Pair of Faroese trawlers land high-value cod catch worth about EUR 0.8m

Two Faroese trawlers have landed a cod catch expected to earn around EUR 0.8 million, driven by strong prices and good quality fish.

The Faroese Seamen’s Mission writes on their Facebook page that the pair of trawlers Heykur and Falkur, who always fish together, arrived in Runavík with about 150 tonnes of cod caught on the Iceland Ridge. At prices close to DKK 40 per kilo (about EUR 5.4), the trip is described as one of the best Faroese iced-fish cod voyages in terms of value.

Strong prices lift modest volumes

The catch totals roughly 300,000 pounds, which is not large by volume. Value comes from price. At current levels, skippers estimate sales of around DKK 6 million, equal to about EUR 0.8 million.

Good quality from cold conditions

Skippers said the early days were hit by poor weather, with vessels forced to lie idle for part of the trip. Conditions later improved.

Cod was kept cold from capture, gutted quickly and iced soon after. Bottom temperatures were close to 0.5°C, helping preserve quality during the 12-day voyage.

Iceland Ridge activity

Most of the catch was good, fatty cod. Smaller amounts of black halibut and blue ling were also taken. Other Faroese trawlers, including Rankin, Steintór and Norðfinnur, also fished the Iceland Ridge with workable results. Crews are expected to sail again shortly.