Iceland demersal survey shows cod decline, haddock above average and mixed trends across key species ahead of fisheries advice in June 2026.
Annual Survey Tracks Changes Across Key Demersal Stocks
Iceland’s annual demersal stock survey, conducted between 25 February and 23 March 2026, indicates a decline in cod abundance alongside mixed trends across other key species.
The survey, carried out by the trawlers “Breki VE-61” and “Þórunn Sveinsdóttir VE-401” together with research vessels “Árni Friðriksson HF-200” and “Þórunn Þórðardóttir HF-300”, has been conducted using comparable methods each year since 1985. Its purpose is to assess stock size, distribution and biological condition of demersal fish on Icelandic fishing grounds.
Cod Index Falls to Lowest Level Since 2011
The cod stock index increased steadily between 2007 and 2017, largely driven by higher numbers of larger fish. Since peaking in 2017, the index has declined and is now at its lowest level since 2011.
The abundance index for smaller cod measuring 56 cm or less was below the long-term average. Although the index for larger cod of 80 cm and above has declined over the past two years, it remains above the survey average.
Feeding conditions appear stable, with stomach fullness close to average levels. Capelin accounted for more than half of the diet across all size groups. However, distribution varied geographically, with capelin found mainly in cod stomachs from the southeast coast to the Westfjords, and largely absent in samples from northern and eastern waters.
Haddock Remains Above Average Despite Recent Decline
Haddock stock levels increased between 2016 and 2023 and, despite a decline over the past two years, remain above the long-term average.
The abundance index for smaller haddock of 25 cm or less increased and is now the fourth highest recorded since 1985. Larger haddock, between 61 and 80 cm, showed increased capelin presence in stomach contents compared to last year, while levels remained similar for smaller fish. Capelin was most commonly observed in haddock from Faxaflói Bay and Breiðafjörður.
Saithe & Wolffish Decline While Other Stocks Strengthen
The saithe stock index declined to levels comparable with the period from 2009 to 2011. The wolffish stock index has also decreased over the past three years and is now at its lowest level since 2013.
By contrast, several other species showed stronger indicators. Stock indices for tusk, blue ling and ling are among the highest recorded since the survey began. Abundance indices for younger size classes of these species are also at historically high levels.
Redfish trends were mixed, with overall stock levels stable but a notable increase in smaller fish measuring between 4 and 11 cm. This is the highest level recorded since 1993.
Full Results to Inform Upcoming Fisheries Advice
Further results from the survey are available through Iceland’s Marine and Freshwater Research Institute.
Key findings will be presented alongside fisheries advice for the next fishing year on 12 June 2026.
The survey remains a central component of Iceland’s fisheries management system, providing long-term data used to inform quota decisions and stock assessments across the fishing industry.
