Firum (Fiskaaling Ltd.) was established in 1970. The Faroese government is the sole owner of the share capital.
The original mission was to administer the salmon and trout breeding programme and to develop work with halibut, cod and other new fish species in the Faroese aquaculture industry.
The original mission objectives were:
- to conduct scientific experiments in connection with fish and shellfish aquafarming.
- to improve the Faroese fish farming resources.
- to conduct commercial activities within fish and shellfish farming.
In 2009, the objectives were amended, introducing research as an important part of the company's activities. The objectives now read:
- to research, develop and advise within the farming of water-based animals and plants and within biotechnology,
- to conduct commercial activities within this field of activities, and
- other related activities.
At the turn of 2023/2024, Fiskaaling underwent a rebranding process and introduced a new visual identity and logo. Although the name Fiskaaling (meaning fish farming) might suggest that the company is engaged in fish farming, this is not the case. The company's purpose is to produce knowledge that can contribute to the development of sustainable Faroese aquaculture. Therefore, the name Fiskaaling can be considered misleading, as it does not accurately reflect the company's work.
To address this issue and make the company's identity more appropriate, Fiskaaling underwent a renaming process. The new name of the company is Firum.
Milestones in Faroese aquaculture history:
- 1966-1967 Trout roe imported from Denmark
- 1970 P/F Fiskaaling was founded
- 1973 The Faroese government takes over P/F Fiskaaling
- 1978-1984 Salmon roe imported from Norway
- 1984 P/F Fiskaaling stops importing roe from Norway, due to IPN
- 1991 P/F Fiskaaling starts a breeding programme with 150 families. Selection is made with respect to growth and early pubescence
- 1992 Disease resistance becomes part of selection
- 1995 Fish colour becomes part of selection
- 1997 Fillet fat becomes part of selection
- 1999 Number of families increased from 150 to 400 families
- 2001-2005 Experiments with halibut farming
- 2001 Roe import is resumed
- 2006 Experiments with cod farming
- 2009 New objectives adopted for Fiskaaling
- 2009 New statutes adopted for Fiskaaling. Research, development and counselling become important part of activities
- 2010 Cooperation with SalmoBreed
- 2016 Roe production is discontinued. Fiskaaling’s core activities are research, development, counselling and services
- 2016 Faroese salmon family is preserved and the breeding programme is resumed
- 2017 Bakkafrost Ltd. assumes responsibility for the Faroese salmon family and the breeding programme
- 2024 Fiskaaling changes its name to Firum
