Norwegian pelagic vessels reported a substantial rise in mackerel landings last week, reaching 13,900 tonnes in week 42, according to Norges Sildesalgslag. The improvement follows several quieter weeks and reflects a wide area of activity stretching from northwest of Fladen Ground to east of Shetland.

Strong week for mackerel boats

Sixty-six vessels took part, with daily peaks of 3,400 tonnes on Friday. The largest single catch came from the Shetland trawler Serene with 1,150 tonnes.

By gear group, purse seiners landed 4,700 tonnes, coastal vessels 3,700, trawlers 1,400, SUK boats 900, and foreign vessels a combined 3,200 tonnes.

Average size varied widely in British waters — from 333 g to 490 g, averaging 433 g. Along the Norwegian coast, most fish were about 300 g.

With the national quota of 152,000 tonnes now fully taken, some boats are fishing on flex allocations, and the total may slightly exceed the yearly limit. More foreign ships are also expected to deliver mackerel to Norway before the season closes.

Herring moving toward Altafjorden

After finishing mackerel, many vessels turned north for Norwegian spring-spawning herring (NVG-sild). A total of 12,400 tonnes was reported from 18 boats.

Ring-netters dominated with 10,600 tonnes, while coastal boats caught 1,800 tonnes. The main fishing areas were north of Arnøy and east on Lopphavet, with Sunday as the best day (6,700 tonnes).

Fishers noted mixed year classes and uneven shoals, with average weights from 228 g to 340 g (mean 305 g). The stock now appears to be moving into Sørøysundet and possibly Altafjorden in the coming weeks. Roughly half of the 252,000-tonne quota has been taken so far.

Nordsjøsild, sprat and by-catches

Six vessels landed 850 tonnes of North Sea herring, mostly from British waters south of Fladen Ground.

Meanwhile, Danish and Swedish sprat boats recorded 4,400 tonnes, including a 300-tonne lot sold for human consumption and 450 tonnes of sardine by-catch.

Coastal brisling and blue whiting

The local vessel Kaspar landed 32 tonnes of coastal sprat near Sandnes and Strand — high-quality fish ideal for seasoned anchovy production.

In Nordfjord, the new 80-tonne sprat quota opened Wednesday, but no catches have been made yet.

Finally, the trawler Piraja fished 300 tonnes of blue whiting and 140 tonnes of Stromsild on the slope (“Kanten”).