Only limited amounts of capelin were located during the survey that the Icelandic Marine Research Institute conducted last month. Initial conclusions put the spawning stock at just 64,000 tonnes.
According to the Institute, the results are far below the level that would be required for a capelin quota to be advised.
The survey was carried out by research vessel Árni Friðriksson, along with commercial vessels Hákon and Polar Amaroq, between 13th and 25th January. The survey took place under difficult conditions, hampered by severe weather and by sea ice in the Denmark Strait.
The survey extended from south-eastern Iceland, all the way across the northern region and to areas off the Westfjords.
A second survey began on 1st February, with Polar Amaroq starting off the south-east and subsequently joined by pelagic vessel Aðalsteinn Jónsson. Research vessel Árni Friðriksson is starting at the other end of the survey area, beginning this second survey off the west coast. This second capelin survey is expected to continue through to mid-February.
