A preliminary assessment is now available from measurements of the capelin stock in January. The size of the spawning stock according to these measurements was about 64 thousand tons. It is far below the limit in the current catch rule that must be reached so that the MRI can recommend fishing. According to information from the agency, the volume would have to be, roughly estimated, at least 6-8 times more for the capelin quota to be issued.
The assessment is based on measurements from three vessels, RS Arni Fridriksson, along with the capelin vessels Hákoni EA-148 and Polar Amaroq. Two other fishing vessels also joined the project, as stated in the newspaper Morgunblaðið today.
https://www.mbl.is/200milur/frettir/2020/02/04/hefdu_thurft_6_8_sinnum_meira/
Two boats are still continuing the search. Polar Amaroq went along the south coast and is currently searching of the south-east corner of Iceland. The vessel will be joined by another on Tuesday 4th of February.
The MRI vessel Arni Fridrikson is off the west coast searching. It is expected that all 3 vessels will continue the search until mid February.