Optimizing Greenland’s Trapping Industry: A Sustainable Approach
The Naalakkersuisut is actively working to improve conditions within Greenland’s trapping industry while placing a strong emphasis on sustainable practices and adherence to international agreements. This commitment was articulated by Peter Borg of Demokraatit, who holds the position of Minister for Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture, and Self-Sufficiency, in response to a recent inquiry from Mette Arqe-Hammeken of Naleraq. Arqe-Hammeken, a member of the Inatsisartut, sought insights concerning the current status of the trapping sector, prompting a detailed response from the minister.
Hailing from Ittoqqortoormiit, Arqe-Hammeken is preparing a series of further questions aimed at illuminating the future of trapping in the region.
Sustainability and Agreements
In his communication, Borg reported that as of 2025, there were 2,080 individuals holding paid trapping certificates in Greenland. However, the exact number for this year remains uncertain as the application process is still ongoing. He emphasized that the Naalakkersuisut is committed to optimizing the utilization of living resources while ensuring their long-term conservation in line with relevant legislation and international accords.
“The objective is to facilitate a viable and biologically sound use of our catch resources,” Borg noted. He added that understanding the well-being and reproductive status of species is critical. Should the exploitation of any species exceed its ability to repopulate, the introduction of quotas may become necessary to ensure sustainability.
Quotas are determined based on biological recommendations, public consultation processes, and Naalakkersuisut’s policies regarding local meat supply. Notably, there are cases, such as with East Greenland’s narwhals, where quotas may be imposed even in the absence of biological advice.
Compliance with International Standards
Borg’s memo also outlined Greenland’s compliance with Denmark’s obligations as a UN member and its commitments to the Convention on the Law of the Sea, which mandates sustainable practices in managing marine mammals. Furthermore, Greenland is a member of the International Whaling Commission and the North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission, both of which enforce strict regulations on the commercial exploitation of large whales and marine mammals.
In collaboration with neighboring countries, Greenland has established joint management agreements, such as the Memorandum of Understanding with Canada/Nunavut regarding beluga and narwhal management. The Greenland Nature Institute serves as the scientific authority for CITES, assessing sustainability declarations necessary for export permits concerning endangered species. If a species fails to meet sustainability criteria, Greenland must impose an immediate export ban.
Borg highlighted that while Greenland’s membership in CITES subjects it to rigorous export regulations, limited shipments of minke whales from West Greenland to Greenlandic residents in Denmark are permissible under specific conditions.
“The feasibility of generating export income from endangered species hinges on the sustainability of their harvest and the import regulations of receiving countries,” Borg clarified.
Biodiversity Strategy
In 2021, Greenland adopted its inaugural biodiversity strategy aimed at preserving the region’s ecological diversity through pertinent legislation and sustainable management practices. According to Borg, this initiative aligns with the Convention on Biodiversity, reinforcing the global mandate for national biodiversity strategies.
Enhancing Trapper Income
Mette Arqe-Hammeken has expressed interest in how the Naalakkersuisut plans to enhance income opportunities for trappers, particularly from polar bear skins and narwhal teeth sales. While acknowledging the challenges of conducting a sustainability assessment on narwhals—which has led to a temporary export ban—Borg noted that recent assessments for polar bears could pave the way for renewed exports.
“The aim is to create the most favorable conditions for trappers to financially benefit from polar bear products,” Borg asserted, while also recognizing the necessity for various controls before any trade can commence.
Supporting Initiatives
The Naalakkersuisut has embarked on several initiatives to foster development in the fishing and trapping sectors. For instance, Royal Greenland launched a new fish factory in Tasiilaq in August 2024, focusing on cod and halibut. Additionally, funding has been allocated for a closer examination of polar bear populations in Southeast and South Greenland.
Commercial fishermen and trappers can apply for re-establishment support if their earning capacity has been impacted by climatic challenges. In 2025 alone, 501 applications for such aid were submitted, with 118 applicants receiving acceptance. A total of DKK 3.1 million in grants has been disbursed to support those affected by climate change.
Arqe-Hammeken expressed satisfaction with Borg’s detailed response, which she believes sheds light on the pressing issues facing the trapping sector. However, she is also prompted to formulate another inquiry to address unresolved concerns.
As discussions around the future of Greenland’s trapping industry unfold, the balancing act between economic opportunity and environmental sustainability remains a central theme.