Peter Borg: Narwhal hunting continues in East Greenland

Biologists and hunters are once again on opposite sides. NAMMCO is again recommending that the hunting of narwhals and belugas in East Greenland be stopped because the populations are threatened.

However, the hunters completely disagree. A hunter from Ittoqqortoormiit has previously said that there are far more whales than the counts show. And if the hunting of narwhals is stopped, it will mean the end of the hunting industry. Naalakkersuisoq for Hunting, Peter Borg, is listening to the hunters' concerns.

- It is of course thought-provoking to hear. I also think it is important to say that NAMMCO has scientifically recommended stopping the hunting since 2019, so this year's recommendation is not new, says Peter Borg.

They will probably get quotas

This year, a quota of 41 narwhals has been set in East Greenland. If the recommendations of NAMMCO and the Norwegian Institute of Natural Resources are followed, the quota should be 0. However, it is the naalakkersuisooq for capture that makes the decision on the quotas.

- Right now, we are sticking to the line that Naalakkersuisut – also the former Naalakkersuisut – has set, with regard to security of supply, cultural traditions and capture methods, so that narwhals can continue to be captured in East Greenland, says Peter Borg and continues:

- No other decision has been made, and that is Naalakkersuisut's current position.

Still, Peter Borg cannot say yet how many quotas there will be for next year. Until the quota allocation, various information, including the captures made this year, will also be decisive and will be included in the evaluation.

Still, Peter Borg cannot yet say how many quotas there will be next year. Towards the quota setting, various information – including the year's catches – will be included in the evaluation.

Is scientific knowledge necessary?

Since 2019, NAMMCO has recommended that the hunt for narwhals in East Greenland be stopped. However, the Greenland Government has continued to allocate quotas since then.

If the recommendations are not followed, is it necessary to count the populations?

- It is necessary to follow the development scientifically for all animal species – both in the sea and on land, whether fish or mammals. But the scientific figures must also be supplemented with local knowledge in the decision-making process, says Peter Borg.

If the combined knowledge of the hunters and researchers points to a decline in the narwhal population, it will be considered whether quotas should continue to be granted.

- Right now we are in a cautious balance between the two. Time will tell whether political decisions will be made when both parties present their figures.

Naalakkersuisoq is traveling to Tasiilaq on Saturday, but the prisoners in Ittoqqortoormiit have also invited him to share their knowledge.

- My plans include a visit to Ittoqqortoormiit. It has not yet been decided, but I hope it can be done before the end of the year, as I will also visit other places on the coast, concludes Peter Borg.