Research vessel Jákup Sverri has returned to the Faroe Islands after a joint North Atlantic herring survey found large amounts of older herring further south than in recent years.
The Faroese vessel returned to Tórshavn on 12 May after taking part in the survey with the Icelandic research ship Þórunn Þórðardóttir. The work started on 30 April.
Read more about Faroese pelagic fisheries
Researchers found herring in both Icelandic and Faroese waters. Around half of the stock came from the 2016 year class. The largest fish were seen in the western part of the survey area. Scientists also found some five-year-old herring from the 2021 year class, mainly in the east.
Blue Whiting Found in Warmer Waters
The survey also recorded blue whiting near the Iceland-Faroe Ridge, around the Faroese continental shelf, and in the eastern part of the survey area, where sea temperatures were higher.
Most of the blue whiting caught were one or two years old. Some fish aged between three and five years were also found.
International ICES Survey
The survey is part of an international research programme under the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). The Faroe Islands took part alongside Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom and Denmark.
Scientists said the final survey results will be ready around mid-June after data from all participating vessels has been analysed.