ICELANDIC FEBRUARY FISH CATCH DROPS DUE TO LACK OF CAPELIN

Icelandic February fish catch drops due to lack of capelin. The catch of Icelandic vessels was 65.4 thousand tonnes in February 2024 which is 56% less than in February 2023. The pelagic catch was 25 thousand tonnes, 78% less than in February last year. The main explanation for this large difference between years is due to no capelin being landed. Demersal catch was 39 thousand tonnes, 10% increase from February 2023.

In the 12 month period from March 2023 to February 2024 the catch was 1,272 thousand tonnes which is a 1% decrease from the previous 12 month period. Demersal catch got reduced by 11% while pelagic catch increased by 5%.

Information about catch of fish are preliminary figures. The data is gathered by the Directorate of Fisheries. ICELANDIC FEBRUARY FISH CATCH

Icelandic capelin is one of four capelin stocks in the North Atlantic and Barents Sea. It’s a pelagic fish and retreats to even shallower waters for spawning, particularly off the coasts of south and west Iceland. Capelin roe is filled with omega-3 acids, protein and vitamins B and D.

Source