The results of an acoustic survey of capelin abaundance off the west, north and east of Iceland hasn’t returned results that provide optimism for a capelin season this winter.
Research vessel Árni Friðriksson surveyed western grounds, while commercial fishing vessels Heimaey, Polar Ammassak and Barði covered the areas off the north and east of Iceland. Poor weather hampered the survey work, alhough the Marine and Freshwater Research Institute states that this does not have any appreciable effect on the survey outcomes.
The survey located adult capelin off the east coast over a wide area, although with the densest concentrations furthest south. Some adult capelin were located to the north-west, but virtually none on northern grounds.
The overall volume of adult capelin located is reported as only two-thirds of the amount identified in September last year. According to the Institute, this means that there are no grounds for changes to the current advice for a zero-quota 2024-25 capelin season in Icelandic waters, although survey work is still in progress off the west of Iceland.
The survey’s overall results could be available during the coming week. No decisions have yet been taken on subsequent surveys.
