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Source: Ashoka

Orri Vigfusson: Godfather of the Salmon

This article originally appeared on North Atlantic Salmon Fund

 

 

Ashoka is mourning the loss of one of its fellows, Orri Vigfusson (1942-2017), whose work in conservation and sustainable salmon fishing has earned him the title of 'Godfather of the Salmon.' Growing up in Iceland, Orri saw firsthand how the North Atlantic salmon fisheries had been decimated by industrial fishing, river damning, and a host of other environmental challenges. Salmon are essential as sources of income for coastal communities all around the world, and also providing protein-rich food that people everywhere can enjoy. In the North Atlantic, and elsewhere, salmon are known as the 'King of Fish' - an important staple of ecosystems, economies, and cultures.

Orri rose to the challenge of preserving the salmon in 1989 by establishing the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, which works to broker agreements for more sustainable fishing, while also creating new job opportunities for conservationists and fishermen alike. NASF has saved an estimated 10 million salmon since the late 80's, and created hundreds of jobs in the process. Orri was also committed to inspiring a new generation of conservationists dedicated to continuing his work: "We have to work harder to save the fish of today, but also to train young people to save the fish of the future." You can honor Orri's legacy, and help support the ongoing work of NASF by visiting them at nasfworldwide.com

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"We have to work harder to save the fish of today, but also to train young people to save the fish of the future."