilience, transparent reporting, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By integrating these principles, Matorka is contributing to global sustainability goals while growing as a responsible company. 

Matorka  holds certifications such as the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Global GAP, and is also rated “Best Choice” by Seafood Watch.  Since 2014, they track and offset energy-linked carbon emissions via reforestation in their environmental commitment.  

At Fortune, we actively seek partners like Matorka who offer premium fish, raised in the best possible manner, with the least environmental impact. Of course, it all comes together in the flavor and quality on the plate.