The MFRI has completed the analysis of the results of acoustic measurements of the IEGJM capelin stock conducted during January 19–25, which are necessary for providing TAC advice. MFRI advises that when the agreed management plan is applied, based on both the 2025 autumn and this winter survey of the stock, catches in the fishing year 2025/2026 should be no more than 197.474 tons.

The winter survey covered a large area NW, N, NE and E of Iceland with the participation of five vessels (Fig. 1). Conditions for surveying were good, and neither weather nor sea ice distribution affected the results significantly. As has already been announced the capelin were distributed over a large portion of the area covered with the highest density in the front of the migration to the east of Iceland and off Húnaflói bay to the north of Iceland. The fishable stock was estimated 710 thousand tonnes (CV=0.24). About 54% (382 thousand tonnes) of the fishable stock were observed east of Iceland and is assumed to continue along the traditional migration route south and west along the south coast towards spawning. On the other hand, the remaining 46% (328 thousand tonnes) were observed NV of Iceland.

It is unclear whether the capelin in the northwest will migrate westwards and spawn west of Iceland, spawn north of Iceland, or follow the traditional spawning route east of Iceland and then west along the south coast. MFRI will explore the development of the capelin distribution in a survey in February. Until more is known about the migration route, MFRI proposes that the fishery also take place north of Iceland instead of exclusively on the part of the stock already east of Iceland.

Advice sheet for capelin.