Sustainable raw materials
Royal Greenland contributes with knowledge and insight and wishes to strengthen sustainable fisheries
Our fisheries must be managed in accordance with the scientific advice. We procure fish and shellfish according to equivalent principles and contribute to building knowledge of sustainable fisheries, the marine environment and new species.
We can categorise our raw materials as originating from ocean-going fishing, coastal fishing and direct purchases from local fishermen, as well as farmed species. 98% of the raw material volumes are sourced from ocean-going and coastal fishing, with an almost equal distribution between the two.
Royal Greenland actively monitors fisheries requirements, reacts to scientifically proven changes in stocks and participates actively in the development of new technologies.
Risks and opportunities
The greatest volume of raw materials originate from Greenland, where the following risks have been identified:
- For some species, a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) exceeding the scientific advice is determined.
- Excess capacity, particularly in the coastal fleet, can exert more pressure on fish stocks.
- Impact on habitats and vulnerable species from fishing using active tools in contact with the seabed.
- Large by-catch volumes of sea birds, for example
The best possible advice as the basis for optimal socioeconomic management is achieved through continuous focus on ensuring sustainable fisheries. A stable supply of resources will enable towns and settlements to continue their fishing and production activities, for the benefit of the industry and the local communities. In addition, sustainable fisheries will maintain and provide access to new sales markets.
Actions and results 2022
- Based on Sustainable Fisheries Greenland’s (SFG) Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) concerning inshore Greenland halibut, this fishing is now subject to quotas, and three new management areas have been established.
- A working group has been established to define targets for Greenland halibut fishing, and since inshore Greenland halibut is considered to be a “blind end stock”, the task is primarily to define whether fishing in the fjords takes place at the optimal time in terms of the growth and value of the fish.
- Working groups have been established for management plans concerning offshore Greenland halibut in East Greenland, and marine ecosystems and habitats.
Goals and achievement of the goals 2019-2022:
Goal:
More than 85% of our raw material is sustainable, according to internal assessment.
Achievement of the goal:
The ratio of sustainable species has increased to 93%.
The overall goal for 2019-2022 has been achieved in terms of the general internal assessment of the total raw material supply, which is based on division into sustainable, less sustainable and critical species. Sustainable species are defined as fishing a healthy stock that is fished responsibly in accordance with the biological advice.
Ambitions for 2030
More than 95% of our raw material is sustainable, according to an internal assessment.
