Regulation No. 31 on the protection and capture of walrus.

The present regulation of the Government of Greenland regulates the protection and capture of walruses within Greenland’s land and fishing territories. It establishes definitions, conservation rules, quotas, and geographic stock boundaries, and requires licenses for hunting. The regulation restricts disturbing walruses, bans capture of calves (with limited exceptions), and mandates specific hunting methods and weapon standards. Quotas are set based on scientific advice, user knowledge, and international agreements, and are distributed through municipalities. Hunters must report all catches, bycatches, and injuries, with penalties for violations. It also covers rules on trade, use of walrus products, scientific sampling, and emergency situations (e.g., euthanizing sick animals). Municipalities may issue additional requirements, and scientific exemptions are possible.
This Regulation modernizes the 2006 rules by expanding definitions, strengthening conservation measures, and decentralizing management. Key changes include new restrictions on disturbance (drones, large vessels, aircraft), broader reporting duties (including bycatch, injuries, and carcasses), and the possibility of multi-year quotas informed by science, traditional knowledge, and municipal input instead of strictly annual quotas and fixed hunting seasons. The licensing system is more detailed, with age limits, redistribution of unused licenses, and clearer sales rules, while the old requirement to harpoon walruses before shooting was removed. Enforcement is tougher, allowing fines, confiscation, and liability for legal persons.