For the first time since 2021, scientists are recommending a zero quota for the Barents Sea capelin fishery.
The joint Norwegian-Russian ecosystem survey in the Barents Sea provides key data on the capelin population and this year the Institute of Marine Research in Norway amassed with comprehensive information as important areas were covered.
‘This year’s assessments show that survival has been very poor for capelin, both for the age group one to two years and for the age group two to three years. Mortality can be compared with that measured in 2003 and in 2014, both of which ushered in periods of low levels of the population,’ said researcher Georg Skaret at the Institute of Marine Research.
Since assessments of the capelin population in the Barents Sea began in 1972, researchers have observed three clear periods of collapse, when the stock has been at a very low level for at least four years. Over the last decade there have been fluctuations over shorter periods of time than in the past. This year’s stock level is the third time in the ten years that it has been below the harvestable level.
Decisions on the quota for capelin in the Barents Sea will be taken this week by the Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission.
Norwegian fishing vessel operators are far from satisfied with the Institute’s recommendations and Christian Halstensen, chairman of fishing vessel operators’ federation Fiskebåt, points out that the Institute had already indicated there would be a significant Barents Sea capelin fishery in 2025.
‘What has happened to the younger large capelin year classes that were identified earlier? Is it still there? Has it been eaten, and if so by what?’ he asked.
‘It’s difficult to accept that this year’s capelin fishery has been cancelled. There are failures of both industry and science. Industry is facing wasted resources, while researchers fail because they significantly get their predictions wrong,’ he said, commenting that there’s a likelihood that this year’s quota recommendation is another serious failing.
