Pelagic vessels have reported exceptionally strong blue whiting catches in recent days in Faroese waters, with several ships already landing full loads or heading to port with full cargoes.
Barði NK landed 2,100 tonnes on Monday evening. Börkur NK followed with 3,200 tonnes. Beitir NK was due to arrive with 3,000 tonnes.
So far this year, the fleet has caught around 37,000 tonnes of blue whiting. About 22,000 tonnes of the annual quota remain.
Strong fishing across a wide area
Fishing has taken place south and south-west of the Faroese Bank. Skippers report large volumes of fish spread over a wide area.
Barði’s skipper said the vessel filled its catch in six hauls, with tow times between four and 12 hours. “There is a lot of fish moving through the area,” he said.
Fast catches and high volumes
Börkur filled its holds in just five hauls over two and a half days. Catch per haul ranged from 450 tonnes to just under 900 tonnes.
“I do not remember filling the ship in only five hauls before,” the skipper said.
Signs of a strong stock
Beitir also reported strong results, completing its trip in just over 2 days with short hauls of 3 to 6 hours.
“This was careful fishing, and I have never experienced anything like it,” the skipper said.
Skippers say the wide distribution of fish and high catch rates point to a strong blue whiting stock and suggest good seasons ahead.