Member of Inatsisartuts Fisheries, Catching and Agriculture Committee, Jens Napãtôᴋ’ from Naleraq, has asked a section 37 question to Naalakkersuisut about issuing licenses for coastal fishing.
He believes that the processing of some applications for fishing licenses takes too long and that administrative improvements are therefore needed.
Member of Inatsisartuts Fisheries, Catching and Agriculture Committee, Jens Napãtôᴋ’ from Naleraq, has asked a section 37 question to Naalakkersuisut about issuing licenses for coastal fishing.
He believes that the processing of some applications for fishing licenses takes too long and that administrative improvements are therefore needed.
Ulrik Inuusuttoq, who is a dinghy fisherman in Attu, has not yet received his new fishing license and says that he therefore cannot earn money from fishing.
In a reply to the Inatsisartut member, Naalakkersuisoq for Fisheries, Fishing, Agriculture and Self-Sufficiency, Peter Borg from Demokraatit, writes that the Department of Fisheries, Fishing, Agriculture and Self-Sufficiency has recently been affected by illness, which may have affected the processing of the applications.
But he also emphasizes that efforts are being made to improve the processing of applications.
The task is divided into two
According to Naalakkersuisoq Peter Borg, the issuing of licenses for coastal fishing is shared between the municipalities and the Department of Fisheries, Catching, Agriculture and Self-Sufficiency.
– All fishermen who want a license similar to the one they had last year can contact the municipality’s office and get the license immediately. The department has not found any explanation as to why the case processing time is longer in some municipalities, he says.
Applications from new players – i.e. those who have not previously held a fishing license – as well as applications from owners of vessels over six meters are processed by the Department of Fisheries, Catching and Agriculture, informs Naalakkersuisoq for fisheries.
Affected by illness
Jens Napãtôᴋ’ also wants to know why the processing of fishing licenses takes longer in some places. Naalakkersuisoq Peter Borg explains that the department has recently been affected by an epidemic, which may be the reason for the delays.
– But it would not have much effect, as the applications are processed according to when they were submitted.
– Since not all applications are processed as license applications, we cannot state exactly how many are waiting for processing, replies Naalakkersuisoq for fisheries.
He emphasizes, however, that all inquiries are processed by the department.
Treated as soon as possible
Jens Napãtôᴋ’ also wanted to know how long it takes to process applications for fishing licenses in East and West Greenland.
– If all information and documentation is sent immediately, applications are usually processed within three to four days. When the work is particularly demanding, however, it can take up to ten days. This is within the legislative framework for case management.
The answer shows that applications are treated the same regardless of which region they come from.
There can be various reasons
Borg states that delays in the processing of certain applications for fishing licenses may be due to the vessel not being registered, missing a CVR number or not having submitted the necessary information.
– The department always works actively to process all inquiries as quickly as possible.
– However, it is also important to emphasize that the fishermen must ensure that all information and documents are ready during the application period, and that they send their application as soon as possible before fishing begins, says Naalakkersuisoq.
Working on improvement
Peter Borg emphasizes that the Department for Fisheries, Catching, Agriculture and the Supply Area continues the work to improve the processing of fishing licences.
– In 2026, a large IT project is planned, which should result in more fishermen being issued licenses immediately. It is hoped that these changes will come into force before the fishermen apply for a license in 2027, says Naalakkersuisoq Peter Borg.
In mid-December last year, fishermen were reminded that they had to apply for a fishing license before 1 January 2026.
Still can’t fish
Dinghy fisherman Ulrik Inuusuttoq from Attu has so far been unable to make money from cod fishing because his application for a license has not yet been processed.
– I have been told that my CVR number is not correctly registered, so I have not yet received my licence. I have already fished for cod with a net and caught some fish, but I still can’t sell them.
– After the new fisheries law, it has become more complicated for many to get a fishing licence. I therefore believe that the administrative service should be better, he says.
Last year, Ulrik Inuusuttoq was the largest supplier of cod to Royal Greenland’s fish factory in Attu.
Jens Napãtôᴋ’ is highly critical of the slow processing of applications for fishing licenses and demands that the matter be resolved quickly.
