Greenland initiates experimental fishing for sea cucumbers for export to Asia. Greenland is launching a new initiative to conduct experimental fishing for sea cucumbers, which has the potential to become an export commodity to the Asian market. This experiment will run until the end of the year and aims to investigate the economic and employment opportunities within coastal fishing during the winter months, which are typically low season.
According to a statement from the Greenlandic Ministry of Fisheries, Naalakkersuisoq for Fisheries and Hunting, the project allows for applications for participation until July 27. The experimental fishing will operate under an allowed catch quota of 800 tons, distributed in four specific areas.
Authorities see potential in sea cucumbers as a new way to create employment in local fish processing plants outside of the high season. A sea cucumber is an invertebrate marine animal with a characteristic sausage-shaped body that can grow up to one meter long. The Greenlandic media Sermitsiaq.AG reports that sea cucumbers have already proven to be a valuable export commodity in Asian markets.
Naalakkersuisoq for Fisheries and Hunting stated that this experiment could potentially open up new opportunities for coastal fishing and thereby strengthen Greenland’s economy in this sector.