Recommendations from a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) for the inshore Greenland halibut fishery
The inshore fishery for Greenland halibut in West Greenland is central to the Greenlandic economy, employment and identity.
It is essential to ensure that the Greenland halibut thrives and can contribute as much as possible to the Greenlandic society through an optimal yield, a stable fishery and a healthy stock of fish in high demand in the world markets.
At present there is an unfortunate increase in the number of smaller fish landed and a decline in the scientific quota recommendations. In 2018, a Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) was therefore initiated by the key stakeholders in the fishery. The objectives were to obtain the knowledge needed to support a sustainable management of the fishery, provide the tools needed to maintain a healthy stock of Greenland halibut and maximize the long-term economic yield for both fishermen and society.
It was a 2-year project with the overall goal of providing actual recommendations to optimize the inshore fishery for Greenland halibut in Upernavik, Uummannaq and the Disko Bay area and at the start of 2021 the recommendations were disseminated to the Greenlandic Department of Fishing, Hunting and Agriculture.
The recommendations fall within different categories, addressing both fishery targets, overall management and practical changes. There needs to be a fixed target for the fishery as the basis for management of the fishery, and it is recommended to use the average length of the landed fish to monitor the fishery. Other recommendations include a minimum gill net mesh size and improved procedures for the removal of lost fishing gear.
A working group under the Department of Fisheries, in which Royal Greenland also participates, handles the work and dialogue with stakeholders on implementation in the three management areas, and new measures have been implemented in both 2022 and 2023.
Once the recommendations are well implemented, it is expected that the fishery will qualify for MSC certification, which is an official labelling given to responsible and sustainably managed fisheries.
Read the report
Read the report
Read about FIP's and download the entire report with the recommendations here at Sustainable Fisheries Greenland
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