Capelin season strengthens in Iceland as strong early catches and good roe quality drive optimism among fishermen and processors for 2026
Capelin Moving Quickly West Along South Coast
Iceland’s capelin season is building momentum as vessels working along the south coast report large, high‑quality catches.
At Síldarvinnslan in Neskaupstaður, processing crews completed work on Berkur NK this morning before Barði NK arrived in Norðfjörður with 1,100 tonnes landed from just three hauls.
Captain Þorkell Pétursson of Barði said the capelin is “moving quite fast west along the south coast,” with the vessel beginning its trip in Skarðafjörður and finishing west of Alviðra. He described the fish as “the most beautiful capelin being caught right now,” noting 32–34 fish per kilo and a 15% roe load, signalling the approach of the key Japanese roe market.
Strong Quality Reported Across Landings
The strong start is mirrored at Vinnslustöðin (VSV), where the first capelin of the year has now arrived and production is running at full capacity. According to Sindri Viðarsson, head of pelagic operations, early landings suggest a promising season ahead.
Gullberg reached the grounds on Saturday and its catch was already being processed by Sunday morning. Huginn followed with landings in Vestmannaeyjar last night, where processing began immediately.
Sindri said conditions have been favourable overall, with the first fish showing good quality, a 13% roe content, and being “almost completely without feed,” an indicator of strong market suitability.
Fleet Activity Increasing Despite Weather
Although weather on the grounds turned rough today, Gullberg is expected to return to the fishing grounds this evening. Yesterday, vessels were active west of Ingólfshöfði, an area now seeing heavy capelin traffic.
Þorkell noted that large numbers of capelin shoals were observed during Barði’s return trip east, adding to confidence that substantial volumes are still moving along the coast.
Optimism at Start of the Season
Both skippers and processors report a positive atmosphere across the fleet, with early indicators pointing toward a productive season.
“Everyone on board is happy and satisfied with the season,” Þorkell said. “It is incredible how a small fish can have such a positive effect on people.”
