Norwegian spring-spawning herring (NVG herring) delivered its strongest week of the winter in week 4, with 56,000 tonnes reported.
The catch came from 80 vessels across several fleet groups. The best single day was Monday with 11,700 tonnes, followed by Sunday with 10,500 tonnes.
Catches ranged from 15 tonnes from a coastal vessel to 2,650 tonnes from Faroese vessels Gøtunes and Christian í Grótinum.
Faroese vessels play a key role
Foreign vessels from the Faroe Islands landed 16,600 tonnes during the week. Ring-net vessels took 15,100 tonnes, coastal vessels 13,800 tonnes, and trawlers 10,600 tonnes. Fishing took place in northern waters, including Altafjorden west of Sørøya and the area northwest of Torsvåg lighthouse.
The herring is moving south towards the spawning grounds. Fish size varied widely, from an average of 190 grams up to 320 grams, which affected prices.
Buyers reported good quality, solid fat content, and limited roe development. Most catches were processed into skinless fillets for premium markets.
Quota status and outlook
Norwegian vessels have now taken about 116,000 tonnes, or roughly one-third of their 343,000-tonne quota. Faroese vessels have fished 20,100 tonnes in Norwegian waters. Their total quota is 53,400 tonnes, all of which can be taken in the Norwegian zone until the end of February.
Good participation in the herring fishery is expected to continue, especially from Faroese vessels.
Other pelagic fisheries are mixed
Blue whiting landings were modest, with 1,600 tonnes reported from one vessel in Faroese waters. More vessels are expected to move into the EU and international zones in the coming weeks.
Horse mackerel improved, with nearly 300 tonnes landed by eleven vessels in western Norway. Mackerel activity remained low, while sprat landings reached just over 200 tonnes.