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The lumpfish roe fishing season is brief, only lasting a few months each year. This year, the season has been impacted by unfavorable weather conditions and the 47-day rule, making fishing more challenging. This has led to a quieter season with less catch than the previous year. Reduced Catch at Processing Facilities This year, out of the total quota of 1500 tons, only 737 tons have been caught, compared to 1000 tons the previous year. The decrease in catch can be largely attributed to this season's severe weather conditions. The spring and early summer in Greenland have been marked by frequent storms, making it difficult or even impossible to sail in the small boats. The local fishermen, who fish inshore, use small boats to check and empty their nets. This makes the fishing susceptible to weather conditions, as a storm can prevent the fishermen from accessing and emptying their nets. Each fisherman manages 10-15 gill nets that are checked, maintained, and emptied daily. Fishermen Bringing Their Gill Nets Onboard The adverse weather conditions have led to a generally lower catch in all of Royal Greenland's factories, except in the settlements of Ikamiut and Ikerasaarsuk, which have seen a slight increase this year. Royal Greenland's factory in Qeqertarsuaq has received 38 tons, a decrease of about 45% compared to the previous year when the entire quota of 63 tons was reached. Lumpfish Roe Being Processed at Our Factory in Nuuk The 47-Day Rule The season lasts from late March to early July, but the quota is divided between six landing areas along the western coast of Greenland, each holding the quota for a maximum of 47 days. The season starts when the lumpfish swim into shallow waters to spawn, signaled by the rising water temperatures in spring. The season begins in the southernmost part of Greenland, where the water warms up first. The season then moves up the west coast, where the quota is passed on to the next area, until it reaches the area in Disco Bay. By late June, the lumpfish finish spawning and return to deeper waters, marking the end of the season. If a catch area is affected by bad weather conditions when the quota is available, the already short lumpfish fishing season can become even shorter. The combination of the 47-day rule and poor weather conditions leaves a very small window for the fishermen to catch the important fish. A Small but Crucial Fishery Despite the short season for lumpfish fishing, it is extremely important. In smaller settlements, lumpfish is one of the few species that can be caught due to limited requirements for processing equipment. This allows fishermen to earn a significant portion of their annual income during the brief, intense lumpfish roe season. The fishery plays a crucial role in supporting more isolated settlements along the coast. Some fishermen can deliver up to 10 tons of roe, earning a large part of their annual income during the few weeks the quota is available in their catch area. After the season ends, most fishermen shift their focus to other species like cod or halibut where possible, while others hunt for game or take on jobs in the local community. Simple Processing Ensures Competitiveness Lumpfish roe is processed immediately after being caught. The processing doesn't require large freezing facilities, making even small settlements and factories fully competitive with larger, more advanced processing facilities. Royal Greenland's close collaboration with local fishermen and its own production ensures a strong vertical integration in the production and full traceability. Learn more about Royal Greenland's lumpfish roe here. Share LinkedIn Pinterest Facebook Send By Email