A total of 38,740 tonnes of Norwegian spring-spawning (NVG) herring were reported last week, with 45 vessels taking part in the fishery in northern Norwegian waters.
The fishing took place from areas south-west of Sørøya to waters north-west of Tromsø. Most vessels were Norwegian, but Faroese and British boats also joined the fleet, targeting the pelagic stock often called “the silver of the sea”.
The average herring weight was 266 grams, ranging from 181 to 320 grams. The fish is not yet fully mature, but maturity is increasing as the season progresses.
Blue whiting landed for food and industry
The vessel Malene S reported 810 tonnes of blue whiting to the consumption auction during the week.
In addition, three vessels landed 2,555 tonnes of blue whiting for fishmeal and oil production. The fishing took place in the EU zone, and the first reports from the international zone are still expected, where catches were strong last year.
Sprat, mackerel and horse mackerel were also reported
Other pelagic species also appeared in weekly landing reports.
The Swedish vessel Themis delivered 1,950 tonnes of Baltic sprat to Egersund after fishing in the Baltic Sea.
Another Swedish vessel, Astrid, reported 480 tonnes of mackerel with an average weight of 457 grams.
Meanwhile, Athena reported 17 tonnes of horse mackerel, with an average weight of 480 grams.