Greenland’s Fisheries: Cod Makes a Comeback Amid Economic Shifts
In recent years, Greenland’s fishing industry has seen a revival, particularly in cod fishing, which was initially hard-hit by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. As demand surged and procurement prices rose, local fishermen began shifting their focus back to cod, bringing renewed activity to the waters and the fish factories that rely on them.
This year, reports indicate that certain areas boast healthy stocks of cod. With procurement prices this season exceeding those of previous years, many fishermen have opted to put their halibut pursuits on hold to capitalize on the booming demand for cod. This shift has led to bustling operations at fish processing plants across the region.
However, it’s evident that the cod fishing landscape is not uniform across the island. Fishermen in South Greenland face distinct challenges compared to their counterparts in the North.
Cod Prices Fluctuate in Disko Bay
Statistics reveal a promising start to the year with a rise in cod prices over the initial months, though a slight downturn of 4.9 percent has followed. In Disko Bay, despite this dip, many fishermen continue to pursue cod year-round, maintaining a steady presence in both summer and winter.
Rising Trade in Qeqertarsuaq
For towns like Qeqertarsuaq, catching halibut has become increasingly difficult this season as weather conditions grow less predictable. Although cod numbers are not abundant in this region, the local fishermen’s association chairman, Johannes Mølgaard, noted that many dinghy fishermen are now focused on cod instead.
Royal Greenland’s facility in Qeqertarsuaq has been purchasing cod at DKK 12.50 per kilogram, according to factory manager Mona Lisa Isaksen. She highlighted an encouraging trend: “This year, more fishermen are selling their catch to us, resulting in a notable increase in cod supply.”
A Thriving Cod Fishing Scene
In Ilulissat and neighboring settlements, halibut is typically the main catch, but high cod prices this year have led many dinghy fishermen to target cod instead. Anthon Lindenhann, chairman of the coastal fishermen’s organization SQAPK, explained, “The stock levels of cod are robust, and with rising prices, we’re fully tapping into the favorable conditions this season provides.”
Pele Peter Aronsen, the procurement manager at Halibut Greenland ApS fish factory in Ilulissat, affirmed that this year’s cod procurement is promising, with catches currently exceeding those of halibut. “The price for cod caught with a longline stands at DKK 18.25, which includes a quality surcharge,” he noted.
In Oqaatsut, Rodebay Fish ApS has traditionally focused solely on halibut, but factory manager Knud Fleischer reported a significant drop in halibut procurement due to the influx of cod fishermen. To stabilize production, trial acquisitions of cod have commenced. “The pilot project has yielded satisfactory results, and we anticipate continuing with cod procurement moving forward,” he said.
South Greenland’s Cod Prospects
Arctic Prime Fisheries runs facilities in both Qaqortoq and Nanortalik. In Qaqortoq, the current price for cod is DKK 10 per kilogram, while in Nanortalik, it is DKK 11.50. Arne Kleist, procurement manager at the Nanortalik facility, remarked, “This year, cod availability is abundant. Both commercial and recreational fishermen are landing over two tonnes per day, which is a positive sign.”
At the Royal Greenland factory in Narsaq, cod prices are set at DKK 11.27 per kilogram with heads and DKK 14.45 without. Jens Peter Kielsen, the newly appointed deputy chairman of Greenland’s Fishermen’s and Trappers’ Organization (KNAPK), expressed concern over the lower fish prices in South Greenland compared to the North, advocating for initiatives to address these disparities.
As Greenland’s fishing community navigates these complex waters, it is clear that cod fishing is not only making a comeback but is deeply impacting the livelihoods of fishermen throughout the region.