Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Sea Changes Ashore: The Ocean And Iceland's Herring Capital., Lawrence C. Hamilton, Steingrimur Jonsson, Helga Ogmundardottir, Igor M. Belkin

Sociology

Abstract

The story of Siglufjörour (Siglufjordur), a north Iceland village that became the "Herring Capital of the World," provides a case study of complex interactions between physical, biological, and social systems. Siglufjörour's natural capital - a good harbor and proximity to prime herring grounds - contributed to its development as a major fishing center during the first half of the 20th century. This herring fishery was initiated by Norwegians, but subsequently expanded by Icelanders to such an extent that the fishery, and Siglufjörour in particular, became engines helping to pull the whole Icelandic economy. During the golden years of this …