Silver smelt

Silver smelt is a semi-pelagic deepwater fish species of the Argentinidae family, widely distributed across the Northeast Atlantic. The main commercial stock is found around the Faroe Islands, northwards to Iceland and the Norwegian Sea. Unlike classic small pelagic species, silver smelt is associated with deeper shelf-edge and slope waters, which gives it a more specialized fishery profile.

Silver smelt is used mainly for human consumption, especially for specialized catering needs, and its mince serves as a basis for various products. However, it has never reached the same industrial importance as other pelagic species. Silver smelt’s value is linked to its delicate white flesh and relatively stable supply from deepwater fisheries.

The main fishing nations are Iceland, Norway, and the Faroe Islands, and the fishery is conducted by the deepwater fleet, delivering sea-frozen product.