Photo: Ytterstad Fiskeriselskap AS: Rødholmen and M.Ytterstad stop by Pelagia Egersund with North Sea herring.

Norway Pelagic Fishing Update Week 25

NORWAY
Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 03:00 (GMT + 9)

North Sea Herring Fishing Continues Strong; Mackerel Rumors Swirl in the North

Norwegian Fleets See Robust Herring Catches, While Mackerel Proves Elusive and Other Species Show Mixed Fortunes

North Sea Herring:

Fishing for North Sea herring remains highly active, with 13,724 metric tons landed last week. Of this, a significant 10,483 tons were destined for human consumption, with the remaining 3,241 tons processed into fishmeal and oil. This brings Norway's total North Sea herring quota for the year to 46% caught, with 67,406 tons still remaining. The herring caught are large and fatty, weighing between 130 and 224 grams, with most falling into the 170 to 200-gram range.

Mackerel:

Rumors of mackerel sightings in northern waters are circulating, with reports from eight vessels last week indicating large, fine mackerel averaging 500 grams. However, the fish are proving challenging to catch as they move into shallower waters. Fishermen are hopeful for a more productive mackerel fishery in the coming week. Meanwhile, mackerel in the south, weighing 350-400 grams, are being steadily caught between Rogaland and southern Vestland.

NVG Herring:

While northern fleets contend with the elusive mackerel, some have found success with NVG (Norwegian Spring-Spawning) herring. A total of 515 tons of NVG herring, weighing between 200 and 300 grams, were reported last week, highlighting opportunities for proactive vessels.

Blue Whiting:

Blue whiting catches totaled 5,999 tons last week, primarily from one vessel in the Norwegian Sea and eight "Kantabåter" (likely referring to vessels operating on the shelf edge or "Kant" area). Additionally, 140 tons of sprat, 35 tons of silver cod, and 45 tons of capelin were reported from the same area.

Sandeel:

From the EU zone, 3,053 tons of sandeel were reported, contributed by Danish, Swedish, and German vessels. Finally, 786 tons of Norway pout were landed by two vessels last week.

Authored by Sigurd Vedøy for Norges Sildesalgslag (Norwegian Pelagic Fishermen's Association).

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