Probably by doing it when it's too cold out for the bugs. They also dip it in brine to neutralize the pathogens on the surface of the fish.

What I'm curious about is what they do if they put a batch out and then a warm front blows through unexpectedly. Do they take the fish down and stuff them in a freezer until the weather cools off again? I can't imagine they let the whole batch get ruined.

I don't think there are many bugs in Iceland so long as you don't fish-shack-up near a lake, ponies, or puffins.

Maybe its cold enough out for minimal bugs? The pics seem to have snow in the background.

The article mentions they dip the fish in brine before hanging up as well. Google indicates other methods of drying fish include sprinkling salt on to keep bugs away.

I'm gonna guess netting in the warm months, but honestly, they are far enough north to not worry as much as one would in a warmer climate.

I was shocked by the lack of screens in windows in Norway, and I'm guessing Iceland is the same. The only time it has actually bothered me was on a farm when the cows were in the nearest pasture - there were so many flies!

Bug season in Iceland is relatively short but very intense.

Similar to the Nordics and Canada.

The black fly is the worst of them imo.

The drying season is the first winter months of the year, e.g. February, March, April. Before the flies are back.

We use netting