Capelin (Mallotus villosus) is a small forage fish found in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Despite its modest size, capelin plays a pivotal role in marine ecosystems, serving as a key food source for larger fish, seabirds, and marine mammals. Capelin fisheries, while not as large as those for herring or anchovy, are significant in certain regions, providing fishmeal, oil, and even direct human consumption.
Species Diversity of Capelin
Capelin belongs to the smelt family Osmeridae, and there is only one primary species, Mallotus villosus, distributed in the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. While capelin doesn’t exhibit the same species diversity as other forage fish like herring or anchovies, regional variations in their habitat create distinct populations with varying life histories.
- Atlantic Capelin: The most widely distributed species of capelin, primarily found in the Barents Sea, North Atlantic, and the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador.
- Arctic Capelin: Found in the frigid waters of the Arctic Ocean, particularly near Greenland, Iceland, and the Svalbard Archipelago.
Global Distribution
Capelin primarily inhabit the cold waters of the North Atlantic, particularly in the Barents Sea, Norwegian Sea, and the Arctic Ocean. Their global population fluctuates due to environmental conditions and predation levels, but they remain one of the most abundant fish species in these ecosystems.
- Barents Sea: The Barents Sea is home to one of the largest populations of capelin, with schools migrating seasonally between the open ocean and the coastlines of Norway and Russia for spawning.
- Newfoundland and Labrador: The waters off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador support significant capelin populations, providing sustenance for local fisheries and marine wildlife.
- Icelandic Waters: Iceland relies heavily on capelin, both as a key fishery and as a crucial element in its marine food chain.
- Greenland and Arctic Ocean: Capelin populations also thrive in the Arctic regions, serving as a food source for whales, seals, and seabirds.
Major Countries Involved in Capelin Fishing
- Iceland: Iceland is one of the leading capelin-producing countries, with an annual catch averaging around 600,000 metric tons. Capelin is mainly processed into fishmeal and oil, though some is used for direct consumption.
- Norway: Norway’s capelin fishery is highly regulated, focusing on sustainability. The country harvests around 200,000–400,000 metric tons of capelin annually, with a focus on fishmeal production.
- Russia: Russia also engages in significant capelin fishing, especially in the Barents Sea. The Russian catch typically ranges from 300,000 to 500,000 metric tons annually.
- Canada: The capelin fishery in Newfoundland and Labrador provides approximately 50,000 metric tons of capelin annually, mainly for fishmeal.
Top Countries by Capelin Consumption
Capelin is consumed in several countries, both as whole fish and as processed products. While it is primarily used for fishmeal and oil, capelin is also enjoyed as a delicacy in certain regions.
- Japan: In Japan, capelin is commonly served grilled or dried and is a popular ingredient in sushi, particularly in the form of “masago,” which is capelin roe. Japan consumes around 10,000 metric tons of capelin annually.
- Iceland: Capelin is consumed in Iceland in smaller quantities, particularly as part of traditional dishes or dried fish snacks.
- Norway: Capelin is consumed in Norway in its dried and salted form, though the majority of the catch is processed for fishmeal and oil.
- Russia: Capelin is consumed in Russia as a smoked or dried fish, particularly in coastal regions where it is part of local cuisine.