Icelandic Marine Research Institute proposes capelin fishing ban for 2024-2025

The Icelandic Marine Research Institute has proposed a ban on all capelin fishing for the 2024-2025 fishing year. This recommendation is based on acoustic surveys conducted aboard the research vessels Árni Friðriksson and Tarajoq, as well as the fishing vessel Polar Ammassak, between August 21 and October 1. The analysis supports earlier advice that was grounded in measurements from juvenile capelin last autumn.

The current estimated abundance of capelin is approximately 610,000 tons, with the fishable stock assessed at 307,000 tons. The spawning stock is estimated at just 193,000 tons. According to the Marine Research Institute’s assessment, it is unlikely that the goals set out in the catch rule, which aim for the spawning stock to exceed reference levels, will be met. As a result, the recommendation is to prohibit any catch during this fishing year.

The estimated number of immature capelin stands at around 57 billion, but, under the approved catch rule, more than 50 billion are required to justify a recommended initial catch limit for the next fishing year (2025/2026). The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea is expected to provide further guidance on this matter in June of next year.