Fishermen in Borgarfjörður eystri adapt to declining line quotas amid traditional baiting practices

In Borgarfjörður eystri, while the number of bait huts has declined, traditional hand-baiting techniques remain prevalent. The push to generate local jobs through line fishing has diminished as the allocation of line quotas has decreased over time.

During unfavorable weather, fishermen might take the opportunity to prepare their lines or bait. One fisherman, Dmitrjs from Latvia, who has worked in Borgarfjörður for three years, has become skilled at baiting. He emphasizes the need for practice, noting that while it may start slow, proficiency develops with time.

Fishing requires significant effort, similar to the baiting process itself. Karl Sveinsson, a local fisherman, mentions that during past operations there were four crew members involved: two for baiting and two for fishing. Fishers who operate on lines can receive line allocations, which serve as a supplementary quota in exchange for creating land-based jobs related to baiting or preparing fishing lines. Unfortunately, these allocations have been decreasing annually, from over 3,000 tons to around 800 tons currently.

The current line allocation has been crucial for small-scale operations to sustain year-round employment. Even as they navigate challenges, Dmitrjs actively participates in baiting, placing bits of herring or squid on hooks, ensuring that each line of 437 hooks is prepared for the next fishing day.