By contrast, Börkur NK experienced a more efficient trip in eastern waters. Captain Hjörvar Hjálmarsson reported starting in Norðfjarðardýpi and completing three hauls before moving to Utanfótar for a fourth. “The hauls were short, and the entire trip only took one and a half days,” said Hjörvar.
The ship landed 840 tonnes, with the catch split evenly between Norwegian-Icelandic herring and Icelandic summer-spawning herring. “Both are excellent quality, although the Icelandic herring is slightly smaller than the Norwegian-Icelandic variety,” Hjörvar noted.
Processing Begins Immediately
Processing of Beitir‘s catch at Síldarvinnslan’s fish factory was completed yesterday, allowing the immediate start of work on Börkur‘s catch. According to Oddur Einarsson, factory foreman, the herring is ideal for production. “This is excellent raw material, and processing is going smoothly. We are producing both fillets and butterfly fillets, while some herring is being frozen whole,” Oddur explained.
With high-quality catches and efficient processing, the herring season is off to a promising start for Icelandic fishing and production.