The first catches were made by the pelagic trawler Huginn when she was returning from blue whiting grounds and her skipper decided to take a chance on a heavy mark south of the islands.
This resulted in a small catch of pearlside (Maurolicus muelleri), which was quickly seen to be suitable for reduction into fishmeal and oil.
So far, more than 10,000 metric tons had been landed with around half of the Icelandic pelagic fleet on the fishery. Then, with news of capelin finally coming through, several vessels left the pearlside fishery to fit out for the coming capelin season.
Non-appearance
