Fresh Shrimp Volumes Drop Sharply Week On Week
Fresh shrimp landings declined in week 17, with 32 tonnes traded at a total value of NOK 2.8 million (approx. €240,000/£205,000).
This represents a clear drop from the previous week, when 47 tonnes were landed with a value of NOK 4.3 million (approx. €370,000/£315,000).
The distribution across fishing grounds highlights continued reliance on northern areas. Varangerfjord accounted for the largest share at 11.5 tonnes, followed by Salmon Fjord with 6.9 tonnes.
Other contributions included Lyngenfjord at 2.7 tonnes, Glomfjorden at 2.4 tonnes, and Ullsfjorden at 2.2 tonnes, with smaller volumes recorded across other grounds.
Seasonal Trends Mask Weekly Volatility
Shrimp fishing takes place year-round, but activity typically increases from April into the summer months, when the largest weekly volumes are usually recorded.
However, weekly landings remain volatile. So far this year, volumes have ranged from as low as 7 tonnes to a peak of 47 tonnes in week 16.
Total landings for 2026 to date stand at 398 tonnes, with a combined value of NOK 36 million (approx. €3.1 million/£2.6 million).
Of this, 293 tonnes are fresh cooked shrimp, while 105 tonnes are raw shrimp destined for peeling.
Catch Distribution Reflects Northern Concentration
Catch distribution so far this year shows a concentration in a small number of fjords.
Kvænangen leads with 121 tonnes, followed by Varangerfjord at 66 tonnes and Lyngenfjord at 60 tonnes.
Further contributions include Vågsfjorden with 30 tonnes, Andfjorden at 23 tonnes, and Salmon Fjord at 21 tonnes.
Porsangerfjorden has produced 18 tonnes, while Ullsfjorden has delivered 15 tonnes, with smaller volumes spread across other fishing grounds.
This distribution is expected to shift later in the year, with Varangerfjord typically accounting for a larger share of landings during the summer.
Snow Crab Landings Also Fall From Previous Week
Fresh snow crab landings followed a similar downward trend.
In week 17, 62 tonnes were delivered with a total value of NOK 5.2 million (approx. €445,000/£380,000). This compares with 100 tonnes and NOK 8 million (approx. €685,000/£585,000) the previous week.
No frozen snow crab landings were recorded during the week.
All fresh volumes landed in week 17 were traded immediately upon landing, indicating continued market demand despite reduced supply.
Year-To-Date Volumes Show Strong Growth
Despite the weekly drop, year-to-date figures remain significantly higher than last year in volume terms.
A total of 3,805 tonnes of fresh snow crab have been traded so far this year, with a value of NOK 264 million (approx. €22.6 million/£19.3 million) and an average price of NOK 69.47 per kg (approx. €5.95/£5.10).
At the same point last year, 1,325 tonnes were traded at a value of NOK 111 million (approx. €9.5 million/£8.1 million), with a higher average price of NOK 83.57 per kg.
The data suggests increased supply is placing downward pressure on prices, even as total volumes expand.
Frozen Product Volumes Continue to Lag
Frozen snow crab volumes remain behind last year’s levels.
So far this year, 3,203 tonnes of frozen claws have been delivered, compared to 5,800 tonnes at the same stage last year.
Of the current year’s total, 1,513 tonnes have been sold at a value of NOK 271 million (approx. €23.2 million/£19.8 million).
This compares with 2,242 tonnes sold for NOK 475 million (approx. €40.7 million/£34.7 million) during the same period last year.
Overall Value Declines Despite Higher Fresh Volumes
Total sales value for snow crab so far this year stands at NOK 535 million (approx. €45.8 million/£39.1 million).
This is down from NOK 585 million (approx. €50.1 million/£42.8 million) at the same point last year.
The figures point to a market where increased fresh volumes are not translating into higher overall value, raising questions about price sustainability as the season progresses.
