A fresh capelin survey is due to start today, with three commercial pelagic vessels sailing with scientific teams on board from Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute
The survey is to establish the size and distribution of capelin stocks, and results will determine the options for setting a quota for this year’s season. The current recommendation is for a zero quota.
The intention had been for pelagic vessels Ásgrímur Halldórsson and Polar Ammassak to handle the survey alongside research vessel Árni Friðriksson. But an oil leak on the main shaft was identified when Árni Friðriksson was in dry dock, preventing it from taking part in the survey.
Its place is being taken by pelagic vessel Heimaey, as its owners responded promptly and brought it back from fishing for blue whiting.
The survey costs of two vessels are being met by the fishing companies, while the Institute covers the cost of bringing in the third vessel.
This latest survey is expected to cover waters from the Víkuráll Gully off the Westfjords to the Héráðs Deeps off the east coast, taking into account that some areas could be off limits do to sea ice.
