The first payloads of capelin caught in the Barents Sea by the Russian fleet are on their way to Murmansk.
Ten fishing vessels are reported to have been active, with catches of 14,000 tonnes. This is three more vessels than during last year’s season and, and a 40% higher catch than at the end of February in 2023 – and the quota for capelin is also three times larger than a year ago.
Close to half of catches have been caught by vessels belonging to RPK Rybflot-FOR and PJSC MTF.
Sources in Russia report that capelin concentrations remain scattered, but are expected to consolidate as the fishery progresses this month, which is the critical time of year for the capelin fishery in Russian waters.
Due to unfavourable weather conditions, transhipping catches onto transport vessels in sheltered water has been allowed, and the first carrier vessel is expected to dock early next week (5-6th March) with approximately 4000 tonnes of capelin on board.
Murmansk has made available five berths for priority discharging, and the port is reported to have refrigeration capacity of 6000-8000 tonnes.
