The Fish Community

Faxaflói Bay is home to numerous fish species that play crucial roles in both the ecosystem and the local fishing industry. Notable species include the commercially valuable Atlantic Cod, Haddock, and Pollock from the Gadidae family, as well as the ecologically important Capelin and Atlantic Herring from the Clupeidae family. The bay also supports unique species like the Atlantic Wolffish and Lumpfish, which contribute to maintaining ecological balance. Additionally, Faxaflói Bay hosts migratory species such as the Atlantic Mackerel, highlighting its importance as a vibrant and dynamic marine environment.

As well as providing a source of food for the whales, dolphins and birds seen on our tours, we also offer Sea Angling Tours for a chance to fish at sea and catch some of the below species.

Fishing on our Sea Angling Boat

SAND EELS (AMMODYTIDAE)

Lesser Sand Eel

Lesser Sand Eel

Lesser Sand Eels are vital to Faxaflói Bay’s ecosystem, serving as a primary food source for many seabirds - especially the Atlantic Puffin.

Read more about the Lesser Sand Eel

HERRINGS (CLUPEIDAE)

Atlantic Herring

Herring

Atlantic Herring is abundant in Faxaflói Bay, forming large schools that are essential to the marine food web, supporting both commercial fishing and local wildlife. 

Read more about the Atlantic Herring

Capelin

Capelin

Capelin is a key forage fish in Faxaflói Bay, providing critical sustenance for many marine predators, including seabirds, larger fish and humpback whales.

Read more about the Capelin

CODS & ALLIES (GADIDAE)

Atlantic Cod

Atlantic Cod

The Atlantic Cod is a vital species in Faxaflói Bay, supporting both commercial fisheries and ecological balance in the bay’s waters. 

Read more about the Atlantic Cod

Haddock

Haddock

Haddock is commonly found in Faxaflói Bay, playing an important role in local fisheries and as a prey species for marine mammals. 

Read more about the Haddock

Pollock

Pollock

Pollock thrives in the cool, nutrient-rich waters of Faxaflói Bay, contributing significantly to the bay’s biodiversity. 

Read more about the Pollock

Whiting

Whiting

Whiting is frequently caught in Faxaflói Bay, known for its importance to the local fishing industry. 

Read more about the Whiting

GREENLINGS (HEXAGRAMMIDAE)

Atlantic Wolffish

Atlantic Wolffish

The Atlantic Wolffish is often found in the rocky areas of Faxaflói Bay, known for its powerful jaws and role in maintaining the ecosystem's health. 

Read more about the Atlantic Wolffish

WRASSES (LABRIDAE)

Lumpfish

Lumpfish

Lumpfish are notable in Faxaflói Bay for their unique appearance and their use in aquaculture.

Read more about the Lumpfish

RIGHTEYE FLOUNDERS (PLEURONECTIDAE)

Atlantic Halibut

Atlantic Halibut

The Atlantic Halibut is a large flatfish in Faxaflói Bay, prized for its size and value in commercial fisheries. 

Read more about the Atlantic Halibut

European Plaice

European Plaice

European Plaice is commonly found on the sandy bottoms of Faxaflói Bay, valued both commercially and recreationally. 

Read more about the European Plaice

MACKERELS (SCOMBRIDAE)

Atlantic Mackerel

Atlantic Mackerel

The Atlantic Mackerel migrates through Faxaflói Bay, forming dense schools that are targeted by both fishermen and predators. 

Read more about the Atlantic Mackerel

DOGFISH SHARKS (SQUALIDAE)

Greenland Shark

Greenland Shark

Greenland Sharks are occasionally seen in the deep waters of Faxaflói Bay, known for their slow movement and longevity of life.

Read more about the Greenland Shark