Two of Síldarvinnslan’s pelagic vessels, Barði NK and Beitir NK, have returned from highly successful blue whiting trips in Hvalbakshall and Rósagarðurinn.
After finishing their mackerel season last week, the ships set course for new grounds and came back with impressive results.
Barði Returns with 1,800 Tons
Captain Theodór Haraldsson and his crew on Barði sailed on August 21. In just four and a half days at sea, the ship landed 1,800 tons in Neskaupstaður.
“We started deep in Hvalbakshall and later fished in Rósagarðurinn,” said Haraldsson. “The catch came in six hauls, each lasting about ten hours. Every haul gave between 220 and 350 tons. The fishing was excellent, the weather calm, and the fish large and beautiful.”
Beitir Brings in 2,600 Tons
The larger Beitir, under Captain Ólafur Gunnar Guðnason, returned later that evening with around 2,600 tons. Six hauls yielded most of the catch, with 360 to 460 tons in each. “This went like clockwork,” Guðnason said.
“Normally, blue whiting fishing doesn’t begin until late September, so this is an early and very welcome start. We were only 70–80 miles from shore, which makes everything easier. Part of our catch was chilled immediately for freezing.”
Processing Starts at Once
Processing began the moment the vessels reached land. At Síldarvinnslan’s fishmeal plant, the larger unit was started up again after the mackerel season to handle Barði’s catch.
Factory manager Hafþór Eiríksson praised the raw material: “The fish is large and has around 6% fat, making it excellent for production.”
Meanwhile, Beitir’s haul went straight into the freezing plant. “We haven’t frozen blue whiting here since 2012,” said foreman Oddur Einarsson.
“It matters a lot that the fishing grounds are so close — only six hours from shore. The catch is well chilled, and our staff are familiar with this work. That experience is priceless.”
Early Season, Bright Outlook
With both vessels reporting smooth trips and strong catches, optimism is high for the coming weeks. The early arrival of large, fat blue whiting so close to home could mark the beginning of a particularly valuable season for the region’s fishing industry.