The first North Sea herring catch of the season has been reported. At the same time, blue whiting activity remains limited in the Faroese zone, according to the latest weekly update.
A single vessel reported 130 tonnes of herring caught by trawl west of Egersund. The fish were small, averaging 100 grams, and were sold for fishmeal and oil production.
Limited blue whiting activity
Blue whiting fishing has been modest. Only four vessels, three Norwegian and one Faroese, reported a combined 4,800 tonnes. Individual catches ranged from 130 tonnes to 3,300 tonnes, with the largest haul taken by the Faroese vessel Høgaberg.
Fishing has taken place in the Faroese zone since shortly after Easter. Vessels from several countries, including Iceland, Russia, Norway and the Faroe Islands, have been active in the area.
So far, 215,000 tonnes have been caught, out of a total quota of 230,700 tonnes. Norwegian vessels are expected to shift effort south of 62°N, while some may fish in the Norwegian Sea later in summer.
Early signs of mackerel season
Coastal fishers have started to report the first small mackerel catches. Landings of 2.5 tonnes were recorded from western Norway. The fish were sold for fresh use.
Horse mackerel activity remains low, with a single catch of 12 tonnes reported near Bergen. The fish had a high average weight of 600 grams.
More herring fishing expected
The early herring catch suggests the season is starting, but quality is still uncertain. The fish were described as long and thin, with low feeding levels. Fat content results are pending.
More vessels are expected to begin herring fishing in May, depending on weather and feeding conditions.