Greenland took on a new role when there was a North Atlantic salmon run in Wales, at a time when wild salmon stocks have dwindled significantly.
There was plenty to talk about when the North Atlantic Salmon Organization NASCO held its annual meeting in Wales earlier this month.
There was enoughAnnouncement
The years 2023 and 2024 were low points for the catch across the entire North Atlantic, where 348 tons of salmon were caught last year. Just under 20 tons were caught in West Greenland, which was also a record low.
Something new at this year’s salmon meeting was that Greenland now for the first time leads the West Greenland Commission, which consists of Denmark (on behalf of the Faroe Islands and Greenland), the USA, Canada, the UK and the EU.
– Greenland has previously been vice-chairman on several occasions, but this is the first time that Greenland has made itself available as chairman. Greenland has been elected for a 2-year period and can be re-elected for a further 2 years, according to the Government of Greenland.
Maybe a ministerial meeting is coming
NASCO is considering whether it is time to call Atlantic fisheries ministers together to do something for wild salmon. The focus is on climate change, pollution and sharing knowledge across countries.
– Greenland stands firm on its right as an indigenous people to fish salmon for its own consumption – and therefore continues to have a fishery, writes the Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture and Self-Sustainability.
It was also something new at this annual meeting that indigenous peoples’ institutions participated in NASCO and had speaking time at the annual meeting.
The Department of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture and Self-Sustainability will now begin preparing for this year’s salmon season.