Capelin processing has started at Síldarvinnslan’s fishmeal plant in Neskaupstaður, Iceland, after the first catch of the season was landed on Tuesday. The Greenlandic vessel Polar Amaroq delivered 340 tonnes of capelin caught east of Iceland, according to the company.
About 120 tonnes were processed on the first day. The remaining volume is due to be completed today.
Strong quality in the first capelin of the season
Plant manager Geir Sigurpáll Hlöðversson said the raw material was in very good condition.
“This capelin is really fine and grades well,” he said. “The average size is good, with around 37 fish per kilo”.
Only a day shift is currently running. Processing usually starts slowly at the beginning of the season, as equipment and staff are adjusted.
Processing is running smoothly
According to the plant, operations are now stable. “Everything is running like a story,” Hlöðversson said, adding that the full cargo would be processed within a day.
Staff at the Neskaupstaður facility were described as upbeat as the season got underway.
Hopes for higher capelin quota
Employees are now closely watching the ongoing capelin survey. There is hope that the search results will support an increase in the already announced quota.
Capelin is a key seasonal fishery for Icelandic processors and plays a major role in employment and export value during the winter months.