The course of fisheries as per week 14/2018
Another good week for blue whiting.
High activity for the blue whiting and still some activity for
the Atlanto Scandic herring at the west coast of Norway.
The capelin fishery at Iceland is over, while the capelin in the
Barents Sea is fairly absent so far.
Blue whiting
Following the initial start last week, the conditions have been
changing both when it comes to availability - and weather. In
periods the fish has been observed in a limited area, pretty close
to the EU zone's border line. By then end of the week however, the
fleet was operating in several areas from 50° 30' N and further
north towards 52° N 16° W into international waters.
As a total, last week came out with 42.500 MT. The good results
have partly led to some waiting time when delivered in Norway. Also
plants in Denmark, Killybegs and at the Faroe Isles have received
fish. The buyers for consumption purposes in Killybegs have
signalized their interest, and a couple of catches have been
delivered accordingly.
The price level for consumption purposes varies from NOK 2,10 -
2,30. For meal&oil the price has been falling over the week
from NOK 2,10 - 2,05 in Norway, - and from NOK 2,20 - 2,13 abroad.
The average from last week: NOK 2,10.
In the forthcoming week high activity is still expected and by good
catches, the vessels must to be prepared for some waiting
time.
Capelin at Iceland
By midnight Sunday night the capelin season at Iceland was
closed and the Nw part of the quota had been taken. Summing up,
there is still 100 MT left, - on the other hand all vessels are not
yet unloaded. The season has been a challenge when it comes to the
weather, in particular last week allowing for just very short
catching periods.
The catching has been performed in areas north of Iceland, last
week as far as 21° W. The capelin from these waters was smaller
sized as an average when compared to fish previously caught, up to
55 pcs/kg. From Iceland we are now told that capelin is observed
east of the island, and being of better size - but to no help
when the fact is that the quota is fulfilled and the very last day
of catching is out.
Last week gave a total of 3.875 MT and the main part was sold for
consumption. During this year's season 27.000 MT were sold for
consumption purposes and 23.500 MT were sold for meal&oil
production. The price level for consumption; NOK 2,60 - 3,11,
with an average at NOK 2,71. - NOK 2,30 for reduction purposes.
Capelin in the Barents Sea
Last Monday we got the very first report of capelin from
the Barents Sea. The vessel "Trønderbas" was taking her quota of
760 MT. Mixed size was fairly small, the samples indicated between
55 - 65 pcs/kg being delivered for reduction purposes. The catch
was taken north of the cape, grid 03-23. During the rest of the
week, the catching was stopped by the weather, until Saturday when
vessels again headed for catching capelin.
On Sunday night there were no further registrations in the Barents
Sea and five vessels are widely spread looking. In the forthcoming
week more vessels are expected to join in.
Atlanto Scandic herring
There are still some vessels searching the Atlanto Scandic
herring off the western coast of Norway. After five days staying in
port, the vessels headed out again on Thursday and got almost 4.400
MT until Sunday. The size is varying from 331 - 347g. The spawning
has started and from the northernmost areas the spawning is likely
to be completed in a short while. Further south the herring
roe is still more firm.
The market seems good despite some buyers have concluded their
herring season. Now it is mainly the smaller coastal vessels still
catching Atlanto Scandic herring, but a few trawlers are also
taking part. The price level at the auctions is from NOK 5,15 in
the low end to NOK 6,11 in the high end, with an average at NOK
5,66.
In the forthcoming week still some activity is expected, but
vessels are near to fulfil their quotas. The activity will most
like move further south because that's where the herring has not
yet started spawning.
Mackerel
The deliveries of winter mackerel from foreign vessels are
now towards its end. Last week just three catches were reported
amounting to 3.560 MT. The mackerel has been registered in an area
west of Ireland, grid 46-07 and 48-16. The average size last week:
382 - 407 g.
Pelagia is established in Skagen, Denmark, producing marinated herring.
This season’s best week for blue whiting – and the capelin quota, close to be taken.
On April 3, 2018, the Norwegian Coastal Administration (NCA) will introduce new booking regulations for ordering marine pilots. The regulations will thus be formalized and merged into one set ? Regulations on Compulsory Pilotage.
The season for capelin in the Barents Sea towards an end, but still high activity for blue whiting – if weather is cooperative.
A "marvelous" week for capelin in the Barents Sea, but stormy for the blue whiting vessels.
Norges Sildesalgslags has implemented some minor changes in the auction validation-rules for catches sold at auctions through Norges sildesalgslag