The New Fisheries Law, which came into effect on January 1, 2025, marking a pivotal shift in Greenland’s fishing industry, is approaching its first anniversary. As the year comes to a close, it’s clear that while the Fisheries Act has merits, there are pressing concerns about the need for targeted adjustments, as voiced by two key organizations: Greenland’s Fishermen’s and Trappers’ Organization (KNAPK) and the Coastal Fishermen’s and Trappers’ Organization (SQAPK).
The New Fisheries Law faces scrutiny as it nears its one-year mark on January 1, 2026. Designed to reshape Greenland’s fishing sector, the act has its advantages, but members of KNAPK and SQAPK are calling attention to significant areas in need of reform.
The Need for Changes
Under the guidance of Naalakkersuisut, there’s an expectation that fishing resources will be utilized as efficiently as possible each year. This prompted the introduction of a new requirement in the Fisheries Act mandating that fishermen operating under Individually Transferable Quotas (IOK) land at least 75 percent of their annual quota. If a fisherman fails to meet this threshold for three consecutive years, their quota will be reduced—a measure designed to ensure accountability but one that has left many scratching their heads.
Consultants at KONFIFA have indicated that this particular stipulation has sparked confusion among fishermen transitioning to the IOK system. The repercussions of not adapting the law could spell disaster for many in the industry, according to representatives from both fishermen’s organizations.
A Too Short Timeframe
Pele Blytmann, chairman of KNAPK, highlights the considerable effort that has gone into ensuring compliance with the Fisheries Act requirements, particularly concerning domestic halibut fishing. “We’ve invested a lot of time assisting fishermen in remote areas who struggle with MitID, language barriers, or dyslexia, helping them meet these challenging requirements. The timeline was too tight, and these issues went largely unaddressed,” he remarked.
As the year draws to a close, he notes that many administrative tasks related to the act still remain unresolved, a reflection of the rushed timeline imposed on fishermen.
A Potential Problem
KNAPK is increasingly concerned that the obligation to land 75 percent of the annual halibut quota for those fishing under the IOK system within management area 47 could result in serious repercussions. Blytmann pointed out, “This year, cod are abundant along the coast, and prices for this catch are high, which entices many halibut fishermen to target cod instead.”
This shift means that numerous fishermen could fall short of the 75 percent requirement for halibut, potentially facing the loss of portions of their quota—an outcome that Blytmann deems unacceptable. He argues that the utilization requirement should reflect the realities of available fish species.
A Call for Reassessment
Anthon Lindenhann, chairman of SQAPK, echoes these concerns and critiques the rigid application of the 75 percent landing rule within the Fisheries Act. “Much to our dismay, our calls for adjustments to this specific provision have gone unanswered,” he stated. “While the Fisheries Act is broadly a success, some elements, like this 75 percent obligation, need to be tailored to better suit fishermen’s realities.”
The introduction of the IOK system aimed to foster a safer and more stable fishing environment, but Lindenhann believes the current framework has led to the opposite effect. Instead of allowing fishermen flexibility to manage their quotas, they are now forced to scramble to catch their allocated amounts, which he argues undermines the system’s original intent.