The blue whiting fleet has resumed fishing after Easter, with vessels now active in the Faroese zone and reporting improving catches.
Early results show hauls of around 300 tonnes after 10–12 hour trawls. Some vessels have already reported better catches, with hauls reaching up to 600 tonnes.
Fleet returns to fishing grounds
Around 12 Norwegian vessels are now operating in the fishery, alongside boats from Iceland, Russia and the Faroe Islands. The Norwegian vessel Eros was the first to return after Easter, reporting a catch of 1,900 tonnes.
Fishing is taking place in the Faroese zone, where activity is expected to increase in the coming days as more catches are reported.
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New vessel joins the fishery
The vessel Rogne is among those active on the grounds. It recently arrived in Norway after being built at Karstensens Skibsværft in Skagen. The vessel is 83 metres long and 16.5 metres wide, designed as a combined purse seine and trawler.
This is its first trip targeting blue whiting, using new gear and trawl doors. The crew reports satisfaction with both the vessel and equipment so far.
Weather and quota status
Weather conditions have been challenging in recent days and are expected to remain unstable, potentially affecting fishing activity.
Despite this, more landings are expected. Norway still has 52,035 tonnes remaining of its total blue whiting quota of 230,712 tonnes for the year.