Arctic Fisheries (JSEP pt.2)

July 9, 2022

Written by: Caroline Kim

In this second part of our JSEP series is the topic of arctic fisheries and the impact of the industry on Greenland. While having record profits this year from the fishing industry, Greenland still faces many challenges and concerns. This year, policies have been changed so that fishing quotas are not being raised as needed. Though this might help prevent overfishing, many fishermen are left unemployed once they reach their quotas (which are set on a quarterly basis). Fishing is an important part of Greenlandic culture, and a valuable hunting ground is Icefjord (a glacier). There are several issues within the fishing industry that affect overfishing; some examples include bycatch and illegal fishing. Bycatch is the capturing of unwanted sea life, which is often paired with unsustainable fishing practices such as bottom trawling. The illegal fishing industry is also a major cause of harm to the economy/ecosystems, which can result in shifts in the reproduction/maturation of sealife. In Greenland, the Royal Greenland is the largest fishing company and holds a monopoly over fishing in Greenland.

The energy usage in this fishing industry is often for cooling systems, water, and transportation. Fortunately, sustainable fishing is in demand, so based on the willingness of consumers, higher prices paired with sustainable fishing may be part of the solution. Some solutions to conserve this energy is passive fishing: location specific fishing stations to decrease transportation energy usage. Additionally, fishing companies spread out and independent would allow for less concentrated ecological impact, and reduce the need for any transportation of fish/seafood.

In terms of climate change, the thinning of the ice has increased the dangers associated with fishing. As a result, the fishing time periods are much more limited than before; however, along with this climate change is a shift in the sea life- more cod, bigger seals, and newer/unique forms of aquatic life. Another issue within the fishing industry is the wastewater that commercial fisheries dump outside factories, contributing to pollution in the water nearby. To accommodate thinning ice, satellite images have been used to check/ensure safety though locals/indigenous tribes have a deeper understanding of the ice and are not as reliant on these technologies.

Taking in consideration the water systems, overfishing disrupts not only habitats, but also the watershed systems, increased permafrost thaw due to pollution/black carbon, noise pollution from boats, greenhouse gasses, and increased warming due to positive feedback.

Finding a balance between maintaining economic stability and maintaining a healthy ecosystem is key. Overall, quotas should be focused more on major fishing companies, and monthly quotas would allow for more flexibility and assurance that individual fishers have a job. The social/food related ramifications stemming from fishing quotas include limited exports, but in the long run it will help manage overfishing and allow chances to promote sustainable fishing practices.

Sources:

Joint Science Education Project (Graduate Students/high school students):

Alyssa Pantaleo

Amelia Fitch

Jonathan Loos

Shauna Bulger

Mayan S.

Srinidhi G.

Caroline K.

Alex G.

Paarth N.

Kaviya C.

Jeremy W.