The New Wave of Fishing in Tasiilaq
As dawn breaks over Tasiilaq, a thick golden haze drapes the landscape, setting the stage for 22-year-old Enos Kristiansen’s early morning venture. “The weather’s looking good today,” he remarks, confident as he prepares to cast off from the harbor.
Just ten minutes into their journey, Enos and his crew—sixteen-year-old twins Barselaj and Eliaser—reach the fjord’s entrance, where the swells rise to familiar heights. With a practiced hand, Enos stops the engine, leans over the railing, and tosses a line of darts into the water. A few moments later, they celebrate the day’s first catch: a hefty kilo of cod. This routine has become the norm for the young fishermen since the new fish factory opened its doors in Tasiilaq.
“I love fishing, no matter the conditions,” Enos declares, the pride of his profession evident in his voice. “It allows me to support myself—buying food, clothes, and everyday necessities,” he continues, the weight of responsibility clear on his shoulders.
A Promising Start
Sermitsiaq has embarked on an exploration of Tasiilaq through a series of articles, focusing on the challenges and opportunities faced by its 2,500 residents. Enos’s journey is emblematic of the struggles and resilience within this community.
As they move forward in the small Poca 770 dinghy, Enos is resolute. “These fish are small; let’s keep going,” he urges, pushing further into the waters. In just four days of fishing last week, Enos and his team netted an impressive 3.7 tons of cod, translating to a significant DKK 52,000. However, with costs for the borrowed boat and his crew to consider, by the end of the week, he found himself with a more modest DKK 13,000.
“I have a family to support,” he explains, his ambitions intertwining with his responsibilities. As he prepares to move in with his girlfriend, who is studying in Qaqortoq, he reflects on his earnings: “If we look at what we can make in just a few good days of fishing, it far surpasses what I’d earn in a regular job.”
The sun glints off the water, highlighting Enos’s focused determination as he hauls in another cod, his smile infectious even amidst the hard work. In neighboring boats, fellow fishermen eagerly compete for the day’s catch, each fish representing potential income.
Navigating Challenges
Yet, not all days are smooth sailing. “Last week, we almost capsized,” Enos recounts, a sobering reminder that the sea can quickly turn treacherous. The thrill of fishing is often accompanied by the unpredictability of nature—on the good days, it’s enjoyable, but the bad days demand just as much commitment.
“A malfunction in the factory’s flash freezer has caused some hiccups,” Enos adds. Currently, only commercial fishermen are permitted to sell their catches due to these issues. Furthermore, the fishing season is fleeting—lasting around four to five months—which means most fishers must seek additional income for the remainder of the year.
With aspirations for his own future, Enos dreams of landing a loan to purchase his boat—a goal that feels daunting amidst the commercial barriers. “I want my own boat and my own home,” he asserts, revealing the depth of his ambitions.
Embracing Opportunity
Lunch for the trio consists of simple fare: cold biscuits and coffee. As Enos meticulously changes hooks on his lines, he shares that the cod in the Tasiilaq area are among the largest he has encountered.
A local businessman recently emphasized the factory’s importance for the community, especially for youth pursuing careers in fishing. With hopes for a future fishing education program, there’s a glimmer of optimism in a town that has faced its share of economic challenges.
Enos observes, “With more fishermen coming into the area, we can fish freely now.” As the boat rises and falls with the waves, he navigates his dual roles as both fisherman and an aspiring skipper of a tourist company, juggling responsibilities with dexterity.
Today’s haul reaches 444 kilos, prompting Enos to reflect on the shifts in local employment. “Last year, we had more trappers than fishermen. Now, it’s the opposite,” he notes, envisioning a vibrant fishing community emerging from the shadows of the past.
As he sets his sights on January for that all-important loan, Enos stands poised between dreams and reality.
Note: After this report, the fish factory in Tasiilaq will temporarily shut its doors due to a pressure pipe issue, with plans to reopen in November.