The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO) has advised Greenland to cut shrimp catches at West Greenland in 2026. The new quota is set at 75,000 tonnes – down 5,000 tonnes from this year’s level.
For East Greenland, NAFO has not given a single quota figure. Instead, scientists outline scenarios ranging from 500 to 3,000 tonnes, each with different risks to the stock. They warn that catches above 1,000 tonnes could push the shrimp population towards collapse.
Decline in West Greenland
The advice follows falling catch rates and a shrinking biomass in the offshore areas of West Greenland. Since 2020, surveys have shown the stock moving downward. Scientists also note an increase in cod in the region, which in turn increases natural predation on shrimp.
The new quota comes with a 35% risk of fishing mortality exceeding safe levels. Still, the risk of the stock falling below critical limits remains low.
In contrast, shrimp in Disko Bay and Vaigat have shown local increases. However, the long-term trend is overall negative.
East Greenland in the Cautious Zone
For East Greenland, the picture is more severe. The stock is now estimated at almost 50% below the level needed for sustainable fishing. At the same time, fishing pressure is already too high.
In 2025, catches were set at 7,550 tonnes. NAFO now warns that only a drastic cut will prevent further decline. If catches are kept to 500 tonnes in 2026, the risk of collapse is less than 10%. At 1,000 tonnes, the risk rises to 30%, and beyond that, the chances of failure increase sharply.
Next Steps
The Greenland Institute of Natural Resources will now brief both the fishing sector and officials. Formal management decisions will follow later this year.
The advice highlights the fragility of shrimp stocks, particularly in East Greenland. For many in the industry, the key challenge will be balancing immediate economic needs with the longer-term health of the stock.