The course of the fisheries as per 10th January

A quiet start - but finally a good week for Atlanto Scandic herring. Also good times for foreign fishing of mackerel - however vessels going for the ocean sprat met difficulties, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Norges Sildesalgslag.

Atlanto Scandic herring
The New Year had a quiet start and the fleet seemed to have no hurry. Smaller quotas this year is probably a reason. In total 37.600 MT were reported, mainly by coastal vessels. The size varies with an average just below 300 g. The first catches were taken north of Senja Island, but there was also some fishing off Bø in Vesterålen. By the end of the week the herring was moving southwards and was observed west off Værøy, indicating that the migration has begun. - The price level is good; average NOK 3,81.

Mackerel
The mackerel fishing is started in westerly waters. Mainly foreign trawlers are found at the fields, but also one Nw vessel is observed. In general good conditions are reported. The total amount landed was close to 14.000 MT and the size was between 323 and 424 g. Almost all volumes were delivered in accordance with contracts to Nw producers.

Horse mackerel
Also when it comes to horse mackerel some foreign catches have been landed. The total; 1350 MT - again mainly sold on contracts.

North Sea herring
The fishing for North Sea herring was also started last week, and 2.400 MT were reported. Of this volume some 50 % were delivered in DK. Average price; NOK 4,25: The fishing has mainly taken place west off Heimdal gas field.

Ocean Sprat
By the beginning of the week 15 vessels were declared for the ocean sprat. The fishing is regulated by turn and a max quota is set at 800 MT. The observations of sprat were good, but due to shallow waters some damage was registered to gear. So far some 8.800 MT of the 10.000 MT quota are reported. The fish has been delivered for meal&oil to an av. price of NOK 2,21.

Coastal sprat
Also fishermen seeking sprat in the Oslo fjord started last week. Three catches were reported amounting to 90 MT. The sprat was delivered in Sweden. The size observed was between 50 -55 pcs/kg. This, however, is fish being too small and deliveries were stopped. - There is still a demand for better sized sprat (40-46 psc/kg).