Late Ice in the North and an Abundant Crab Harvest in the South: January’s Record-Breaking Warmth Impacts Greenland’s Fisheries
Nuuk in January, one of the rare days when snowfall graced the city.
Photo: Oscar Scott Carl
January 2023 has etched itself into the annals of climate history for Greenland, bringing not just record-breaking temperatures but also a profound impact on fishing dynamics. According to Royal Greenland, the country’s largest seafood company, the warm weather is reshuffling the traditional rhythms of fishing, presenting both obstacles and opportunities.
As reported by the Danish Meteorological Institute, January was the warmest on record in several locations along the west coast. In Nuuk, the average temperature soared to 0.1 degrees Celsius—an astonishing 7.8 degrees above the seasonal norm. Alongside Nuuk, multiple cities recorded historic highs, underscoring the dramatic shift in climate conditions.
Sten Sørensen, who oversees cod and crab operations at Royal Greenland, acknowledges the complexities that arise from these changes. “There’s no denying that the shifts in climate are significant. Whether these changes yield positive or negative outcomes varies widely, depending on the specific location and fish species involved,” he noted.
Late Ice Poses Challenges for Northern Fishing
The effects of this milder winter are palpable in different regions of Greenland. In the north, particularly in Uummannaq, the delays in sea ice formation are causing trouble for fishermen. Traditionally, the ice settles around Christmas, providing a stable platform for halibut fishing. This year, however, the ice has only recently made its appearance, pushing the start of the ice fishing season much later than last year.
Sørensen elaborated, “Even though I can say there’s no ice, there’s still too much for fishing boats to safely set out. Additionally, whaling activities complicate matters, leaving plenty of factors to consider.”
A Bountiful Harvest in the South
In stark contrast, southern Greenland presents a different scenario. The temperate conditions have allowed crab fishermen to venture out to sea with relative ease. Currently, crab fishing is thriving in Nuuk and other southern areas, as calm seas and mild weather enhance accessibility.
As changes in weather continue to reshape the fishing landscape, the resilience of both fishermen and local ecology will be put to the test. The full effects of this record-warm January remain to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that the climate is creating a new narrative for Greenland’s fisheries—one that blends the uncertainties of change with the promise of opportunity.