Síldarvinnslan has processed around 30,000 tonnes of herring in Neskaupstaður as its vessels prepare for the final fishing trips west of Iceland.
Iceland’s herring season is nearing its end, with just 4,000 tonnes of Icelandic summer-spawning herring left to catch, according to fishing company Síldarvinnslan.
Fishing has largely taken place east of Iceland, but the remaining quota will be targeted west of the country, where fishing has begun in Jökuldýpið.
Síldarvinnslan’s processing plant in Neskaupstaður has received approximately 30,000 tonnes of herring this season.
Two Vessels Prepare for Final Fishing Trips
The pelagic vessels Börkur NK and Beitir NK supplied the processing plant throughout the season, with Bjarni Ólafsson AK also supplying for part of the period.
On 5 November, Börkur completed landing approximately 1,500 tonnes, while Beitir arrived in port carrying another 1,500 tonnes.
Börkur subsequently headed west towards Jökuldýpið, with Beitir expected to follow after completing its landing.
Grétar Örn Sigfinnsson, Síldarvinnslan’s fleet operations manager, expects the vessels to make a combined two to four additional fishing trips.
Favorable Weather Supports Successful Season
Despite fluctuations in daily catches, Síldarvinnslan reports favorable weather conditions and efficient processing throughout the season.
Catches east of Iceland have included both Norwegian spring-spawning herring and Icelandic summer-spawning herring. The latter has recently accounted for approximately 40% of landings.
Sigfinnsson described the season as highly successful, saying it could hardly have gone much better.