Denmark's Gilleleje mackerel auction volume tops 30 tonnes, a record auctioneer hasn't seen in over 20 years
In 2026, more than 30 tonnes of mackerel were landed at Denmark's Gilleleje auction market, compared with the usual roughly 5 tonnes. Auctioneer Lasse Nordahl says he has never seen so much mackerel in more than 20 years in the trade.
Denmark's Gilleleje auction market has seen more than 30 tonnes of mackerel landed this year, compared with the usual roughly 5 tonnes. The Danish fisheries newspaper Fiskeritidende reported this unusual situation on 23 October 2026.
In Gilleleje, when people think of this fishing port, the first thing that usually comes to mind is Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). Local fishermen have also had a good Norway lobster season this year, but the large volume of mackerel is an unusual change.
"I've been at the auction market for more than 20 years and I've never seen so much mackerel," said Lasse Nordahl, auctioneer at the Gilleleje auction market, a Danish fish auction house.
The report noted that some of the mackerel landed at other ports goes to industrial use, whereas all the mackerel brought to Gilleleje is sold as fish for human consumption. Even for an experienced auctioneer, this year's mackerel volume is unusual.
"It's always interesting, especially when there is also interest in this fish. There is indeed demand for mackerel — in Denmark, and especially from foreign buyers," Lasse Nordahl said.
Mackerel sold at the Gilleleje auction market has averaged DKK 31 per kilogram over the year. Asked whether that is a good price, Lasse Nordahl finds it hard to say.
"But for the fishermen it is a good alternative, because the plaice fishery has not been great this year, and they are not allowed to catch too much sole. The same applies to brill and gurnard, which have not come close to shore this year," he said.
For an auction market like Gilleleje, a sudden extra 30 tonnes of a species it does not usually handle is not insignificant. It is therefore also significant that the auction market was taken over by Danske Fiskeauktioner A/S last spring.
"We had foreign buyers before too, but since we became part of Danske Fiskeauktioner, they seem to find us more easily," Lasse Nordahl said. He also stressed that this means better prices for fish at the auction market.
"We were already doing well with Norway lobster, but being able to ride on their coattails when it comes to fish prices is a huge plus, and I hope the fishermen feel the same way. At least it means we can sell this mackerel at higher prices," he said.