Norges Sildesalgslag (Norwegian Fishermen’s Sales organisation for pelagic fish) is Europe’s largest marketplace for first-hand sales of pelagic species. The marketplace is owned and operated by Norwegian fishermen. All sales are carried out through e-auctioning. The fishing fleet consists of 600 – 800 vessels.
Pelagic species migrates and feed freely in the high sea areas. Most common species are Herring and Mackerel, Sprat and Capelin, but also species like Blue Whiting, Horse mackerel, Sand eel and Norwegian pout are important. Pelagic species also form the basis for marine raw materials, used in the fishmeal and fishoil industry.
Norwegian seafood is available in all markets throughout the world – which also goes for the pelagic species. During the last decade, Eastern Europe has grown to a major market, with Russia as No.1. However, The Far East in particular Japan and China are also highly important markets.
Annually approximately 2 million tonnes of pelagic species are sold through Norges Sildesalgslag. This corresponds to 2 – 2,5 % of total global wild fish catch. The first-hand value of this volume depends on the International market and amounts to 4 – 6 billion NOK or 500 – 750 million Euro annually
The export value amounts to 5 – 6 billion NOK.