The course of Norwegian fisheries as per 1st of March 2010

Capelin catching regulated by vessels leaving port by groups - herring fisheries near closing for the season, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Norges Sildesalgslag.

Atlanto Scandic herring
During week 8 a total of 12.900 MT was reported. Over the last couple of days good catches have been reported from the southern areas in Rogaland, near Karmsund and Bokn. Some anticipation is linked to how these fisheries further develop.

Capelin in the Barents Sea
The capelin catching is well on in the Barents Sea and along the coast of Finnmark. 80 vessels participate now in this fishing and more vessels are joining. Tuesday last week regulations were initiated by letting vessels leave port by groups for capelin to be delivered for consumption purposes in the area from Træna and northwards.

26.500 MT has been reported and bad weather has been hampering the vessels during the second half of the week. The catching has taken place from Nordkyn to Sørøya Island with the best quantities in the Eastern fields. The size has varied from 36 to 45 pcs/kg, - the best size has been found in the Western areas. The roe is now reaching 15 % maturity.

Blue whiting
Last week 21.600 MT was reported. The fishing has been performed both in international waters and in the EU zone. Weather conditions have been favourable and the catching is reported to be good. Several vessels have however, left for the Barents Sea. Thus participation of vessels catching blue whiting is reduced. Still there is a good demand for blue whiting for consumption purposes with prices reaching NOK 2,43 at the best.