Iceland’s total catch in January fell five percent to 75,000 tonnes as demersal and flatfish declined while pelagic landings recorded slight growth
January Catch Down Five Percent
Iceland’s total catch in January 2026 reached nearly 75,000 tonnes, representing a five percent decrease compared with the same month in 2025. According to official data, landings dropped from 78,630 tonnes in January 2025 to 74,945 tonnes in January 2026.
Demersal species accounted for much of the decline, falling by 11 percent year on year to 30,700 tonnes. Flatfish landings also dropped sharply, down 27 percent to 971 tonnes. Pelagic landings, however, recorded a slight increase of one percent, rising from 42,560 tonnes to 43,145 tonnes.
Demersal Species Under Pressure
Cod landings declined by two percent to 18,656 tonnes. Haddock experienced a notable decrease of 27 percent, dropping from 7,298 tonnes to 5,347 tonnes. Saithe fell by 10 percent to 1,896 tonnes, while redfish declined by 22 percent to 2,750 tonnes. Other demersal species decreased collectively by 24 percent.
Pelagic Catch Buoyed by Herring and Capelin
Pelagic catches showed a marginal rise overall, supported by a two percent increase in herring and the return of capelin landings. Capelin recorded 906 tonnes in January 2026 after no catch in the same month the previous year. Blue whiting fell by one percent to 34,329 tonnes. Mackerel landings remained at zero for January, consistent with the previous year.
Shellfish landings increased strongly by 72 percent, while other species dropped from nine tonnes to one tonne.
Annual Catch Exceeds One Million Tonnes
Over the 12‑month period from February 2025 to January 2026, Iceland’s total catch reached 1.03 million tonnes, marking a four percent increase compared with the previous period. Pelagic landings rose by 11 percent to 591,709 tonnes, supported by strong annual performances in herring and mackerel.
Demersal catches declined by two percent over the year, while flatfish landings fell by 17 percent.
Pelagic Sector Drives Growth
Herring landings increased by 23 percent year on year for the 12‑month period. Mackerel showed substantial growth of 45 percent, rising from 89,613 tonnes to 129,621 tonnes. Capelin also contributed positively after a period of low or zero landings.
Blue whiting declined by seven percent annually, but overall pelagic strength continued to drive Iceland’s catching performance despite weaker demersal and flatfish results.
