The capelin survey managed by Iceland’s Institute of Marine Research, deploying two research vessels and three commercial fishing vessels, has come to an end.
Capelin were located along the edge of the continental shelf to the north of Iceland, all the way east to the Langanes Deeps. No capelin were found in coastal waters or off the east coast. Mature capelin were identified in most trawl samples.
The survey results will be made available this week.
Extended sea ice to the west of Iceland hampered survey work. Research vessel Árni Friðriksson took that part of the survey, with sea ice preventing access to some areas. Research vessel Bjarni Sæmundsson also encountered sea ice to the north of the Westfjords. Otherwise, survey conditions were favourable.
The expectation is to repeat survey coverage, depending on weather conditions and ice coverage, although forecasts indicate that the earliest opportunity would be towards the end of this week.
Research vessels are ready for sea, but no decision has yet been taken on possible involvement of commercial vessels as well.
