The Greenland Shark: A Growing Concern for Fishermen
The Greenland shark, often seen as a bane to commercial fishermen, has been making headlines lately, primarily for its knack for devouring catches from nets and long lines. This predation not only threatens the livelihood of fishers but also clobbers the value of coastal fishing, forcing many to grapple with the high cost of lost equipment. In response, the majority of the municipal council in Avannaata Kommunia has decided to allocate funds aimed at managing the population of this massive species, which can grow up to seven meters long and weigh over a ton.
Ole Møller, the chairman of the Committee for Fishing and Catching in the Northern Municipality and a seasoned fisherman, believes it is crucial to explore options that could enhance the utilization of shark catches. He sees potential in investigating strategies that could convert these catches into useful products.
Lars Poulsen, representing Siumut and chairing the Fishing, Hunting, and Agriculture Committee in Inatsisartut, agrees. He emphasizes the necessity for better management of the Greenland shark population to prevent resource wastage. His plan? To push for a formal study on the possibilities of developing shark products, including both dog food and human food.
Kullorsuaq’s Fishermen Speak Out
Fishing remains the primary livelihood in Kullorsuaq, but local fishermen, led by Timotheus Petersen of the fishermen’s and trappers’ association, have been vocal about the disruptive surge in Greenland shark numbers. Petersen explains that the sharks consume catches and gnaw at the longlines before fishermen can retrieve them.
“The sharks have become such a nuisance that we can’t leave our longlines down for more than a few hours,” he says. “It’s challenging to source new fishing equipment in North Greenland, making the issue all the more pressing.”
In light of these challenges, the fishermen’s association has proposed action to regulate the shark population, underscoring the urgent need for solutions.
Political Action on the Horizon
Responding to concerns raised by the Kullorsuaq fishermen, the municipal council tabled the issue for political deliberation. During their meeting on February 13, they discussed an application for funding to manage the Greenland shark population, leveraging finances from the cleanup of lost fishing gear.
In previous decades, municipalities had tackled the shark issue directly, with fishermen selling shark heads or hearts for about 100 kroner each. Fast forward to 2026, and Avannaata Kommunia has earmarked 850,000 kroner for seabed clean-up efforts. A proposal was put forth to allocate 100,000 kroner from this fund to purchase 1,000 shark hearts at the prior price. Instead, the council settled on financing the initiative from the pest control account at a rate of 300 kroner per heart, raising the stakes considerably.
Revisiting Successful Strategies
Ole Møller, who has extensive experience as a commercial fisherman in Uummannaq, recalls the successful management of shark populations in the 1980s when a shark’s heart could fetch 200 kroner. Møller notes that as the financial incentive dwindled to 50 kroner, interest faded, allowing sharks to wreak havoc on longlines once again.
“Some longlines now are being torn apart by sharks in less than an hour,” he points out. “I sincerely hope this recent decision will yield positive results.”
Møller advocates for a comprehensive approach to shark utilization, suggesting that the meat from a single shark could weigh around 200 kilos, potentially transformed into dog food through simple drying methods.
A Multifaceted Approach to Self-Sufficiency
Lars Poulsen, originally from Kuummiut and someone who has used shark meat as dog food in the past, highlights the strong demand for fermented shark among locals in East Greenland. With the adoption of Greenland’s Self-Sufficiency Strategy for 2025-2030, there’s renewed focus on developing local businesses that can harness the potential of the Greenland shark, deemed valuable for both pet and human consumption.
“The Greenland shark truly is worth its weight in gold,” he asserts. “We need to explore every avenue for its use, especially since it’s such a delicacy when prepared properly.”
The Need for Research
Despite the pressing concerns raised by fishermen, Søren L. Post, head of the Department for Fish and Shellfish at the Greenland Institute of Nature, notes a notable gap in systematic, quantitative research on the impact of Greenland sharks in local fisheries. While anecdotal evidence suggests that these sharks can significantly disrupt fishing operations, there’s a genuine need for thorough studies to better understand their impact.
Post explains that while sharks can damage gear and compromise catches, the institute currently lacks data to assess the specific population status of the Greenland shark in Greenlandic waters. As a species that matures slowly and is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the need for cautious management remains critical.
In light of these discussions, it is clear that the Greenland shark issue will continue to be a focal point for local fishermen and policymakers alike, as they work to find solutions that balance ecological considerations with economic needs.