Photo: Norges Sildesalgslag /FIS

Norway Pelagic Fishing Update: North Sea Herring Season Commences Amid Varied Catches

NORWAY
Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 00:30 (GMT + 9)

Initial North Sea herring landings reported alongside significant blue whiting activity in Faroese waters and early fresh mackerel catches along the Norwegian coast.

Week 19 marks the tentative start of the North Sea herring season, according to the latest pelagic fishing update from Norway. While herring catches are just beginning, significant activity in blue whiting and the first signs of the fresh mackerel season are also reported.

North Sea Herring:

A total of eight vessels actively participated in the North Sea herring fishery during the past week, resulting in total landings of 2,965 tonnes. This modest figure indicates the initial phase of the season. Of the total catch, 955 tonnes were designated for human consumption, while the larger portion, 2,010 tonnes, was directed towards the production of fishmeal and fish oil.

The fishing activity was concentrated in two primary areas. The northernmost vessels operated south of the Oseberg field, located west of Bergen. Meanwhile, the southern fleet focused their efforts south of the 59th parallel, situated west of Egersund.

Blue Whiting:

Substantial blue whiting landings were also reported for the week, totaling 9,740 tonnes. The majority of this volume, 8,430 tonnes, was harvested within the Faroese zone by a fleet consisting of three foreign vessels and one Norwegian vessel. Additionally, three Norwegian vessels fishing along the "Edge" (likely the continental shelf edge) reported landings of 1,310 tonnes of blue whiting.

Mackerel:

The fresh mackerel season is showing early signs of activity, with approximately 98 tonnes reported by 19 different vessels. These catches were made along a significant stretch of the Norwegian coastline, ranging from Kinn municipality in the north to Hjelmeland municipality in the south. The mackerel destined for the fresh fish auctions is noted to be of good size and quality, with an average weight of around 500 grams. A further 36 tonnes of mackerel were reported for freezing, originating from the same fishing area.

Sand Eel:

In other pelagic activity, three vessels – two Danish and one Swedish – reported a combined landing of 2,450 tonnes of sand eel, all caught within the Danish zone.

Source: Norges Norges Sildesalgslag

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