Norway’s coastal fleet delivered most of last week’s herring as activity increased in northern waters, landing 18,700 tonnes of NVG herring across 56 vessels. The coastal group accounted for 16,400 tonnes, marking a clear dominance in week 46.
Vigorous coastal activity in the north
Fishing took place mainly in Kvænangen, with only a few catches from Altafjorden. Sizes were stable, with average weights ranging from 292 to 341 grams, and an overall mean of 313 grams.
Further south, vessels landed herring in Meløy and Hitra, where the size varied from 280 to 350 grams.
Mackerel landings remain low
Mackerel catches were modest at just 2,000 tonnes, with two Shetland vessels delivering 1,850 tonnes east of Shetland. A Norwegian vessel added 160 tonnes.
Fish ranged from 400 to 420 grams, while smaller coastal boats in Bømlo and Øygarden landed fish between 350 and 450 grams.
North Sea herring and sprat
Seven vessels landed 1,250 tonnes of North Sea herring, caught across EU waters and both Norwegian and British zones. Of this, 740 tonnes went to meal and oil, and just over 500 tonnes to consumption markets.
Only 7,000 tonnes remain of the 126,263-tonne quota. Sprat fishing delivered 1,400 tonnes from Danish vessels in Danish and German waters, though fishermen reported slower activity.
Coastal sprat catches in Rogaland and Møre totalled 73 tonnes, with large fish well suited for curing and smoking.