Fisheries (terminated in Statistics Norway), 2003, preliminary figures

Except blue whiting, haddock and saithe the catch decreased for most fish species.

The haddock and the saithe catch increased by 11 and 9 per cent, respectively, but the landed value decreased by 25 and 18 per cent.

The cod catch came to 217 000 tonnes worth NOK 2.3 billion. This accounts for 9 per cent of the total catch quantity and 26 per cent of the catch value. Measured by the landed value of catch, cod fishing is the most important of fisheries.

The herring catch was stable compared with preliminary figures of 2002, but compared with 1999 catches have decreased by 33 per cent. Landed value of herring decreased from NOK 2.0 billion to NOK 1.4 billion. This corresponds to 22 per cent of the total catch and 16 per cent of the total landed value in 2003.

Cod and haddock figures include the fishing preformed by Norwegian vessels on Russian quotas.

Foreign vessels delivered 375 000 tonnes of fish and crustaceans in Norway in 2003. Total value of the foreign landings was NOK 1.7 billion.

In 2003, 36 per cent of the catch was frozen or minced. Fresh fish accounted for 11 per cent, 44 per cent was made into meal, oil and animal food. The entire catch of Norway pout, blue whiting, sand eel and a larger part of the capelin catch are used to manufacture these products.

The statistics are based on data from the Directorate of Fisheries and are released semi-annually.

Tables:

• Table 1 Quantity of catch, by the most important fish species. 1999-2003. 1 000 tonnes live weight
• Table 2 Value of catch, by the most important fish species. 1999-2003. NOK million
• Table 3 Catch, by disposition. 1999-2003. 1 000 tonnes live weight