Greenland is planning to kill 1000 sharks that are over 400 years old, sparking controversy among environmental experts and local fishermen. The plan, approved by the municipality on the west coast in February, aims to address complaints from local fishermen who claim that these massive fish, reaching lengths of up to 20 feet, frequently get caught in fishing lines, resulting in significant financial losses.
The sharks, known as Greenland sharks, are one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. They can live for over 400 years and only reach sexual maturity at around 150 years old. According to Henrik Jensen, a local fisherman, he has lost around 6000 hooks this year alone, with daily losses of up to 30,000 Danish kroner, equivalent to around $4500 in equipment.
To address the issue, local leaders proposed a plan to offer a reward of $45 for each shark heart killed. Lars Erik Gabrielsen, the municipality's mayor, justified the plan by stating that they need to protect the income of fishermen and the fishing industry to ensure they can continue to provide food for generations. However, the plan has faced widespread opposition from environmental experts and marine conservationists.
Experts warn that killing this species could cause irreparable harm. Nick Dolfi, a marine expert from Simon Fraser University, states that Greenland sharks are likely the most sensitive species in the ocean to overfishing. The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed these sharks as an endangered species in 2020.
The organization "Oceans North Kalaalit Nunaat" (ONKN) believes that the killing plan will not achieve its intended goal, as these sharks migrate around 1240 miles annually, and new sharks can replace the old ones. Jens Erik Poulsen, the organization's director, argues that the sharks are a visible representation of a deeper structural problem, pointing to overfishing and excessive numbers of boats in Greenland's waters as the real issues.
Although the plan has been blocked for now, ONKN warns that it may resurface in the future and urges addressing the root causes of the problem rather than resorting to what they describe as "risky" solutions. The organization calls for a more comprehensive approach to tackle the issues affecting Greenland's fishing industry and marine ecosystem.
The controversy surrounding Greenland's plan to kill 1000 ancient sharks highlights the complexities of balancing human needs with environmental conservation. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how Greenland will address the concerns of both local fishermen and environmental experts.
Key points
- The plan to kill 1000 Greenland sharks has sparked controversy among environmental experts and local fishermen.
- The sharks can live for over 400 years and only reach sexual maturity at around 150 years old.
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed these sharks as an endangered species in 2020.
