The Icelandic Marine Research Institute has suggested an increase in the capelin fishing quota by 320,000 tons since the last season, totaling 580,000 tons. Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture Sigurður Ingi Jóhannson celebrates the suggestion and will increase the quota accordingly.
“It’s a significant boost [for the economy], which is positive, of course. We’re talking about a substantial amount of money entering the national economy and revenue for those who are working in this field, at sea or on land,” Sigurður told ruv.is.
“It’s another evidence about the condition in the ocean being good and we can expect more good news in the coming years about the condition of fish stocks [in Icelandic waters], for the most part,” Sigurður added.
When asked how he will distribute the quota, the minister said it will be distributed as usual. “We have a fixed system in that regard. We have an agreement with foreign nations on part of the quota. Norwegians, Greenlanders and Faroe Islanders will all enjoy the increased quota. But the largest part will go to us, Icelanders, and it will benefit the national economy.”
