Austevoll-owned Peru pelagic fishing giant Austral Group's earnings more than doubled during the first quarter of this year led by higher volumes of fishmeal and fish oil sold.

The company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) totaled NOK 140 million (€14.3 million/$16 million).

Sales also doubled compared with the first quarter last year, up to NOK 557 million (€56.7 million/$63.8 million).

Austral carries almost 7 percent of the total quota catch for anchoveta -- used to produce fishmeal and fish oil -- in Central and North Peru and just under 4 percent of the quota for South Peru.