Capelin surveys off Northwest Iceland conclude as mature stock seen moving east and expected to return to spawn south and west of the country
Surveys Completed Off Northwest Iceland
The research vessel Árni Friðriksson has completed a week‑long series of winter capelin surveys off Northwest Iceland, bringing this season’s assessment work to a close.
The objective was to track spawning migrations and examine the distribution and abundance of capelin in the region.
Survey Route and Initial Findings
The survey began west of Dohrnbanki and followed the edge off the Westfjords before continuing north to Skagagrunn. Additional echo‑sounder data from the research vessel Þórunn Þórðardóttir, collected during a separate February expedition, was also analysed for signs of capelin activity.
Almost no capelin were detected north of Iceland. A small quantity of spawning fish was observed at Barðagrunn, and immature capelin were found along the outer edge of the Westfjords.
Stock Movement Indicates Eastward Shift
The results show that the majority of the mature capelin measured northwest of Iceland in January — an estimated 328,000 tonnes — has moved eastwards from that area. The stock appears to be travelling clockwise around the country and is expected to return to spawn off the south and west coasts.
No Further Winter Measurements Planned
The Marine Research Institute has confirmed that no additional measurements of the capelin stock are planned for the remainder of the winter season.
