Programme

Tuesday 11th October 10am - 10.20am

Official Opening of PolarExpo

Nicolaj Holm, CEO, Aalborg Kongres & Kultur Center
Palle Jeremiassen, Mayor, Avannaata Kommunia
Nikkulaat Jeremiassen, Chairman, KNAPK
Karl Tobiassen, Minister for fisheries and hunting

Tuesday 11th October 1.30pm – 3pm

How can we reduce ghost nets?

Ghost gear - or lost and discarded gear - has become a focus of many countries as fisheries management seeks to reduce impacts of fishing on the ecosystem as well as on target species. If left in the water this gear can continue fishing and contributes to ocean plastic. Information will be shared on data collection from fisheries in Canada and Baffin Bay. The threat of ghost gear to inshore Greenlandic fisheries will also be discussed. Ideas to reduce lost or discarded gear will also be shared.

Current legislation describes in detail how fishermen should handle their use of nets used in connection with fishing. Nevertheless, ghost nets in the sea are of concern to organizations, politicians, and the fishermen themselves. Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat has put the topic on the agenda during the POLAREXPO2022 in Ilulissat. We hold a workshop with guests who give presentations on which solutions could be realistic to focus on in the future, so that the extent of the problem becomes smaller and no longer poses a problem for fish stocks, biodiversity, and the environment in general.

Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat is looking forward to meeting with all the actors who want to participate in the workshop on handling ghost nets.

Thursday 13th October 10.30am – 12am

Greenland Shark and the fishery

Why should we care about Greenland sharks? Although often a nuisance to fishers, these long-lived sharks are gaining attention worldwide as a cause for conservation concern. Oceans North Kalaallit Nunaat invites you to a workshop to learn more about the Greenland shark. We will discuss what we know about these sharks and explore new research findings such as how much they eat and how long they can live. We will also share information about shark handling tips, gear modifications and new technologies aimed to reduce shark encounters in fishing gear. Come and learn more about these ancient predators, with interactive discussions to facilitate exchange of knowledge from fishers who best know how these sharks interact with Greenland’s fisheries.