Photo: Norges Sildesalgslag/Åge Røttingen

Norway Pelagic Fishing Update Week 3

NORWAY
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

NVG Herring Fishery Continues Strongly as Mackerel Landings Rise and First Blue Whiting Catch of the Year Is Reported

Good fishing activity across several pelagic species, with solid volumes, international participation, and expanding fishing grounds.

NVG Herring

Strong concentrations of NVG herring have been reported over the past week. A total of 26,981 tonnes has been reported to Sildelaget, with approximately 60 vessels actively participating in the fishery.

Fishing activity has mainly taken place around Stjernøya, southwest of Sørøya, and outside Kvænangen. On Sunday, reports were also received from two Faroese vessels fishing outside the 12-nautical-mile limit, northwest of Sørøya.

Photo: Norges Sildesalgslag/Åge Røttingen

The herring size has ranged from 200 grams to just over 300 grams, with an overall average of 265 grams across all reported catches. The fishery has progressed smoothly in recent days. Expectations are that fishing will gradually move farther offshore in the coming days, and vessels departing now are setting course due north from Arnøya.

Mackerel

During the past week, 4,120 tonnes of mackerel have been reported. The catches come from 2 Norwegian vessels and 5 foreign vessels, all operating west of Shetland.

The mackerel size shows some variation, with average weights ranging from 375 grams to 460 grams. The overall average weight across all reported landings is 430 grams. The quality of the mackerel is described as good, and further landings are expected next week.

Blue Whiting

The first blue whiting catch of the year was reported on Friday, when the Swedish vessel Astrid notified a landing of 3,150 tonnes. The catch was taken in the UK zone, marking the official start of this year’s blue whiting season.

Horse Mackerel

A total of 18 tonnes of horse mackerel has been reported from three vessels operating in Rogaland. The average size of the fish ranged between 400 and 500 grams, indicating solid quality in these early-season catches.

Author/Source: Sigurd Vedøy/Norges Sildesalgslag

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www.seafood.media

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