Whales



Home
E-mail

NORWAY LOBSTER Nephrops norvegicus

Norway lobster (nephrops) is widespread in the northeast Atlantic. In Icelandic waters it is found off the south, southeast and southwest coast, mostly at depths of 110-270 m and ocean temperatures of 6-9 °C. Its habitat is a soft bottom of clay or sand where it digs extensive tunnels and feeds on small bottom animals.

The Norway lobster fishing season traditionally extends from 15 May to 31 August, although fishing is permitted to the end of September. Norway lobster is caught by nephrops trawl in Icelandic waters.

Nephrops catches in Icelandic waters have been in the order of 1,200-4,000 tonnes per year in the last 30 years, amounting to 1,875 tonnes in 2006. The fishable stock (6 years and older) is estimated at close to 16,000 tonnes. Recruitment to the fishable stock has improved somewhat recently and catch per unit effort is increasing. Caution is advised in near future utilization, while small size nephrops still predominate in the stock.

The TAC  for the 2007/2008 fishing year is 1,900 tonnes, in line with recommendations by the Marine Research Institute..

The diagram shows the development of the Norway lobster catch since 2001, together with the recommendations of the MRI and the set TAC.
Precious food Norway lobster is the most valuable resource in Icelandic waters in terms of price per kg of exported products. It is exported either as quick frozen shell-on tails or as whole lobster. Large size Norway lobster is the most valuable in the fisheries.

Latest update July 2007