Golden redfish Certified

• Sebastes norvegicus
• Rotbarsch
• Gallineta nórdica dorada
• Gullkarfi
• Sébaste

Size

The size of golden redfish in the catch is seldom larger than 40 - 50 cm, but exceptionally large individuals of up to 100 cm and 15 kg have been measured.

Catch

The fishery for golden redfish is primarily along the shelf edge from southeast to northwest of Iceland. Total total catch in 2022 was 39,360 tonnes as compared to 50,167 tonnes in 2021. The Total Allowance Catch (TAC) for the quota year 2023/2024 is 41,286 tonnes.

Icelandic golden redfish - catch 2017-2022 - Source: Statistic Iceland

Season

The Icelandic golden redfish is caught throughout the year.

Icelandic golden redfish - Montly catch 2022 (tonnes) - Source: Statistic Iceland

Fishing grounds

The main fishing grounds are along the edge of the continental shelf at 200 to 400 m depth south and west of Iceland.

Icelandic golden redfish - Catch by fishing grounds 2017 - Source: Marine Research Institute

Fishing gear

Icelandic golden redfish - Catch by fishing gears 2022 - Source: Statistic Iceland

Products

Icelandic golden redfish - Export value by product groups in 2022 - Source: Statistic Iceland

Markets

The main markets for golden redfish from Icelandic waters are Germany and France.

• Germany 35%
• France 15%
• United Kingdom 6%
• Japan 6%
• Canada 6%
• Netherlands 6%
• United States 3%
• Belgium 3%
• Lithuania 3%
• China 3%
• Ukraine 3%

Icelandic golden redfish - Export value by countries in 2022 - Source: Statistic Iceland

Nutrition facts

Fisheries management

Fisheries management in Iceland is based on extensive research on the fish stocks and the marine ecosystem. A catch limitation system is the cornerstone of the Icelandic fisheries management system. Management is also supported by other measures such as area restrictions, fishing gear restrictions, and the use of closed areas to conserve important vulnerable habitats. Decisions on total allowable catch are made by the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture on the basis of scientific advice from the Icelandic Marine Research Institute (MRI). The international Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) reviews the work of the MRI and also provides scientific advice. Catches are effectively monitored and management decisions are enforced by the Directorate of Fisheries. The system is intended to ensure responsible fisheries and sustainable use of the ocean’s living resources.

Certification

The golden redfish in Icelandic waters was certified in 2014 to the FAO-based Iceland Responsible Fisheries Management Certification Programme. The certification covers all sectors of the Icelandic golden redfish fishery within the 200 mile EEZ for all fishing gears. A chain of custody certification programme has been implemented to allow handlers to demonstrate traceability back to the certified fishery. The certification is an independent third-party certification. The certification confirms responsible fisheries management and good treatment of marine resources.