Björk Marks 60th Birthday by Revealing Lawsuit Against Icelandic State

Celebrating her milestone birthday, Björk shares how her music supports legal battles against Iceland's fish farming practices.

A Birthday with Purpose: Björk's Environmental Fight

Turning 60 is no ordinary occasion, especially when you’re Björk—the iconic Icelandic singer known for her daring creativity and fierce environmental activism. Instead of just blowing out candles, she chose to spotlight a cause close to her heart: battling the detrimental effects of salmon farming in Iceland. Through the proceeds of her past single, Björk has been funding lawsuits challenging the Icelandic State and foreign-owned fish-farming industries that threaten local ecosystems.

Björk, a visionary artist blending music with activism.

The Song That Sparked a Movement

Two years ago, Björk teamed up with Spanish superstar Rosalía and producer Sega Bodega on the track ‘Oral’. This wasn’t just another song release—it was a bold statement. Every cent earned from ‘Oral’ was funneled into legal efforts aimed at halting foreign salmon farms in Seyðisfjörður, a picturesque fjord in Iceland under threat.

When the song dropped, Björk was vocal about the environmental havoc caused by open net-pen salmon farming:

“Industrial salmon farming in open net pens is horrid for the environment. The farmed salmon goes through immense suffering, and it causes severe harm for our planet. This is an extraordinarily cruel way to make food. The fight against the open net pen industry is a part of the fight for the future of the planet.”

— Björk

Her words resonate deeply, especially to those who know the fragile balance of Iceland’s natural habitats.

Two Years Later: A Look Back and Forward

On the second anniversary of ‘Oral’, Björk took to Instagram to thank Rosalía and fans who supported the cause, expressing amazement at how many people joined the fight. She explained how the income generated helped sustain ongoing legal battles to protect Iceland’s waters and lands from industrial fish farming.

She shared updates on four distinct cases funded by the song’s proceeds:

• The original fight in Seyðisfjörður to prevent a fish farm licensing against residents' wishes.
• A precise legal challenge targeting marine spatial planning in Seyðisfjörður.
• Cases involving salmon escapees from fish farms in Tálknafjörður and Patreksfjörður in the Westfjords.
• Opposition to a fish farm built in Sandeyri without a local farmer’s approval.

Björk’s continued activism is clear as she revealed that on her 60th birthday, November 21, 2025, they would be filing a new lawsuit, “summoning the Icelandic state” with a landowner refusing to back down. This fight is far from over and, in fact, gaining momentum.

Environmental Ambitions for a Broader Impact

Björk emphasized how the generosity of supporters allows them to take on more cases, aiming to advance marine and water protection aligned with the global 30 by 30 goal—which aspires to protect at least 30% of land and sea by 2030.

She hopes these legal battles will become “exemplary cases” for others fighting to safeguard nature worldwide. It’s a powerful reminder that activism can ripple outward, inspiring change far beyond Iceland’s shores.

Björk’s Larger Environmental Vision

In a recent interview, Björk expressed optimism about the new generation’s commitment to climate issues, especially Gen Z:

“Gen Z-ers are really radical, and I’m relieved that the environment is a priority for them – I’m up for it! When I read the news, most of it won’t matter in 20 years. The only thing that really matters is how we deal with the environment.”

This mindset underlines her lifelong dedication to intertwining art with advocacy—a fusion that keeps her work relevant and urgent.

Collaborations That Continue to Inspire

Björk hasn’t stopped there. She reunited with Rosalía and teamed up with Yves Tumor on the recent single ‘Berghain’, the lead track from Rosalía’s album ‘LUX’. Named after Berlin’s legendary techno club, the song is a rich tapestry of German, Spanish, and English lyrics accented by classical symphonic elements.

Björk described her involvement as an honor:

“It is so thrilling to watch this woman grow. Congratulations to her with this incredible album … This concept is fierce!”

Their collaboration adds another layer to Björk’s ever-evolving musical journey—one that embraces innovation while staying deeply rooted in meaningful messages.

Final Thoughts: More Than Music

Björk’s 60th birthday celebration reminds us that milestones can be moments to reflect, act, and inspire. Through her music and activism, she continues to challenge powerful industries and rally support for environmental justice in Iceland and beyond. It’s a testament to the vibrant, unyielding spirit of an artist who makes every note count.

FAQ

• What inspired Björk to fight against fish farming in Iceland?
  Björk is deeply concerned about the environmental damage and cruelty caused by industrial salmon farming in open net pens, which harms ecosystems and the well-being of farmed fish.
• How did the single ‘Oral’ contribute to this cause?
  All proceeds from the song ‘Oral’, a collaboration between Björk, Rosalía, and Sega Bodega, were donated to support legal actions fighting fish farming in Iceland.
• What are the main legal cases Björk supports?
  Four key cases: stopping fish farm licensing in Seyðisfjörður, marine spatial planning challenges, fish-farm escapee cases in the Westfjords, and opposing a fish farm in Sandeyri built against local farmers' wishes.
• What is the '30 by 30' environmental goal Björk mentions?
  It’s a global initiative to protect at least 30% of the planet’s land and oceans by 2030 to preserve biodiversity and tackle climate change.
• Has Björk collaborated on recent music projects?
  Yes, she recently worked again with Rosalía and Yves Tumor on the single ‘Berghain,’ featured on Rosalía’s album ‘LUX’.

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