Norges Sildesalgslag reports on its website that Norway’s pelagic fleet is easing into the winter slowdown. Still, fishing activity remains steady in several regions, with NVG herring again leading last week’s landings.
New figures from Norges Sildesalgslag show 9,103 tonnes of NVG herring were reported in week 47, with 48 vessels active from Hitra to Kvænangen.
Vigorous NVG Herring Activity in the North
Most catches came from Kvænangen, with some landings near Hitra. The herring weighed an average of 315 grams, indicating stable size across the fleet. Norway’s national quota of 252,065 tonnes is now close to fully caught.
This season also saw the smallest fleet complete its direct-pumping scheme. Eleven carrier vessels moved around 7,200 tonnes to processing plants from Tromsø to Kalvåg, finishing the final deliveries in Senjahopen on 20 November.
“A fantastic job by fishers, carriers and buyers,” Norges Sildesalgslag notes in its summary.
Sprat and Mackerel Catches Continue
Activity continued further south, where coastal sprat was taken in Rogaland and the Oslo Fjord. A total of 145 tonnes of large coastal brisling was reported from two vessels.
In the North Sea, 2,177 tonnes of deep-sea sprat were landed by one Norwegian, one Swedish and one Danish vessel. Mackerel fishing also continued, with six Norwegian boats reporting 593 tonnes, including both coastal and offshore catches.
North Sea Herring and Horse Mackerel Round Off the Week
The week also brought modest volumes of North Sea herring. Two Norwegian vessels delivered 213 tonnes, leaving 7,179 tonnes still available in Norway’s 2025 quota of 126,263 tonnes.
Horse mackerel activity remained low, with five boats reporting 35 tonnes.
Despite many crews preparing for the Christmas break, Norges Sildesalgslag reports that the season continues at a controlled pace both along the coast and in the North Sea, with mixed pelagic species still being taken across vast areas of Norwegian waters.