Fisheries and Catch

Fishing is Greenland’s single most important trade. Fishing for prawns and Greenlandic halibut and some other species is regulated by quota and license regulations decided by the government. Fishing comes in two breeds, coastal - and offshore fishing. Coastal fishing supplies land-based seafood buyers, while the offshore fishing fleet primarily consists of factory vessels with on-board production.

Huntsmanship has been a way of life in Greenland for generations, and even today, hunting provides an important supplement to household economy. Hunting is regulated by means of seasons and permissions. A general hunting license is mandatory for anyone, who wants to hunt. The general license comes in two breeds, a professional and recreational. The quota system regulates the number of animals available for hunting. Professional hunting license holders usually don’t make a full living from hunting. In addition, they will often do dinghy fishing in summer and ice fishing in winter.

Seal still plays an important role. The seal pelt is usually traded, while the meat is consumed or used for dog fodder in the northern districts. Around half of the traded seal pelt is tanned by Great Greenland, the countrys only tannery. Pelt from land mammals is traded as well. A number of whale species have hunting quota. The meat is consumed in Greenland only, and whaling plays a minor economic role. Reindeer and musk ox are the most important land species. Meat from sea mammals, musk ox and reindeer is traded at local markets and larger shops. Sheep and lamb are butchered at Neqi A/S. Guillemot and eider hunting is regulated by means of day quota some of the year, and the remaining bird hunt is season regulated.