ICELAND MACKEREL STOCK RESEARCH

Iceland mackerel stock research. The Icelandic research vessel Árni Friðriksson completed its participation in the annual pelagic ecosystem summer survey in the Nordic Seas (IESSNS, International Ecosystem Summer Survey in the Nordic Seas) on July 21. During this 18-day expedition of Árna around the country, 48 tug stations were taken and 3800 nautical miles or 7 thousand km were sailed. Sea measurements were then taken and baitfish taken at all surface towing stations.

The distribution and density of mackerel, herring and char in the Icelandic territorial waters was studied, with the exception of its eastern part, which was studied by the Faroese and Norwegians. Preliminary results show that the quantity and distribution of mackerel in Icelandic territorial waters is much greater than in the past two summers. Mackerel was found along the south and west coast of the country, both on and off the continental shelf. To the south, mackerel were found in the Deep of Iceland south to 62 °N latitude, but mackerel have not been caught this far south on this expedition since summer 2016. Preliminary results from the Norwegian and Faroese research vessels showed that mackerel were also found east of land.

As in previous years, Norwegian-Icelandic spring spawning herring were found at most of the tow stations in the north and east of the country, and Icelandic summer spawning herring on the continental shelf in the south and west of the country. Puberty of the cod was measured at the edge of the continental shelf to the south and west of the country. The amount and distribution of roe kelps was lower this year than in previous years. A total of 64 roe were tagged during the expedition.

Preliminary results show that surface layer temperatures were similar to summer 2021 and slightly warmer than summer 2020.

Data from the six ships that participated in the expedition will be compiled and analysed from mid-August and the results will be presented towards the end of August.

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