Reconstructing Icelandic catches from 1950 to 2010

Marine resources have always been important in Iceland and they have gradually become more and more so. During
earlier centuries they were important as food for Icelanders, after the 14th century fish products, mainly dried cod
also became important as export commodity. During the 19th century more species were added to the fisheries
and technological advantages allowed increased catches and economic growth. This trend continued during the
20th century, when the mechanization of fisheries fueled the continuing growth of the economy. This domination
of fisheries in the economy reached a zenith in 1949 when marine products were 97% of all exports. The fishing
industry has continued to grow to the present, but its relative importance has declined as other industries have
evolved and grown. The reported landings by the Icelandic fleets within the EEZ from 1950 to 2010 have ranged
from 411,000 t·year-1 to 2,017,000 t·year-1. The most important species in term of value has nearly always been the
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), but the highest catches have usually been from capelin (Mallotus villosus). Discards
and unreported catches are estimated to have ranged from 3.3% to 6.7% of the reported landings. An overview is
given on catches of all species reported by the Icelandic fleets.