Faroese herring vessels continue to search — and wait — near the Icelandic line, as access to the spring-spawning herring remains limited.
Several ships are lying just outside the boundary because Iceland does not allow them to fish inside the zone.
Slow progress for the fleet
According to skipper Arngrím Hansen of Gøtunes, the fleet has struggled to reach the herring, which is still inside the Icelandic limit.
Vessels may enter briefly to look for fish, but must leave again if they want to set their nets.
Two stocks, one tight boundary
The restriction exists because Iceland manages two different herring stocks: a smaller Icelandic stock and the larger Norwegian spring-spawning herring, which Faroese vessels are allowed to target.
The Icelandic fish tends to stay close to the coast, while the Norwegian stock moves out — but the timing varies each year.
“We must be patient”
Hansen says the herring usually moves out earlier in the season, but this year the wait is longer.
With six to eight Faroese vessels already positioned at the line, he notes there is little to do now but stay ready and be patient.