Iceland: Booming demand in foreign markets outstrips supply – Fishupdate.com

Iceland: Booming demand in foreign markets outstrips supply Published:  31 March, 2006

REPORTS from Iceland indicate great demand this winter for frozen fish, both in Europe and in North America. The demand is reportedly across the board for haddock, cod, pollack and other species. Prices have appreciated since last autumn, and not adjusted in the new year as in previous years.

Crews of trawlers are said to be happy – they are paid a percentage of the proceeds of the catch – and the depreciation of the Icelandic króna has further inflated their pay.

The Icelandic newspaper Morgunbladid quotes Hilmar Helgason, captain of Hrafn Sveinbjarnarson GK 255, saying fishermen have not been able to meet demand, neither in the US or the European markets. “In the UK there is great need for haddock and the prices go up on a daily basis,” he reportedly told Morgunbladid.

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