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CAPELIN Mallotus villosus

Capelin is widespread in the oceans of the northern hemisphere. It is a small pelagic shoaling fish. Capelin is common all around Iceland but its main feeding grounds are far off the north coast. Capelin feeds on animal plankton but is itself an important part of the food of cod, saithe and many other fish species. Spawning takes place in late winter following migration towards the south and southwest coast of Iceland to ocean temperatures of 4-7°C. Capelin spawns at the age of 3-4 years. The males and most of the females die after spawning.

Capelin is caught by capelin purse seine Commonly there are two fishing seasons; the main winter season in January-April, fishing mainly 3-4 year old capelin and the season in the second half of the year for 2-3 year old capelin. Stock size is presently uncertain because the Marine Research Institute has not been able to assess the fishable stock (2+) since 2003. Estimates for the 2005 year-class were made in 2006, but assessment of the 2004 year-class has not been successful.

Catch of Icelandic capelin has varied enormously since fishing started in the late 1960s. In some years catches have reached 1.5 million tonnes. Fishing is shared between Iceland, Norway, Faroe Islands and Greenland by special agreement, but by far the largest quantities are fished by Iceland. Landings by the Icelandic fleet in the 2006/2007 fishing year were 307,000 tonnes -all in the 2007 winter season. The Marine Research Institute recommends an initial quota of 200,000 tonnes for the 2007/2008 fishing year.

The diagram shows landings from the capelin stock since 2001, together with the MRI recommendations for the stock and the total TAC for the capelin fishing nations.
Feed for many Capelin has a key role in the food chain between animal plankton and fish. Most fish, but especially groundfish, feed on capelin at some stage in their life and it is estimated that capelin may be 40% of the total food of cod. As the stock of capelin migrates to the southwest coast of Iceland in March for spawning it meets a large number of cod, ready for the feast.