Lofoten and the Lofoten fisheries

The Lofoten Islands, Nordland County, are located westward, 67° and 68° latitude, north of the Arctic Circle.

The largest islands from east to west are Austvågøy, Gimsøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy, Moskenesøy, Værøy and Røst. Svolvær, the village where Saga Fisk is located, is on Austvågøy. Situated north of the Lofoten Islands, are the Islands of Vesterålen.

The Lofoten Fisheries are a seasonal fishery for spawning cod – known as Skrei – in the area around the Islands of Lofoten and Vesterålen. This takes place in the period from February to April. The cod belongs to the North Arctic fish stock that wanders from the Barents Sea to Lofoten to spawn. The waters of Vestfjorden are sheltered by the Lofoten archipelago and has the optimal temperature and salinity for a stable spawning area. The skrei is recognized as Norway’s oldest export and the Lofoten fishery is the most important seasonal fishery for cod. During the capture the boats uses nets, longlines, jigs and seines. For centuries people have travelled from all over the Norwegian coast to take part in the fishery, which in turn has laid the foundation for the local and national economy. The Lofoten fishery belongs to our most traditional fisheries and can be traced back as far as history and oral tradition goes.