Norwegian Pelagic Fishing Report – Week 18 of 2026:
Norwegian blue whiting mackerel and herring activity update covers. Photo: Norges Sildesalgslag
Limited Norwegian Participation In Blue Whiting Fishery
Activity in the blue whiting fishery remains notably subdued among Norwegian vessels, reports Norges Sildesalgslag for week 18 of 2026
Reports indicate that only a handful of Norwegian boats have taken part, alongside a single Faroese vessel, with total registered catches reaching 4,800 tonnes.
The disparity in catch volumes is stark. The smallest reported haul stands at just 130 tonnes, while the Faroese vessel “Høgaberg” alone accounted for a substantial 3,300 tonnes. Such imbalance suggests either uneven access to fish concentrations or differing operational strategies between fleets.
All catches have been taken within Faroese waters, where the fishery has been active since shortly after Easter. The zone has attracted a multinational presence, including vessels from Iceland, Russia, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, all targeting blue whiting through pelagic trawling.
Despite the relatively low Norwegian contribution, the overall quota uptake is nearing completion. Of a total quota of 230,700 tonnes, approximately 215,000 tonnes have already been caught. This leaves limited room for additional effort and raises the likelihood of a rapid closure.
Looking ahead, Norwegian vessels are expected to shift operations towards “the Edge” south of 62 degrees north, particularly those within the pelagic and North Sea trawl segments. A small number of vessels holding dedicated blue whiting trawl permits may continue fishing in the Norwegian Sea during the summer, although expectations appear modest.
Early Mackerel Activity Remains Minimal Along Coast
As spring conditions develop, the coastal fishing community has begun monitoring for the arrival of mackerel. Initial signs have emerged, albeit at a very low level.
Last week saw the first seasonal catches reported from Bømlo in Vestland and Strand municipality in Rogaland. Combined landings amounted to just 2.5 tonnes, with all fish directed towards fresh consumption markets. These volumes are negligible by commercial standards and underline how early the season remains.
There is an expectation of increased reporting throughout May, but this will depend heavily on water temperature, bait availability, and weather stability. At present, there is little evidence to suggest a strong early-season run.
Horse mackerel activity has also been limited, with a single catch of 12 tonnes recorded off Askøy, near Bergen. The fish were notably large, averaging 600 grams, which may indicate a mature component of the stock moving inshore.
First North Sea Herring Catch Raises Quality Concerns
The North Sea herring season has officially commenced, though early indicators are far from encouraging. The vessel “Straumbas” reported the first catch of the season, landing 130 tonnes during the night leading into Wednesday.
The fish were taken by trawl in the area between Koralbanken and Lingbanken, approximately 110 nautical miles west of Egersund. While the catch itself marks the start of the fishery, the condition of the herring is already drawing scrutiny.
Average fish weight was recorded at just 100 grams, and the catch has been directed entirely towards meal and oil production. Reports from the grounds describe the herring as long and thin, with little evidence of feeding activity. The absence of stomach content suggests poor feeding conditions, which in turn raises concerns about stock health and fat accumulation.
Fat content figures are still pending, but expectations appear low given current observations. This could have implications for both market value and processing outcomes if the trend continues.
Several vessels are now considering entering the fishery as May progresses. However, success will likely depend on environmental conditions improving. Warmer temperatures and the absence of persistent northerly winds are seen as critical factors in promoting plankton blooms, which would support feeding and improve fish condition.
