The Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut) has approved a new Executive Order on non-commercial fishing following a public consultation. The order was drafted based on feedback from the consultation process and constitutes a key element in the implementation of the Inatsisartut Act on Fisheries, which was passed on May 16, 2024.
The purpose of the new Executive Order is to consolidate the rules for non-commercial fishing into a single framework. Previously, these provisions were scattered across several species-specific orders, making it difficult for citizens to obtain a comprehensive overview. With this new Executive Order, regulations for subsistence fishing are gathered in one functional order, while rules for commercial fishing will continue to be regulated by separate orders.
Consolidation of Current Regulations
The Executive Order is largely a consolidation of existing provisions from the species-specific orders regarding fishing for Arctic char, lumpsucker, crab, and salmon, as well as the Executive Order on licenses and quotas. Consequently, there are no major substantive changes to the existing rules.
The Executive Order covers non-commercial fishing for the following species and areas:
-
Crabs
-
Lumpsucker
-
Salmon
-
The Kapisillit River
-
Cod
-
Arctic char
Specific Changes and Clarifications While the primary content is a consolidation, the Executive Order includes a few changes and clarifications designed to enhance transparency and local management:
-
Detailed regulation of net setting, including distance requirements and supervision (Sections 17–19).
-
Municipal authority to designate threatened rivers and implement local conservation measures (Section 22). Municipalities are no longer required to submit lists to the Ministry every five years.
-
Provision for municipal permits regarding the use of fish traps (Section 16, para. 2).
-
Rod fishing with a single hook as the only permitted method in certain zones for Arctic char (Section 13, para. 6).
-
Harmonization of start and end dates for salmon fishing with commercial fishing regulations (Section 8).
-
Requirement for public notification upon the closure of a fishery (Section 9 and Section 13, para. 7).
Easier Access to Regulations for Citizens With the new Executive Order, citizens who engage in subsistence fishing will have a single point of entry for all relevant rules. This is expected to make it easier to plan and carry out fishing activities in a manner that is both sustainable and in compliance with current legislation.
The Executive Order enters into force on June 1, 2026.
The proposal can also be found at nalunaarutit.gl
For further information, please contact the Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting, Agriculture, and Self-Sufficiency at apn@nanoq.gl.