Fresh Shrimp Value Rises Despite Modest Weekly Volumes
Norway’s fresh shrimp fishery recorded a noticeable weekly increase in both volume and value during week 16, although the broader pattern remains uneven.
A total of 47 tonnes of fresh shrimp were landed, generating NOK 4.3 million (€370,000 / £315,000). This marks a clear rise from the previous week, when 29 tonnes were sold for NOK 2.7 million (€232,000 / £197,000).
The largest catches came from Porsangerfjord with 15.2 tonnes, followed by inner Varangerfjord at 14.7 tonnes. Smaller volumes were reported from Laksefjord (4.5 tonnes), Kvænangen (3.5 tonnes), Ullsfjord (2.4 tonnes), with all other fishing areas contributing less than 1.5 tonnes.
While fresh shrimp fishing takes place year-round, activity typically increases from April into the summer months. However, the weekly catch levels remain inconsistent, with volumes so far this year ranging from just 7 tonnes up to the current peak of 47 tonnes.
Since the start of the year, total landings have reached 365 tonnes, valued at NOK 33 million (€2.84 million / £2.42 million). Of this, 269 tonnes were cooked shrimp, while 96 tonnes were raw shrimp destined for peeling.
Kvænangen remains the dominant fishing area so far in 2026, accounting for 120 tonnes, followed by Lyngenfjord (57 tonnes), inner Varangerfjord (51 tonnes), Vågsfjord (30 tonnes), Andfjord (23 tonnes), and Porsangerfjord (18 tonnes). However, this distribution is expected to shift as summer fishing intensifies in Varangerfjord.
Snow Crab Landings Increase Year-On-Year Despite Price Drop
The snow crab fishery presents a more complex picture, with strong volumes but weaker pricing compared to last year.
In week 16, 100 tonnes of fresh snow crab were landed, all of which were sold immediately at a total value of NOK 8 million (€688,000 / £584,000). This compares to 93 tonnes in the previous week, valued at NOK 6.3 million (€542,000 / £460,000).
So far this year, fresh snow crab landings have reached 3,744 tonnes, with a total value of NOK 259 million (€22.3 million / £18.9 million), giving an average price of NOK 69.22 per kilogram (€5.96 / £5.05).
At the same point last year, only 1,242 tonnes had been landed, but with a significantly higher average price of NOK 83.80 per kilogram (€7.21 / £6.11). The contrast highlights a clear decline in unit value despite the substantial increase in supply.
Frozen Claw Market Shows Further Contraction
The frozen segment tells a different story again. So far this year, 3,361 tonnes of frozen glazed snow crab claws have been landed, down sharply from 5,267 tonnes during the same period last year.
Of the volume landed this year, 1,395 tonnes have been sold, generating NOK 250 million (€21.5 million / £18.3 million). This is a significant drop compared to last year, when 2,242 tonnes were sold for NOK 475 million (€40.9 million / £34.7 million).
Overall Value Falls Behind Despite Strong Volumes
Combined, the total sales value for snow crab up to week 16 stands at NOK 509 million (€43.8 million / £37.2 million). This is notably lower than the NOK 579 million (€49.8 million / £42.3 million) recorded at the same stage last year.
The figures point to a familiar pattern: increased volumes are not translating into higher overall value. Instead, higher supply appears to be placing downward pressure on prices, particularly in the fresh segment.
For the industry, the implication is straightforward. Strong catches alone are not enough to sustain profitability if market conditions continue to weaken.
