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Icelandic fishing has welcomed a milestone in Icelandic history as its fleet is catches mackerel inside its own jurisdiction. Photo: Smári Geirsson
Icelandic fishing has welcomed the news that its fleet is catching mackerel withing its own jurisdiction after the 80-metre Barði NK arrived in Neskaupstaður with 1,100 tonnes of mackerel and herring.
In addition to the boat’s own catch, it was also carrying the catch from the four other vessels with which it cooperates in fishing.
Síldarvinnslan, the Icelandic pelagic fish processor says “This catch is a milestone in Icelandic history, and it is a cause for celebration that mackerel is being caught here.”
Þorkell Pétursson, the captain of Barði, expresses optimism about the continuation of the mackerel fishing. He said:
“In the catch we brought in, there is a high proportion of Icelandic herring. The mackerel will go for human consumption, while the herring will be processed into meal and fish oil.
“We were previously out in Smuga, but the fishing there was very slow. The ships moved into Icelandic waters, and then we started pulling in the catch near Breiðdalsgrunn, where there turned out to be a large amount of herring in the catch.
“Then the ships moved westward. We started towing near Lónsdýpi and ended at Hornafjörður Deep, where the proportion of mackerel in the catch was much better.”
Þorkell Pétursson said that it is difficult to distinguish whether it is mackerel or herring, as each species are mixed in these waters.
“Now there are reports of fish coming out of Faroese waters and into Icelandic waters, and mackerel must be on its way. The ships have already arrived there,” notes Þorkell Pétursson.
“The mackerel we currently have is the most beautiful fish, weighing about 500 grams. I believe people are optimistic about the future, and it is extremely positive that mackerel is being caught in Icelandic waters. It seems to be a bit late this time compared to previous occasions, but I think it will all come together. It will likely be unloaded tonight (Tuesday 04 July), and then we will head back for fishing again,” says Þorkell.