Norwegian Pelagic Fishing Report – Week 33 of 2025.
Norwegian mackerel fishing season begins strongly with large catches. Photo: Norges Sildesalgslag
Mackerel Fishing Opens in the Norwegian Sea
The autumn fishing season in the Norwegian Sea officially began on Tuesday afternoon, with large mackerel reported from the first hauls. Fiskebas led the opening day with 235 tonnes of sizeable mackerel, closely followed by Grimsholm with 175 tonnes. Since then, a total of 9,099 tonnes has been recorded approximately 200 nautical miles northwest of Ålesund.
Best Day of the Week
Saturday proved the most productive day, with 4,954 tonnes reported. The mackerel have been described as large and healthy, with average weights reaching up to 570 grams in some hauls. Industry sources expressed hope that the fine weather experienced over the weekend continues, allowing the fleet to maintain the strong run of catches.
Coastal Fleet Performance
The coastal fleet has continued its steady fishing, reporting a total of 565 tonnes of mackerel this week. These fish are smaller, averaging around 300 grams.
North Sea Herring and Sprat
In the North Sea, 14 vessels reported a combined 7,894 tonnes of herring for human consumption last week, alongside 1,319 tonnes destined for fishmeal and oil production. Meanwhile, seven Norwegian and four foreign vessels delivered 8,119 tonnes of sprat.
Other Species from Kanten
From the Kanten (continental shelf) area, four vessels reported catches of 1,920 tonnes of blue whiting, 100 tonnes of strømsild, and 25 tonnes of horse mackerel over the past week.
