Fisheries Act (No. 29 of 2024).

This Greenland Act establishes a comprehensive legal framework for the management, regulation, and sustainability of Greenland’s fishery resources. The law begins by defining fisheries resources as the common property of Greenlandic society, with the overarching goal of securing long-term economic benefits while ensuring sustainable exploitation. It emphasizes maintaining stocks at levels that allow for maximum sustainable yield and highlights priorities such as efficient capacity use, investment climate, scientific advice, social and local considerations, compliance with international agreements, minimizing ecological impacts, self-sufficiency, stakeholder involvement, and transparency in governance.
Access to fisheries within Greenland’s territory is carefully structured. Non-commercial fishing is permitted without prior authorization for residents of Greenland but requires permits for non-residents. Commercial fishing requires a license, which is limited to Greenlandic actors fulfilling residency, tax, and ownership requirements, or to foreign actors through international agreements and specific authorizations. Detailed rules govern vessel ownership, licensing, and dispensations, with strict provisions to ensure that the industry remains tied to Greenlandic society. Foreign vessels may only fish under license outside 12 nautical miles, and Greenlandic actors must meet stringent criteria for fishing both within and outside Greenland’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
A key regulatory instrument is the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) system, which is set annually per stock in line with multi-year management plans developed with scientific and stakeholder input. These plans outline goals, quantitative targets, timeframes, and conservation measures. TACs are distributed through quotas across fleet components, with rules on reallocation, stop-fishing obligations, and mechanisms for unused quotas. For major stocks like shrimp, crab, and halibut, an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ/IOK) system applies, granting actors quota shares that can be inherited, transferred, or sold under regulated conditions. To prevent monopolization, the law imposes ceilings on quota ownership by individuals, companies, and state-owned entities. Quotas are granted for defined periods (e.g., 10 years for shrimp and halibut) and can be revoked or redistributed if underused or if legal obligations are breached.
The Act also contains extensive provisions on landings, processing, conservation, control, data collection, and sanctions. Processing at sea and establishment of new landing facilities require approval, and technical conservation measures (closed seasons, gear restrictions, size limits) may be enacted. Data collection is mandatory, with transparency ensured through annual reports and public access to quota, vessel, and ownership information. Oversight is carried out by the Fisheries License Control Authority and the Fisheries Inspection, with powers to board vessels, inspect catches, and enforce compliance, including the use of vessel monitoring systems. Sanctions include fines, confiscation of catch or vessels, and forced quota sales. Overall, the law creates a tightly regulated, science-based, and socially anchored system designed to balance economic development with ecological sustainability in Greenland’s vital fisheries sector.