First blue whiting landing of the year reaches Neskaupstaður in Iceland

Icelandic and Faroese authorities have reached an agreement allowing Icelandic vessels to begin fishing for blue whiting in Faroese waters. Several Icelandic ships have already sailed for the grounds, and the first landing of the year has reached Iceland.

Agreement clears the way for fishing

Talks between Icelandic and Faroese authorities have now concluded, clearing the way for blue whiting fishing in Faroese waters. Earlier delays had forced some vessels to turn back or seek port in the Faroe Islands. With the agreement in place, fishing can begin without further holdups.

Two Icelandic vessels from Síldarvinnslan, Beitir NK and Börkur NK, left Neskaupstaður again on Tuesday morning and headed for the fishing grounds. Other Icelandic vessels are also preparing to start operations in the area.

First landing of the year reaches Iceland

The Greenlandic vessel Polar Amaroq arrived in Neskaupstaður overnight with 2,000 tonnes of blue whiting caught in Faroese waters. This is the first blue whiting landing in Iceland this year.

According to the ship’s captain, the fishing went well, with strong marks on the grounds south of the Faroe Islands. The catch was taken in four short hauls. Weather conditions were good during the fishing, though the seas worsened towards the end of the trip. The catch will be processed into fishmeal and fish oil.

Polar Amaroq is operated by Polar Pelagic, which runs two pelagic vessels. The company’s second ship, Polar Ammassak, is expected to take part in capelin surveys off Iceland in the coming days.

What blue whiting is used for

Blue whiting is a pelagic species found widely in the North Atlantic, including waters around Iceland. It is not a common table fish. Almost all catches are used in industrial processing, primarily for fishmeal and fish oil.

The species is long and slender, with a dark mouth that gives it its name. It usually measures 22 to 30 centimetres, though larger specimens are known to exist.

Around Iceland, blue whiting is most often found off the south and west coasts, but it can also appear further north. It plays a key role in the marine food chain and is prey for whales and several commercial fish species.