Pelagic trawler Barði NK landed nearly 1,700 tonnes of blue whiting in Neskaupstaður last night, adding to what has been described as one of the best autumn seasons in years.
Processing begins at full speed
Síldarvinnslans website writes that processing of the catch started early this morning at Síldarvinnslan’s fishmeal factory. Factory manager Hafþór Eiríksson said the fish was in excellent condition. “The blue whiting has proven to be good raw material. Both the meal and oil produced are of high quality,” he noted.
Fishing began in late August in Hvalbakshall and the Rosengarten area, with almost 19,000 tonnes landed in Neskaupstaður so far.
That is more than in previous years at this time. Hafþór added that freezing blue whiting was also part of this year’s work – something not done locally since 2012.
Important for Icelandic waters
Eiríksson stressed that catches within Iceland’s exclusive zone are vital. Blue whiting is a shared North Atlantic stock that requires international agreements. “It is important that fishing takes place in Icelandic waters, strengthening our position in future talks,” he said.
Strong but slowing catches
Captain Þorkell Pétursson of Barði reported the latest catch was made in seven hauls. Conditions were challenging at the start of the trip, with heavy seas and strong currents.
“There were a few Faroese and Icelandic vessels early on, but later we were alone on the grounds. The fishing has been good, and the crew is satisfied,” Captain Þorkell Pétursson of Barði said.
With the season now slowing, a pause in fishing is expected soon. However, the strong results have already elevated the autumn campaign above recent years, securing valuable raw materials for Iceland’s fishmeal and oil production.