Norwegian authorities and industry groups are preparing a capelin scouting fishery in the Jan Mayen zone this summer, with up to six vessels set to search for fish stocks during July and August 2026.

Norges Sildesalgslag said vessel participation will be decided through registration and a draw. Vessel owners must apply by 18 May. The first six vessels selected will be offered scouting roles.

Authorities have set a catch limit of 1,500 tonnes per vessel for those allowed to take part in the fishery. Only vessels with purse seine licences can participate. If capelin is found, up to 16 vessels, including the scouting vessels, may be allowed to sail immediately based on the draw order.

Six-week survey planned

The scouting operation is expected to run from mid-July until the first week of August. The first vessels are scheduled to depart Norway on 12 July, with the operation starting on 15 July and ending on 7 August.

Each scouting vessel is expected to spend six days surveying the Jan Mayen zone, excluding sailing time from Norway. Some vessels may operate alone for parts of the trip, while others will work together under a coordinated plan.

Norges Sildesalgslag said fuel support will be provided if at least six vessels join the operation. A total of NOK 4 million has been allocated to the scouting programme. That equals NOK 666,667 per vessel if six vessels participate. Based on current exchange rates, this is about EUR 57,000 per vessel.

Industry and authorities behind the project

The initiative is a joint project involving Norway’s Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, the Directorate of Fisheries, the Institute of Marine Research, Pelagisk Forening, Fiskebåt and Norges Sildesalgslag.

The scouting operation will also support biological research. Participating vessels are expected to submit short reports after the trip and provide frozen capelin samples to the Institute of Marine Research if catches are made.

Low participation could change plans

Norges Sildesalgslag warned that the framework for the scouting fishery could be reviewed if interest from vessel owners is low. The organisation said changes may be considered if three or fewer vessels register for the operation.

The organisation also said a formal regulation covering the scouting fishery is expected to be published soon.