Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute is preparing a capelin survey that will begin just after the New Year, as scientists look to assess the stock early in the season.
The research vessel Árni Friðriksson will leave port early in the New Year to check how far east the capelin has moved. A complete stock survey will follow later in January. Five vessels will take part in the primary study.
Survey plan and vessels
The complete survey will involve two research ships, Árni Friðriksson and Þórunn Þórðardóttir, as well as the fishing vessels Barði, Heimaey, and Polar Ammassak. The work typically occurs at the start of the year and is a key step in assessing the size and distribution of the capelin stock.
The findings could affect the current capelin advice, which stands at just under 44,000 tonnes. According to Barði skipper Theodór Haraldsson, everyone hopes the survey will find capelin and allow the figure to increase.
He said a strong capelin quota is vital, given that quotas for blue whiting and mackerel have been cut.
Timing and preparations
The vessels are expected to depart around mid-January. The search is likely to last about a week. Before sailing, ships’ echo sounders are calibrated.
Barði’s equipment was calibrated on 22 December, leaving the vessel ready to depart upon the call.