Greenland’s pelagic fisheries remained a key offshore driver in 2025, with mackerel and blue whiting caught almost entirely by trawlers and largely outside Greenlandic waters, according to new data.
Total Greenlandic catches reached about 280,000 tonnes in 2025. Pelagic species showed strong but volatile patterns, reflecting shifting stock availability and fishing opportunities.
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Pelagic species concentrated offshore
Mackerel catches totalled about 35,600 tonnes in 2025. Blue whiting reached around 29,800 tonnes. Both species were mainly taken in waters near the Faroe Islands and in Norwegian waters.
These pelagic fisheries are fully dominated by large trawlers. Smaller vessels play no role in these segments.
The data shows that pelagic fishing activity is closely tied to access agreements and stock movements outside Greenlandic waters.
Strong year-on-year volatility
Pelagic catches varied sharply over the past few years. Mackerel fell from 33,360 tonnes in 2021 to 15,234 tonnes in 2024, before rebounding to nearly 34,000 tonnes in 2025.
Blue whiting showed a steadier rise. Landings increased from about 19,300 tonnes in 2021 to nearly 29,000 tonnes in 2025. Capelin catches also fluctuated significantly, underscoring the instability of pelagic stocks in the North Atlantic.
Structural shift in Greenland fisheries
The broader fishery shows a gradual shift. Pelagic species and cod are gaining importance, while traditional species such as shrimp and Greenland halibut are declining in volume.
Trawlers dominate total output, especially in pelagic and shrimp fisheries. They account for the majority of offshore production. At the same time, coastal fisheries remain important for local economies. These are focused on species such as cod and halibut and are mainly carried out by smaller vessels.
Overall, the data confirms a two-track industry. A capital-heavy offshore fleet targets pelagic species, while a broad coastal sector supports local landings and value creation.
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