Norway's Mackerel Fishing Season Was Hampered By Storms, While The First Spring-spawning Herring Arrived On The North Coast

In week 41 of 2025, the Norwegian fishing industry reached a seasonal turning point: the first Norwegian spring-spawning herring (NVG herring) arrived from northern waters, while North Sea mackerel fishing was once again hampered by inclement weather. October's stormy October brought a chilling test to the Nordic distant-water fishing industry, marking the official start of a new fishing season.

The Zenit, operating west of Sørøya in northern Norway, was the first to report its first autumn NVG herring catch, followed closely by the Vikingbank from the Karmøy fleet. This week, a total of 2,230 tons of NVG herring were reported, with average weights ranging from 235 to 322 grams. These excellent sizes indicate a strong new season stock. The cool water temperatures and stable currents in the fishing area are considered by the industry to be the official start of this year's herring migration.

In contrast to the bumper harvests in the north, the North Sea mackerel industry experienced a difficult week. Relentless strong winds and heavy rain hampered fishing progress, forcing most fleets to temporarily halt operations. Despite this, 8,044 tons of mackerel were reported for the week, with a surge in catches during a brief break in weather over the weekend-1,744 tons on Saturday and 3,260 tons on Sunday. Notably, the newly commissioned vessel "Knester" performed exceptionally well on its maiden voyage, catching 385 tons in a single trip.

A total of 38 vessels (34 Norwegian and 4 foreign) were active in the North Sea fishing zone this week, primarily concentrating their catches in the UK Exclusive Economic Zone. Average weights ranged from 420 to 505 grams. Coastal mackerel activity was relatively quiet, with the "Johlena" reporting a catch of 8 tons on Wednesday.

This week, 38 vessels (34 Norwegian and 4 foreign) were active in the North Sea, primarily targeting the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Average weights ranged from 420 to 505 grams. Coastal mackerel activity was relatively quiet, with the Johlena reporting a catch of 8 tons on Wednesday.

In addition to mackerel and herring, small catches of coastal sprat and blue whiting were also reported in coastal waters. Last week, four coastal sprat catches totaled 50 tons, primarily in the Hardangerfjorden and Rogaland. The Piraja landed 330 tons of blue whiting in the Kanten fishing grounds on the edge of the Norwegian continental shelf, marking the start of the autumn deep-sea fishing season.

Industry insiders point out that with frequent North Sea storms and continued cooling temperatures, mackerel fishing is likely to remain under pressure over the next two weeks, while the main NVG herring fishing season is expected to gradually heat up. The northward migration of herring shoals and the impending return of distant-water vessels will provide new growth momentum for the Norwegian fishing industry and herald the impending activation of the European autumn and winter seafood market.