Haddock stocks hit historic high as catches surge

Haddock landings in the Danish fishing port of Hanstholm have surged, with the stock at its highest level since assessments began in 1972, DR reports. Fishers landed 240 tonnes in September, almost three times the amount recorded in the same month last year.

The price per kilo is also higher than last year, making the plentiful catch welcome for an industry affected by changing quotas, weather and market conditions.

DTU Aqua says haddock stocks have been at their highest level in the past three years. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which assesses fish stocks, has recorded several large year groups of young haddock in recent years. Lower fishing pressure has also contributed to the increase, according to DTU Aqua.

Jan Hansen, chair of the Hanstholm fishermen’s association, said the growth was important for fishers in the Skagerrak and North Sea because it gave them fish to catch and sell. Quotas for haddock have been raised or recommended for increases several times in recent years as stocks grew.

Hansen said a haddock quota would be particularly important in the coming year, when the cod quota is due to be reduced. Fishing quotas set how much of a species may be caught in a particular area.

However, DTU Aqua expects the haddock stock to decline over the next few years, though from a high level. Marie Storr-Paulsen, a section head at the institute, said there had not been large new year groups since the one in 2022.

Haddock is a member of the cod family and can be used as a substitute for cod. It can be fried and served with butter or parsley sauce and potatoes, or eaten smoked. The Old Smokehouse in Hanstholm sells a large amount of cold-smoked haddock, which is often served on bread or as a tapas accompaniment, according to its manager and smokehouse master, Patrick Larsen.