Factory trawler lands 970-tonne catch

Icelandic fishing company Brim hf. reported a significant catch from its factory trawler, Vigri, which docked in Reykjavík on April 21, 2022. The vessel brought ashore a total of 970 tonnes of fish, measured in green weight. The estimated value of this catch is approximately ISK 415 million.

According to skipper Árni Gunnólfsson, the successful outcome was attributed to the crew and shore-based management. The fishing effort focused on saithe, which comprised about 300 tonnes of the total catch. Saithe fishing is managed under a total allowable catch (TAC) system.

The trawler operated in various fishing grounds during its trip, including the area known as Toe, south of Grindavík, and the Eldey Bank. Efforts to catch deep redfish were concentrated around the Matthildur area. As weather conditions deteriorated, the vessel redirected its course to western fishing grounds.

Favorable fishing conditions were encountered in the Víkuráll Gully, yielding substantial catches, including cod as a by-catch. Gunnólfsson described the cod as high-quality fish, averaging between four and six kilograms, noting their good condition after potential time in Greenlandic waters.

The Vigri then proceeded to the edge of the Westfjords, where very good fishing for saithe and Greenland halibut was reported. The skipper observed that numerous trawlers in the area were achieving large catches, with hauls of ten tonnes being common during relatively short towing periods.