Icelandic vessels join the hunt for blue whiting in Faroese waters as the Fagraberg sets sail on its maiden trip under new ownership.
The Northeastern Atlantic blue whiting season is continuing as several Icelandic pelagic vessels prepare to enter the fishery.
Fish processor, Síldarvinnslan’s boats Barði NK, Beitir NK and Börkur NK are heading south to begin blue whiting fishing. Speaking to the compnay’s website, Captain Theodór Haraldsson of Barði NK said expectations for the season are positive.
“I like them,” said Theodór. “We will set off for fishing at noon today and will probably arrive at the fishing grounds after a stop in the Faroe Islands tomorrow evening.”
According to the captain, fishing will take place in the so‑called grey area south of the Faroese jurisdiction, where the blue whiting stock are currently migrating from Irish waters. In recent years, intensive fishing has begun in this area around this time of year, with vessels recording catches of up to 100 tonnes per hour.
“Last year, fishing there started around April 6–10 and went very well,” Theodór said. “I think the Icelandic blue whiting vessels usually head out around this time, and people are expecting good fishing again.”
Last year’s season began strongly, with the first blue whiting landing arriving in Neskaupstaður on April 8, when Börkur NK delivered a full cargo of 3,250 tonnes.
Samherji’s pelagic vessel Vilhelm Þorsteinsson EA has also joined the fishery, departing port shortly after the Síldarvinnslan’s vessels and reinforcing expectations of an active and productive blue whiting season.
Blue Whiting Landings Continue in The Faroes
In the Faroe Islands, the Danish offshore vessel Beinur has sailed again from Fuglafjørður and is now engaged in blue whiting fishing. The vessel has been operating in British waters, where blue whiting fishing has been reported as good, and the vessel is expected to continue fishing in the area in the coming days.
The offshore vessel Gøtunes has also been active in the blue whiting fishery and has arrived with a cargo of blue whiting that will be landed on Tvøroyri. The vessel began fishing earlier in the week, with fishing described as good on this trip. Gøtunes has been operating south of Faroese waters, with landings scheduled for Varðan Pelagic on Tvøroyri.
Fargraberg Makes Maiden Fishing Trip Under New Owners
The pelagic vessel Fagraberg has headed out on its maiden blue whiting fishing trip for it’s new owners. The vessel, formerly Serene LK 297, arrived in Fuglafjørður on Tuesday, 31 March, where it has since been prepared for fishing, with limited working days due to the Easter holidays.
Preparations were completed earlier this week and the crew departed Fuglafjørður this morning, 09 April, with expectations high ahead of the start of blue whiting fishing. Ahead of departure, a traditional service was held on board with the crew and representatives of the owning company in attendance.
The vessel sailed from Fuglafjørður after lines were cast off by owner Anfinn Olsen and set course for the fishing grounds, marking the start of Fagraberg’s first fishing trip under the Faroese flag.
