Mackerel processing has restarted at Síldarvinnslan’s fish factory in Neskaupstaður after large deliveries from Greenlandic vessels.
The trawler Polar Ammassak docked overnight with 770 tonnes, and processing began this morning. A second vessel, the Polar Amaroq, has also arrived with approximately 100 tonnes for the plant. However, much of its catch was frozen at sea.
‘One of the best seasons in years’
According to Captain Geir Zoëga of Polar Amaroq, this year’s mackerel season has been perfect.
“It has been a long time since I have seen this much mackerel in summer,” he said. “Recently, fishing near the Norwegian line has been excellent. Our vessels, Polar Amaroq and Polar Ammassak, have been pair-trawling, and the results have been outstanding. The season has far exceeded expectations.”
High quality and strong demand
Geir Sigurpáll Hlöðversson, operations manager at the Neskaupstaður factory, praised the quality of the latest catch.
“The average weight is around 550 grams, and all of it will be frozen whole,” he explained. “The Beitir is now on the mackerel grounds, and Vilhelm Þorsteinsson is on the way. Catches have been mixed, but with some very strong hauls. We are pleased to have more mackerel for processing, and herring production will follow.”
Busy times ahead
With several vessels still at sea and quotas not yet exhausted, staff at the Neskaupstaður facility are preparing for busy weeks ahead. The strong mackerel season, described as well above expectations, ensures steady work for the factory before herring processing begins.