Photo: Norges Sildesalgslag /FIS

Norway Pelagic Fishing Update: North Wind Impacts Herring, Coastal Mackerel Activity Increases

NORWAY
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

The latest report from Norges Sildesalgslag highlights the impact of adverse weather conditions on the North Sea herring fishery, while coastal mackerel fishing has seen a notable increase.

North Sea Herring:

The North Sea herring fishery experienced a slow week, with a modest total catch of only 2,500 tonnes reported. This volume was landed by 12 different vessels, with individual catches ranging from a low of approximately 60 tonnes to a maximum of 410 tonnes. The primary factor contributing to the reduced catch was strong northerly gales that hampered fishing activities in the key herring grounds during the latter part of the week.

The majority of the herring caught was located in two main areas within the Norwegian zone, alongside one area in the British zone. One Norwegian fishing ground was situated off Oseberg, west of Bergen, and another around N 59⁰ 3⁰ East, aligning with the latitude of Stavanger. In the British zone, catches were made 15-20 nautical miles west of the median line, just south of N 59⁰30′.

The herring caught so far in May has been characterized by a high presence of feed, and fat analysis has indicated a fat content exceeding 15%. This suggests favorable feeding conditions in the North Sea during the spring.

However, the size of the herring has been somewhat disappointing, with average weights from the Oseberg and British zone areas around 125 grams. Herring caught further south tended to be smaller in size.

Consumer buyers have reported strong interest in North Sea herring, particularly for larger-sized fish than what has been predominantly caught to date.

Limited activity is expected in the North Sea herring fishery in the coming days due to forecasts of strong northerly winds persisting until the weekend.

Mackerel:

Activity along the coast has picked up, with nearly 100 tonnes of mackerel reported by smaller coastal vessels in the past week.

Catches were made along a significant stretch of the coastline, from Strand in Rogaland in the south to Askvoll in Vestland in the north, with the most productive fishing reported in the Bømlo area.

The mackerel caught has been relatively large, ranging from 400-500 grams, and several fishermen have reported mackerel congregating around feed in the favorable weather conditions.

Blue Whiting/Sandeel:

Five vessels reported a total catch of 3,000 tonnes of blue whiting last week. Individual catches varied from just over 200 tonnes to 1,020 tonnes. Four of these catches were taken in the North Sea, with the remaining catch occurring in the Faroese zone.

A limited number of blue whiting catches are anticipated in the coming week.

Two Swedish vessels reported a combined catch of 1,500 tonnes of sandeel from the Danish sector within the EU zone.

On Friday, the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (Havforskningsinstituttet) issued a zero-advice recommendation for the quota in the Norwegian zone.

Author/Source: Kenneth Garvik/Norges Sildesalgslag

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