Norwegian Pelagic Fishing Report – Week 04 of 2026:
Strong herring week dominates northern waters, while horse mackerel improves southwest and mackerel, sprat remain subdued. Photo: Sigrid Aune Mathisen/Norges Sildesalgslag
NVG Herring Shows Winter Peak In Northern Areas
Northern waters delivered the strongest herring week of the winter so far, with 56,000 tonnes registered in landing reports.
The volume was taken by 80 vessels, ranging from a minimum catch of 15 tonnes by a coastal vessel to peaks of 2,650 tonnes landed by the Faroese vessels Gøtunes and Christian í Grótinum. Monday was the most productive single day with 11,700 tonnes, narrowly ahead of Sunday’s 10,500 tonnes.
Catches were relatively evenly distributed across fleet groups. Faroese vessels accounted for 16,600 tonnes, purse seiners landed 15,100 tonnes, coastal vessels delivered 13,800 tonnes, while the trawl group contributed 10,600 tonnes.
Fishing activity in the north extended from inner Altafjord, west of Sørøya, and around 15 nautical miles northwest of Torsvåg lighthouse. The herring is clearly migrating southwards towards spawning grounds. Size composition varied significantly, with average weights ranging from 190 grams at the lower end to 320 grams at the upper end. As larger herring attracts higher prices, this size spread is translating directly into marked price differences.
Buyers report that herring quality remains good, with acceptable fat content and limited roe development. Most landings are being processed into skinless fillets for premium herring markets.
An overview of quota uptake shows Norwegian vessels have now taken approximately one third of the national quota of 343,000 tonnes, corresponding to landings of around 116,000 tonnes. Faroese vessels have landed 20,100 tonnes within Norway’s economic zone. Their total quota stands at 53,400 tonnes, all of which may be fished in Norwegian waters, with access understood to run until the end of February. Participation in the herring fishery is therefore expected to remain high in the coming weeks, particularly from the Faroese fleet.
Blue Whiting Activity Remains Limited
Blue whiting landings remain modest, with just under 1,600 tonnes reported from a single vessel. This catch was taken in the Faroese zone, where vessels from several nations have been active since the New Year.
More vessels are expected to head west into EU waters for blue whiting in the coming weeks, with a subsequent move into international waters anticipated later in February.
Mackerel Landings Stay Subdued
As expected, mackerel activity was limited. Total reported volumes last week consisted of a small 5-tonne catch from a coastal vessel fishing off Bømlo. In addition, 300 tonnes were landed by a Norwegian vessel west of Shetland, alongside 490 tonnes from a Scottish vessel fishing southwest of the same area.
Mackerel sizes around Shetland are reported at approximately 460 grams, while coastal fish are notably smaller, averaging around 300 grams.
Horse Mackerel Sees Noticeable Uptick
Horse mackerel landings increased significantly compared with previous weeks. Eleven vessels reported just under 300 tonnes in total, with Monday standing out as the strongest day at 144 tonnes. Catches were taken within fjord systems in Rogaland and Vestland, with fish sizes generally ranging between 480 and 600 grams.
The improved week is likely linked to favourable weather conditions, combined with the effect of the new moon on Sunday 18 January.
Sprat Catches Mixed By Area
Sprat landings totalled just over 200 tonnes from three vessels. Two operated in the outer Oslofjord, where sprat sizes were recorded at 70 to 75 fish per kilogram.
One vessel fished in Trondheimsfjord, where large quantities of fish were observed. However, separating sprat from herring proved difficult, resulting in only a mixed landing.
