Norwegian Shellfish Landings Decline Sharply in Week 39 of 2025

Overall Decline in Crustacean Landings

Norwegian shellfish landings, encompassing key species such as king crab, prawns, and brown crab, recorded a sharp decline in week 39 of 2025. Data indicates that both the volume and value of these landings were considerably lower than those reported in week 38, marking a challenging period for the Norwegian crustacean fishing industry.

King Crab Experiences Significant Drop

The king crab fishery saw a substantial reduction in activity during week 39. A total of only 13 tonnes of king crab were landed and sold, generating a value of NOK 4.9 million. This represents a significant decrease from the previous week (week 38), when landings stood at 40 tonnes with a value of NOK 15 million. Of the week 39 total, the regulated fishery contributed 10 tonnes, valued at NOK 4.3 million, caught by 44 vessels. The open-access fishery accounted for the remaining three tonnes, worth NOK 650,000, landed by 37 vessels. Key fishing areas for king crab during this period included Berlevåg–Båtsfjord, Porsangerfjord, and Varangerfjord, each reporting three tonnes.

Prawn and Brown Crab Landings Also Fall

Prawn landings also experienced a downturn, with 28 tonnes of fresh prawns sold for NOK 2.1 million in week 39. This is a decrease from the 33 tonnes and NOK 2.8 million recorded in week 38. The Altafjord was the primary landing area for prawns, with eight tonnes, followed by Varangerfjord (six tonnes), Lyngenfjord (five tonnes), and Kvænangen and Ullsfjord (three tonnes each).

Similarly, fresh brown crab landings totaled 119 tonnes, valued at NOK 1.8 million, a drop from the 157 tonnes worth NOK 2.3 million in the preceding week. The Helgeland region led in brown crab landings with 51 tonnes, followed by Sør-Trøndelag with 33 tonnes. Lofoten/Salten and Nordmøre each recorded 13 tonnes, while Nord-Trøndelag contributed nine tonnes. Year-to-date figures for brown crab show 1,857 tonnes landed, with a total value of NOK 27.5 million.

Context of Broader Seafood Market

While these weekly figures indicate a decline in specific crustacean landings, the broader Norwegian seafood export market has shown varied trends throughout 2025. Earlier in the year, Norway's seafood exports reached record highs in the first quarter, driven by strong demand and high prices for certain species, including some shellfish. For instance, king crab exports in Q1 2025 saw an 85 percent growth in value compared to Q1 2024, reaching NOK 398 million. However, the week 39 data highlights that weekly fluctuations in landings can occur, impacting specific segments of the industry despite overall positive export trends for the year.