Icelandic pelagic vessel Börkur NK landed 3,200 tonnes of blue whiting in Neskaupstaður, Iceland, late on Wednesday evening. The catch was taken south and south-east of the Faroe Islands and is now heading for processing.
The landing marks the first trip as skipper for Herbert Jónsson on board Börkur NK. He said the trip went well and delivered strong hauls.
Strong catches on first trip
The vessel filled its holds in seven hauls. The smallest haul delivered 170 tonnes. Most hauls ranged between 400 and 500 tonnes. The largest single haul reached 610 tonnes, according to Jónsson.
He previously served as chief mate on Beitir NK and has worked on vessels operated by Síldarvinnslan since 1989.
More blue whiting on the way
Beitir NK is also returning to Neskaupstaður with a further 2,600 tonnes of blue whiting. The vessel was fishing close to the line between the Faroe Islands and the Shetland Islands.
Skipper Ólafur Gunnar Guðnason said the fishing was good. The catch was taken in seven hauls, ranging from 200 to 500 tonnes. Weather conditions were favourable until the final part of the trip.
Processing outlook positive
Hafþór Eiríksson, operations manager at Síldarvinnslan’s fishmeal plant, said the incoming blue whiting looks suitable for processing.
He said the factory has started well with the new raw material. Fat measurements were not yet available, but the fish is expected to have reasonable fat content for the season.