Fishing
Fishing has long been a cornerstone of Inuit culture in Greenland, providing sustenance and shaping traditional practices. In the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage site, fishing remains an important activity, both for subsistence and as part of the region’s cultural heritage. Despite the historical shift towards sheep farming, fishing continues to play a significant role in local life, particularly in the fjords and coastal waters.
Aaqqioq Kleist, a sheep farmer, highlights the importance of fishing for food autonomy in Greenlandic communities but also the growing challenges it faces:
"Fishing helps our communities remain food independent, but it’s becoming more and more uncertain. The ice is no longer predictable, and that makes everything more difficult."
One of the most distinctive traditional fishing methods still in use is a long fishing line measuring several meters, set through holes in the frozen fjord during the winter months. These lines are baited and left beneath the ice to catch fish such as cod and halibut. This method is particularly effective in the deep waters of the fjords, where fish remain active despite the freezing temperatures.
Inuit tools have long been essential for fishing and survival in the harsh Arctic environment. One such tool is the Tooq, a traditional pick made of wood, bone, or metal, still used today to test the strength of the ice before venturing onto frozen waters. By tapping on the ice with the Tooq, fishermen can assess whether it is thick enough to support their weight and the weight of their equipment, ensuring their safety while fishing in extreme conditions.
Other fishing techniques are practiced throughout the year. Along the fjord’s edge, handlines and nets are commonly used to catch Arctic char, a highly prized fish for its taste and nutritional value. During the warmer months, fishing from small boats or along the rocky shores supplements the local diet, reinforcing the deep connection between the people of Kujataa and their marine environment. Other commonly found fish include Arctic cod (Arctogadus glacialis) and capelin, both important in local ecosystems. However, rising temperatures have introduced new species such as Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), altering traditional fishing patterns.
Tupaarnaq highlights the growing difficulty in predicting which species to fish but emphasizes the importance of maintaining this practice:
"Now it’s becoming more and more difficult to predict which species we should fish for, but we must continue this practice because it is one of the pillars of Inuit knowledge. It’s deeply connected to our relationship with the environment."
Climate change increasingly affects fishing practices in the region. Recent studies show that Greenland has experienced a significant rise in temperatures, with an increase of 2.7°C since 1982. This warming has led to extreme heat events, with temperatures sometimes exceeding seasonal averages by 20 to 30°C. Warming waters have caused some species to decline while others migrate into the fjords. The capelin, for instance, has been moving further north, disrupting the local food chain. The faster melting and increased instability of sea ice make ice fishing more hazardous, as thinning ice poses greater risks.
These environmental shifts force adaptations in fishing techniques and strategies. Many fishers now incorporate modern equipment alongside traditional methods. Cod traps, based on ancient designs, have been improved with modern materials to increase efficiency and sustainability. Additionally, efforts are underway to develop new fishing gear, such as Greenland halibut traps designed to replace traditional gillnets and reduce bycatch, promoting more sustainable practices.
Fishing in Kujataa exemplifies the adaptability of Inuit traditions. The combination of ancestral knowledge with contemporary tools highlights the resilience of Inuit fishing practices and their ongoing importance in maintaining cultural identity in southern Greenland.