On August 25, the Icelandic vessel Börkur NK arrived in Neskaupstaður, Iceland, with 490 tons of mackerel. This marks the last mackerel catch of the season to be processed at Síldarvinnslan’s fish factory. The season has stretched slightly longer than last year, when the final catch was landed on August 21.
A Strong Team Effort at Sea
This year, Börkur worked closely with four other vessels: Beitir NK, Barði NK, Margrét EA, and Vilhelm Þorsteinsson EA.
The cooperation was smooth, ensuring that fresh and high-quality raw material was consistently delivered to shore. Together, the fleet brought in close to 30,000 tons of mackerel during the season.
The joint effort highlights how teamwork at sea can secure better catches and a steady flow of fish for processing. Compared to last year, the results were stronger, with better catches and more reliable landings.
Processing Success and Quality Fish
Odd Einarsson, foreman at Síldarvinnslan’s fish factory, praised how the season unfolded:
“I think it went pretty well. The fishing was better than last year, and that makes all the difference. Recently, the fish has been of excellent quality, and most of it has been processed as headed and gutted, or frozen whole.”
The improved fishing conditions and better raw material late in the season allowed the factory to maintain a steady pace of work and meet its goals.
Looking Ahead to the Herring Season
With the final mackerel processed, the focus now shifts to herring. Workers are preparing the factory for the upcoming herring season, which is expected to start soon. Oddur says the outlook is bright:
“It all looks good for the herring season, and we are excited to get started.”
The change of seasons in the fishing industry is always a moment of transition. After a successful summer of mackerel, Neskaupstaður now turns its eyes to the sea once more — this time for herring.