Icelandic Research Vessel Embarks on Annual Capelin Expedition to Inform Fishing Quotas

Initial Exploratory Survey Underway

The Icelandic Marine and Freshwater Research Institute (Hafrannsóknastofnun), commonly known as MFRI, commenced its annual capelin research expedition on January 5, 2026. The research vessel Árni Friðriksson set sail to conduct an exploratory survey, heading north and east of Iceland. The primary objective of this initial phase is to ascertain the extent to which capelin has migrated into Icelandic territorial waters. This week-long voyage is crucial for establishing the preliminary data required for a more extensive stock assessment.

Comprehensive Assessment Scheduled for Mid-January

Following this initial exploratory trip, a more comprehensive capelin stock assessment is slated to take place between January 15 and 20, 2026. This larger expedition will involve a fleet of five vessels: the research vessels Árni Friðriksson and Þórunn Þórðardóttir, alongside commercial fishing vessels Barði, Heimaey, and Polar Ammassak. The participation of commercial vessels in such expeditions is a common practice, leveraging their capabilities for broader coverage.

Critical for Fishing Quotas and Economic Stability

The findings from these surveys are paramount for determining the capelin fishing quotas, which have significant implications for Iceland's fishing industry and national economy. Capelin is a highly valuable species, historically contributing substantially to fisheries exports and serving as a crucial prey fish for other commercial species like cod. The most recent autumn 2025 assessment led to an interim quota recommendation of just over 44,000 tonnes for the 2025/2026 fishing year. This figure, while a notable increase from the approximately 10,000 tonnes caught in the previous season and two seasons with no fishing, is still considered modest in historical terms. The upcoming surveys could potentially lead to an adjustment of this quota, with hopes for an increase if sufficient capelin stocks are identified.

Expanding Ecological Research

Beyond stock assessment, these annual expeditions have evolved to include broader ecological research. Since 2018, the surveys have incorporated studies on the pelagic ecosystem, collecting data on:

• Phytoplankton
• Zooplankton
• Other pelagic fish species
• Environmental conditions, including temperature, salinity, and currents

In recent years, the MFRI has also enhanced its ecological contributions by including whale observers on board, further enriching the understanding of the marine environment. The capelin stock has shown variability, with significant changes in distribution observed around 2000 due to warming waters, leading to a shift towards Greenland.

Outlook for the Season

The results of these expeditions are eagerly anticipated, as they will provide the scientific basis for the final quota allocation for the 2025/2026 season and inform the initial advice for the 2026/2027 fishing year. While some indicators suggest a modest season, the high number of juvenile capelin measured in previous surveys offers optimism for future seasons.