Scientists have recommended a zero quota for capelin in the Barents Sea for 2025, according to the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research.

“This year’s measurements show that capelin survival has been very poor. The mortality rate is comparable to what we observed in 2003 and 2014, both of which led to periods of low population levels,” said Georg Skaret, marine researcher and capelin population manager.

Marine scientists are advising a fishing halt to give the stock a better chance to recover. The last time a zero quota was recommended for capelin in the Barents Sea was for the 2021 fishing season.

The Norwegian-Russian ecosystem survey in the Barents Sea is the primary source of knowledge about the capelin population. This year, despite unstable weather, the survey provided good coverage of the capelin population, especially in key feeding areas around Storbanken. The only area not covered was the shelf west of Svalbard, where capelin are typically found.

“The high level of survey coverage provides a solid data foundation for the quota council,” Skaret added.

Since capelin population measurements began in 1972, researchers have observed three distinct periods of collapse, where the population remained at very low levels for at least four years. In the past decade, the capelin population has fluctuated over shorter periods and this year marks the third time in 10 years that the population has fallen below harvestable levels.

“Historically, capelin in the Barents Sea has demonstrated a strong ability to bounce back after low periods. The current capelin management strategy is designed to account for these potentially vulnerable phases, while also recognizing the key role capelin plays in the Barents Sea ecosystem,” said Skaret.

The final capelin quota for the Barents Sea will be decided by the Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission in the coming weeks.