Brim trawler lands 120 tonnes from Kolbeinsey Ridge
Brim's fresh fish trawler Helga María has secured a catch of 120 tonnes, primarily cod, while fishing the lava grounds of Kolbeinsey Ridge. The vessel's captain reported a good start but highlighted tightening regulatory constraints.
The fresh fish trawler Helga María, operated by fishing company Brim hf., has successfully completed a fishing trip, landing 120 tonnes of catch predominantly cod. The vessel operated in the lava grounds of the Kolbeinsey Ridge.
Skipper Friðleifur Einarson, known as Leifur, described the initial phase of the trip as positive. Helga María began fishing solo in the area before a number of other trawlers joined. The catch consisted mainly of cod, with occasional Greenland halibut. Saithe were not present, and redfish were also noted as absent.
Einarson expressed concern regarding fishing regulations, particularly for redfish and haddock, which he described as increasingly restrictive. "Redfish is really putting us in a straightjacket, and the worst part of it is that the straps are being tightened all the time," he stated. Any haddock caught is considered by-catch.
The trawler's landing in Sauðárkrókur marks its second consecutive delivery to the port. Einarson finds the location convenient, being 10 to 11 hours from the fishing grounds, allowing for shorter trips and more frequent landings. The fish is then transported south to Reykjavík by truck, a journey of approximately four hours.