The pelagic processing plant at Síldarvinnslan in Neskaupstaður, Iceland, has processed 3,300 tonnes of capelin since the new season began. Processing has run smoothly, with no major problems.
The first delivery arrived on 20 January. The Greenlandic vessel Polar Amaroq landed the opening catch. Since then, the Icelandic vessel Barði NK and the Greenlandic Polar Ammassak have also delivered good volumes. Polar Amaroq has returned with a second load.
Operations manager Geir Sigurpál Hlöðversson says the quality of the fish has been high. He reports that only small amounts have been sorted out. The rejected raw material is sent for fishmeal and fish oil production.
Good start to the season
“All capelin received so far has been caught by pelagic trawl,” Geir Sigurpál says. Vessels are now preparing to switch to night fishing. Purse seine fishing is expected to start soon in shallow waters south of Iceland.
The plant finished processing the catch from Polar Ammassak on Sunday evening. Workers are now cleaning the factory ahead of the next round of landings.
Optimism despite weather risks
Staff at the Neskaupstaður facility remain upbeat about the season. The only concern is the weather. Bad conditions could disrupt the planned purse seine fishery in the coming weeks.
The current capelin flows suggest a stable start to the 2026 season. Further landings are expected as more vessels join the fishery.
Efficient processing chain
The Neskaupstaður plant is a key hub for Icelandic capelin. It handles both food-grade production and by-products for meal and oil. The early deliveries indicate that logistics and processing lines are ready for the main season.
Managers hope the strong start will continue through February and March. If the weather stays calm, volumes could rise quickly.