Icelandic longliner Sighvatur GK returned to Grindavík this week with 80 tonnes of fish, caught just outside Iceland’s so-called “keiluhólf” areas. Most of the catch was cod, with some haddock, ling, and tusk.
The trip is part of a study to compare fish caught outside the closed grounds with those caught inside. Another vessel, Páll Jónsson GK, has recently fished within the keiluhólf areas in cooperation with the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.
Testing the closed zones
The keiluhólf areas have been closed to fishing for up to 25 years to protect young tusk, thought to be plentiful there. Early results from Páll Jónsson showed strong, healthy fish within the zones.
More stories about Iceland’s fisheries
Now, Sighvatur’s catch gives scientists a chance to see how stocks compare just outside the closures.
A successful trip
Skipper Aðalsteinn Rúnar Friðþjófsson said the voyage went well. The crew set five longlines outside the closed zones and always brought up good-sized fish.
Fishing took place near Kötlugrunn, Ingólfshöfði, Breiðamerkurdýpi, Mýragrunn, Hornafjarðardýpi, and Stokksnes. The six-and-a-half-day trip was described as smooth and steady.
The Marine and Freshwater Research Institute will now analyse the landings and compare them with the fish caught by Páll Jónsson inside the protected areas. The results could help decide the future of the closures.
Back to sea
After landing in Grindavík, Sighvatur was soon on its way back out. For the crew, the job continues as usual, while for scientists, the data is key. After decades of closures, the question remains whether the keiluhólf areas should stay shut, be reopened, or be managed in new ways.
For now, the test voyages offer fresh insight into one of Iceland’s longest-running fisheries experiments.