The halibut fishery is most important business in Upernavik and Uummannaq. But if fishing is to be developed further, the fishermen believe that as many different species of fish as possible should be available at the fish factories.
The price of rockfish roe has reached a record high this year. Even so, no stone bite roe is procured in Upernavik, Uummannaq or the settlements in the areas. However, that may change from next year.
The halibut fishery is most important business in Upernavik and Uummannaq. But if fishing is to be developed further, the fishermen believe that as many different species of fish as possible should be available at the fish factories.
The price of rockfish roe has reached a record high this year. Even so, no stone bite roe is procured in Upernavik, Uummannaq or the settlements in the areas. However, that may change from next year.
The possibilities must be explored
Several years ago, rockfish roe was procured in Upernavik Kujalleq during one season as an experiment. The trial went well, says Magnus Grim, factory manager at Royal Greenland’s fish factory in Upernavik Kujalleq.
According to him, the possibilities of starting to buy stone bite roe again in Upernavik Kujalleq from next year must now be investigated. In this connection, meetings will be held with the fishermen during this week.
Climate change has led to shorter periods of sea ice in many places in North Greenland. This opens up new opportunities for catching rockfish, says Magnus Grim.
– We listen to the fishermen’s wishes and evaluate them on an ongoing basis. The fishermen in Upernavik Kujalleq want to be able to purchase rockfish roe, and that is why we are working on being able to receive roe from next year, he says.
Around 300 tonnes of halibut were procured for the fish factories in Upernavik Kujalleq last year.
– Our management wants as many different species as possible to be processed, and we are working to make this a reality.
– If the procurement of stone bite roe is a success in Upernavik Kujalleq, the idea is that it can also be introduced in Upernavik and perhaps in other settlements, says the experienced factory manager.
In Upernavik Kujalleq halibut is settled at 30 kroner per kilo.
Lots of rock biters
There are many stone bites in certain areas around Upernavik, says dinghy fisherman Paulus Karlsen from Upernavik Kujalleq.
– The fishermen here already have experience in fishing for rockfish.
– In the past, the quota for rockfish roe on Greenland’s west coast was often fished out while North Greenland was still covered in ice. Now the ice period has shortened, and if the purchase of roe is opened, it will be a great advantage for the fishermen, he says.
According to the rules for net fishing for halibut in the management area of Upernavik, fishing with nets is permitted in January, March, April, May, November and December.
Among other things, this has resulted in pressure on the halibut stock and fewer landings, says Paulus Karlsen.
Therefore, he believes that the procurement of rockfish roe from next year will be an important supplement to the fishermen’s economy.
Should be utilized
Around Uummannaq, there are also many stone-biters, says the chairman of the fishermen’s and trappers’ association in Uummannaq, Ole Møller. The stock should be utilized, he believes.
There are three fish factories in Uummannaq, but none of them receive rockfish roe.
– Compared to before, the period with sea ice has become about a month shorter. Therefore, the fishermen believe that it should be opened to the purchase of rockfish roe.
– Fishing for rockfish can be an important supplement to halibut fishing. Therefore, the topic will be taken up in the fishermen’s and trappers’ association in the near future, he says.
Ole Møller is also chairman of the Fishing and Catching Committee in Avannaata Municipality’s municipal council. He emphasizes that the committee prioritizes continued development of the fishing industry in the municipality.
Therefore, he will work to ensure that the possibilities of introducing the purchase of stone bite roe in Uummannaq, Upernavik and the surrounding settlements are investigated in more detail, and that the matter is dealt with in the committee in the coming time.
