They show that when the 2008-2009 fishing year ended on August 31st the total haddock haul in Icelandic waters was still some way short of the full quota. The fleet managed just over 70,000 tonnes in the past 12 months , more than 14,000 tonnes short of what they were allowed to take up.

It is now hoped that some of the unused quota - possibly around 8,000 tonnes, will be transferred to this year's allowable catch which is down to 63,000 tonnes. The figures mean the shortfall will not be as large as was expected, although Icelandic fishermen say haddock is very elusive at present.

Icelandic haddock is one of the most important species for the UK market and the past week has seen prices rise quite sharply, but this is thought to be due to weather conditions and some poor fishing returns rather than lack of fish.

The HB Grandi fleet, one of the largest in Iceland, said just before the new quota year started that haddock fishing had been acceptable, but no more than that. The weather had been very rough and skippers were telling their base: "it looked as if autumn has come early".

One of the main worries facing trawlers searching for haddock is picking up a large haul of cod instead.

One HB Grandi skipper, Trausti Egilsson, said: "Everyone is so tight on cod these days that no-one can catch any except as a by-catch with something else.

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