Cold winter weather boosted fishing activity along the Norwegian coast in the first two weeks of 2026, with strong catches of cod, saithe and crab, according to new data from Norges Råfisklag.
Fishing was strongest along the coast of West Finnmark, where vessels mainly landed cod. Further west and south, saithe dominated the catches. In East Finnmark, coastal vessels focused on king crab, while several larger offshore vessels delivered snow crab to local plants.
Total first-hand sales covered weeks 1 and 2 of 2026 and were primarily from Norwegian vessels. No landings from foreign vessels were recorded during the period.
Cod leads fresh fish landings
Fresh cod remained the most valuable species in week 2. Landings were lower than in the same period last year. Still, the total value was broadly unchanged, despite higher average prices. Most cod was landed in West Finnmark, followed by Troms and East Finnmark.
Gillnets accounted for the largest share of fresh cod landings. Landings from Danish seine and trawl were lower than last year.
Lower volumes of saithe and haddock
Fresh saithe landings fell sharply compared with the same period in 2025. The decline was most substantial for Danish seine fisheries. Haddock landings were also down year on year, except for a slight increase in Troms.
Crab fisheries are active in the north
King crab landings in week 2 were less than half of last year’s level. Most catches were taken in regulated areas between Berlevåg and Båtsfjord. Six vessels also delivered live snow crab during the period, primarily from quotas carried over from the previous year.