Recent days have brought steady and strong blue whiting catches in Faroese waters, with several vessels landing full loads in Iceland.
The Greenlandic vessel Polar Amaroq landed just over 1,000 tonnes in Neskaupstaður on Friday, followed by Börkur NK with a load of 3,200 tonnes on Sunday. Beitir NK came in with 2,900 tonnes, while Barði NK remains at sea.
Captains Pleased with Fishing Grounds
According to the skipper of Börkur NK, Hálfdan Hálfdanarson, the fish were taken east and southeast of the Faroe Islands on the usual grounds for this time of year.
The catch was made in seven hauls, each ranging from 300 to 650 tonnes, with towing times of 10 to 20 hours. He described the fish as large and in good condition.
Beitir NK Reports Steady Conditions
Beitir’s skipper, Tómas Kárason, said the trip also went well. His crew made five hauls, with 12 to 18 hours of towing in each. Hauls ranged from 400 to 700 tonnes.
Icelandic, Faroese and Russian vessels were also active on the grounds. “I think we can only be pleased with this trip,” he said.
Hafþór Eiríksson, plant manager at Síldarvinnslan, said the landed fish were fat and well-suited for processing.