Raising the Bar: Proposed Cod Quotas Spark Debate Among Fishermen
In a bold move, the Greenlandic government has ignited a heated discussion within the fishing community. An anonymous source from the industry recently told Sermitsiaq that they believe authorities are “opening the floodgates at full throttle,” following sensational consultation proposals from Naalakkersuisut and the Department of Fisheries, Catching, Agriculture, and Self-Sufficiency.
The proposed changes include a significant increase in the total allowable catch (TAC) for cod in both East and West Greenland for the year 2026. According to the source, these proposed quotas are nothing short of historic, sending shockwaves through the fishing sector. “People are going crazy” over the details outlined in the consultation document titled “Consultation – TAC for Cod Fishing 2026,” which was released on October 30 and is accessible via Naalakkersuisut’s consultation portal.
East Greenland
The proposal suggests a TAC of 40,000 tonnes for East Greenland in 2026, marking a 5,000-tonne increase from the current quota. This allocation will be divided between Dohrn Banke and Southeast Greenland, with a clear emphasis on Dohrn Banke, where significant cod populations have been observed.
The document explains that the cod stock in Dohrn Banke is considered a shared resource between Greenland and Iceland, with the current stock exceeding Greenland’s usage. Interestingly, this proposal exceeds the recommendations set forth by biologists, suggesting an increase of 16,500 tonnes over the advised limit of 23,518 tonnes. Biologists have previously indicated that the TAC for the spawning stock should see a 20% reduction compared to 2022’s figures.
West Greenland
Over in West Greenland, the proposed TAC stands at 16,000 tonnes for 2026. However, the biological advice indicates that the current fishing pressure on the spawning stock exceeds sustainable levels, recommending a total catch not to surpass 4,700 tonnes—1,470 tonnes lower than this year’s limits.
In a notable move, the original TAC of 6,500 tonnes established earlier this year was increased by 10,000 tonnes on October 17, following recommendations from the Fisheries Council, resulting in this year’s total allowance of 16,500 tonnes. The proposed quota for the next year, however, falls slightly below this mark.
A Word of Caution
While some fishermen may view these proposed increases as a long-awaited boon, caution is advised. “This is a fulfilling moment for many, but policymakers need to tread carefully when setting such high quotas in West Greenland,” the source warned. The concern stems from the risk of an overhauled fishing industry, reminiscent of the 1990s, when an economic crisis struck due to overcapacity in the shrimp fishery, leading to numerous bankruptcies and destabilizing the local economy.
No Comments from Authorities
Currently, several companies, including Polar Seafood Greenland A/S, Royal Greenland A/S, Qaleralik A/S, Arctic Prime Fisheries A/S, and Arsuk A/S, operate six trawlers under the West Greenland cod quotas. Responses to the proposed consultation are requested by November 20.
Sermitsiaq reached out to the Department of Fisheries, Catching, Agriculture, and Self-Sufficiency for further insights. Katrine Kærgaard, the department head, stated that decisions on the TAC will be made in early December but directed all further inquiries back to the consultation process.
As the fishing community steers through this radical proposal, the stakes are high, and the path forward remains to be seen.