The North Atlantic Fisheries, 1100-1976 - University of Hull

Fishing by the Greenlanders
Axel Kjær Sørensen
Introduction
This paper deals with the commercial fisheries conducted by
Greenlanders in their territorial waters during the twentieth century. It
will provide a brief outline of the development of this native fishery,
focusing on the research undertaken into this subject.
The commercial fisheries started in 1910 and grew to be Greenland’s
most important export industry by the mid-twenties. Cod was the most
important species. Its arrival in Greenland waters was caused by a rise in
water temperature in about 1915 which continued until the mid-sixties.
Previous research has produced a fairly good account of such topics
as the magnitude of the catch, number of fishermen and boats involved,
and processing facilities. We also know something in broad terms about
official policy towards the fisheries.
Our knowledge is based on official records kept in the archives and to
a great extent printed in yearly reports, but is scanty in the
socio-economic field as well as in the socio-cultural field. More
information can be generated by asking new questions of the known
material. In particular, research in the archives of local and central
authorities will probably bring forth new and more detailed evidence
about policy and its implementation.
Up to the Second World War
The Greenlanders have always fished to provide for their own needs. In
traditional Greenlandic society fishing was held in low esteem. It was an
occupation for old men no longer capable of hunting, and for women and
children who had lost their breadwinner. Three species of fish played an
important role. Ammassat (capelin), which came in huge shoals close to
the coast in the early summer to spawn, were caught with big landing
nets, dried on the rocks, and used as dog fodder and emergency food in
winter time. Nipisat (lumpsucker), which came close to the coast in the
early spring, were caught for the sake of their roe. Kapitsillit (Atlantic
salmon) were caught in the summer in streams and were a welcome diet
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