Norwegian herring prices were low in May

Compared to the same month last year, the export value of herring decreased by NOK 10 million, or 5%. Export volumes decreased by 24%. Lithuania, Germany and Latvia were the largest herring markets in May. May is the start of the North Sea herring fishery and this year it started in week 21 compared to week 18 last year. “Despite great efforts, the fishery was weak and the quality of the fish was not good enough for human consumption. This is why most of the catch was used for flour and oil production rather than for export,” says Jan Eirik Johnsen, head of pelagic species at the Norwegian Seafood Council. May also marks the beginning of the matjes season for young herring, for which the Netherlands is the most important market. However, matjes herring were not exported to the Netherlands in May this year. The downward trend in exports of whole frozen herring continues, while this month was successful for fillet exports. “A total of 6,600 tonnes of ...