After months of uncertainty, speculation and acoustic surveys carried out around Iceland under challenging conditions, Iceland’s Minister of Fisheries Kristján Thór Júlíusson has signed off the regulatory requirements for a 61,000 tonne capelin quota for this season.
The 2019 and 2020 seasons were both written off as insufficient stocks of capelin were judged to be present in Icelandic waters. This year there has been a concerted research effort involving a number of commercial vessels, culminating in the identification of enough capelin to justify allocating a quota – although this is a modest initial quota.
The capelin quota is generally re-assessed and adjusted as the season progresses and more information on distribution and concentrations becomes available.
The 61,000 tonne advice issued by the Institute of Marine Research is a 39,200 tonne increase in its initial advice at the beginning of this year.
Research vessel Árni Friðriksson sailed at the weekend to continue survey work, and three commercial vessels are also at sea to search for capelin.Two more are ready if required. Conditions off the north-west of Iceland have been difficult this year, but there are hopes that weather and sea ice distribution will make survey work possible.
“It’s a relief that it has been possible to avoid losing a third capelin season in a row,” Kristján Thór Júlíusson said.
“This is not a huge amount, but the fact that the Icelandic fleet is able to fish for capelin is a big step in the right direction. The search continues, as there is a great deal at stake for the economy in ensuring that the capelin season is as good as it can be.”
