Sustainable raw materials
Royal Greenland contributes with knowledge and insight and wishes to strengthen sustainable fisheries
Our fisheries must be managed in accordance with the scientific advice. We procure fish and shellfish according to equivalent principles and contribute to building knowledge of sustainable fisheries, the marine environment and new species.
We can categorise our raw materials as originating from ocean-going fishing, coastal fishing and direct purchases from local fishermen, as well as farmed species. 98% of the raw material volumes are sourced from ocean-going and coastal fishing, with an almost equal distribution between the two.
Royal Greenland actively monitors fisheries requirements, reacts to scientifically proven changes in stocks and participates actively in the development of new technologies.
Risks and opportunities
The greatest volume of raw materials originate from Greenland, where the following risks have been identified:
- For some species, a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) exceeding the scientific advice is determined.
- Excess capacity, particularly in the coastal fleet, can exert more pressure on fish stocks.
- Impact on habitats and vulnerable species from fishing using active tools in contact with the seabed.
- Large by-catch volumes of sea birds, for example
The best possible advice as the basis for optimal socioeconomic management is achieved through continuous focus on ensuring sustainable fisheries. A stable supply of resources will enable towns and settlements to continue their fishing and production activities, for the benefit of the industry and the local communities. In addition, sustainable fisheries will maintain and provide access to new sales markets.
Goals and results 2023
Royal Greenland works to develop fisheries in Greenland through its participation in the national work on management plans and bilateral negotiations, headed by Greenland's Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture.
Under Sustainable Fisheries Greenland, during the year work took place on management plans for coastal Greenland halibut and cod in Greenland, as well as marine ecosystems and habitats, besides the maintenance of the current MSC certifications.
Goals for 2023:
- More than 90% of our raw material is sustainable, according
to an internal assessment
Results:
- 95%
The goal for 2023 was achieved in terms of the general internal assessment of the overall supply of raw materials, which is based on division into sustainable, less sustainable and critical species, see Figure 2. Sustainable species are defined as fishing a healthy stock that is fished responsibly in accordance with the management plan and the TAC adopted. There are also minimal by-catch volumes in fisheries, and if this presents challenges, remedial measures are taken.
The critical species account for 0.1% and have been eliminated in real terms.
Ambitions for 2030
- More than 95% of our raw material is sustainable, according to an internal assessment.
