Fishery

Sustainable Fisheries Greenland is continuously working to increase the proportion of Greenlandic MSC-certified fisheries. So far, four fisheries have obtained certification. 

Prawn fishery in West Greenland

Prawn fishery in West Greenland

In 2013, the West Greenland fishery for cold-water prawns – Pandalus borealis – was the first Greenlandic fishery to achieve MSC certification.

See the MSC certificate

Fishery for cod, haddock and saithe in the Barents Sea

Fishery for cod, haddock and saithe in the Barents Sea

As a result of Greenland’s international fisheries agreements with Norway and Russia, Greenlandic companies are allotted fishing concessions in the Barents Sea every year. The fishing here is for cod, haddock and saithe in both the Norwegian and Russian zones.

In 2015, the Greenlandic fishery in the Barents Sea achieved MSC certification.

See the MSC certificate

Lumpfish fishery in West Greenland

Lumpfish fishery in West Greenland

Fishing for lumpfish in the waters off West Greenland represents a small but important fishery during the spring months. The fishing is done in small vessels, often crewed by just one or two persons. Lumpfish roe is exported to Germany, France and Sweden, where MSC certification is very important.

In 2015, the fishery achieved MSC certification.

See the MSC certificate

Trawling for Greenland halibut in West Greenland

Trawling for Greenland halibut in West Greenland

The fishery for Greenland halibut is surpassed only by the prawn fishery in its economic importance to Greenlandic society and the Greenlandic fishing companies. The fishing takes place in both offshore and coastal areas.

In May 2017, the ocean-going trawling for Greenland halibut in Baffin Bay and the Davis Strait was awarded MSC certification.

See the MSC certificate