The Norwegian pelagics season is experiencing a remarkable start with record catches of sand eel and the initiation of the "matjes" herring season in late May and early June 2020. The largest sand eel catch since 2002, totaling 37,300 metric tons, was reported in week 22, followed by the landing of 11,600 tons of North Sea herring in week 22. The demand for herring is strong, particularly for the production of matjes, with over 72.5% of the 250,000t quota already landed as of June 5. The price per kilogram has increased from NOK 2.92 in 2019 to NOK 3.47 in 2020. The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas has recommended a 15% reduction in the North Sea herring catch for 2021, advising to land no more than 365,792 tons.