Rockfish Roe Quota Set at 1,238 Tonnes Amid Challenging Conditions
This year, authorities have established a quota of 1,238 tonnes of rockfish roe, which will be allocated across seven designated management areas. Starting from the onset of the fishing season, local fishermen will have a window of 60 days to harvest. Yet, with an unpredictable spring weather pattern, many remain skeptical about whether the quotas will be fully met.
In a bid to maximize quota utilization, the Department of Fisheries, Catching, Agriculture, and Self-Sufficiency announced a 14-day extension for the rockfish fishery in certain areas at the end of May. This comes as the price of rockfish roe has surged to record levels, with some processing plants in Nuuk offering just over DKK 60 per kilo.
Fishermen along the coast greeted the high prices with enthusiasm, but their optimism has quickly turned to disappointment due to a disappointing catch thus far. Factories have reported a significant decline in the volume of rockfish roe procured this year compared to last.
A Disheartening Season
Pele Blytmann, chairman of KNAPK (the Association of Fishermen and Smallboat Owners), expressed his regret over what has been a challenging fishing season. “Our members report that rockfish yields along the coast have markedly decreased compared to last year, primarily due to erratic weather conditions,” he lamented.
With the potential for high prices fueling expectations, the current reality has left many disheartened. As a result, numerous fishermen have shifted their focus to halibut and cod fishing in light of the poor rockfish performance.
“There is hope that as temperatures rise, more rockfish will venture into our waters,” Blytmann added. Some local branches are pushing for another extension of the rockfish fishery as fishermen wait for more favorable weather.
In South Greenland, pack ice has posed significant challenges for rockfish fishermen, leading to the loss of many nets. In coastal towns such as Narsaq and Qaqortoq, many fishermen have already switched their efforts to cod and other species.
A Staggering Decline in Catch
Reports from Royal Greenland’s facility in Narsaq highlight a stark drop in rockfish roe procurement this year. Last year, the facility secured 31 tonnes, but by the end of May, only about 11 tonnes had been reported. This trend is reflected across other regions as well, with Arctic Prime Fisheries reporting a significant downturn; last year’s procurement of approximately 700 barrels has plummeted to just 150 barrels this year, according to director Hentzar Petersen.
Conversely, cod fishing appears to be thriving, as many fishermen adapt their strategies to align with market demands.
Transitioning to Halibut Fishing
In Disko Bay, an unusually cold spring has kept rockfish at bay, leading many fishermen to abandon their nets in favor of halibut. According to Greenland’s Statistics, Qeqertarsuaq typically sees the highest rockfish roe procurement—855 tonnes in 2024, followed by 479 tonnes in 2025 for Royal Greenland. Unfortunately, this year’s totals have fallen significantly short compared to the same period last year, noted factory manager Mona Lisa Isaksen.
By the end of May, less than 20 tonnes of roe were procured in Qeqertarsuaq, underscoring a grim outlook for the remainder of the fishing season. Many fishermen have reported unsatisfactory catches, prompting a collective shift in focus towards halibut.
At Royal Greenland’s procurement facility in Atammik, which secured 110 tonnes of roe last year, the current figures are only half of that total thus far, said deputy manager Mikael Poulsen. “When rockfish procurement goes well, we usually have two teams working. Right now, we’re operating with just one,” he explained.
As the fishing season unfolds, the challenges faced by Greenland’s rockfish industry remain a point of concern, highlighting the interplay between environmental factors and local economies.