Naalakkersuisut, Greenland’s self-governing authority, has recently allocated significant halibut quotas, marking a pivotal moment in the region’s fishing industry. These annual quotas, effective immediately, permit fishermen to harvest throughout the year.
Leading the charge is Royal Greenland, the territory’s largest fishing enterprise, awarded an impressive 1,950 tonnes of halibut. This substantial quota bolsters the company’s capacity to fish, layering onto the allocations it has already secured for 2025.
Not to be overlooked, Qaleralik—where Royal Greenland holds a 25% stake—has received an annual quota of 1,650 tonnes. When combined, the fishing quotas for 2021 stand at 5,250 tonnes for Royal Greenland and 4,950 tonnes for Qaleralik, as detailed in a recent communiqué from Naalakkersuisut to the four primary fishing entities: Polar Seafood, Qaleralik, Royal Greenland, and Sigguk.
However, not all players are benefitting from this distribution. Both Polar Seafood and Sigguk—partly owned by Polar—have been left out of the annual quotas, figuratively speaking, left with “a long nose.” This year, Polar Seafood has a halibut quota of 1,570 tonnes, while Sigguk sits at 2,035 tonnes. Notably, Royal Greenland’s quota exceeds Polar’s by more than threefold.
The decision to distribute these annual quotas was finalized on October 26, according to the letter from Naalakkersuisut. Notably, it appears that the authority has the power to allocate unassigned quota shares, but current quotas are tied to compliance with stated limits. Polar Seafood and Sigguk have exceeded these thresholds, which has barred them from additional quota shares.
Earlier this year, on January 1, Naalakkersuisut restructured the fishing landscape by reducing the quotas of Royal Greenland, Qaleralik, Polar Seafood, and Sigguk by one-third. Both Polar Seafood and Sigguk have voiced strong objections to this decision, expressing concern over fair competition.
A tender issued in early February offered quotas for halibut and cod, including 4,600 tonnes of halibut earmarked for new entrants into the fishing sector. Yet, no decision has been made regarding the distribution of these shares to potential newcomers, leaving the quotas dormant and unharvestable.
Naalakkersuisut asserts that the current allocation of annual quotas does not impede the ongoing process for new companies. The agency emphasizes that annual quotas should be utilized effectively, regardless of the entity wielding them, illustrating a societal perspective on the importance of responsible fishing practices.
“What is clear,” the letter states, “is that existing players have the necessary infrastructure to utilize the remaining quota effectively within the year.”
Frans Heilmann, director and co-owner of Sigguk, has accused Naalakkersuisut of favoring Royal Greenland and Qaleralik at the expense of private enterprises like his own and Polar Seafood. He argues that the rationale preventing allocations to Sigguk—rooted in quota ownership limits—seems unjust, especially since Polar Seafood holds influence in Sigguk.
“Naalakkersuisut’s current actions suggest that they are not only reinstating the quotas Royal Greenland lost but also compensating them with those taken from private sectors,” Heilmann argues. The disparities highlight significant differences in quota ceilings: Royal Greenland’s limits are reportedly double those of private companies.
Despite a potentially frustrating landscape for private players, Heilmann remains determined. “As a private trader in Greenland, one might contemplate withdrawing investments,” he reflects, noting the challenges posed by public sector dominance. Nonetheless, he and his team are committed to challenging this decision, asserting that equitable treatment is essential for all players within the industry.
As the situation continues to unfold, the complexities of quota management and competition within Greenland’s fishing sector remain topics of heated debate and scrutiny.