Exploring new species

Royal Greenland has a very strong foundation in Greenlandic society. Owned by the Government of Greenland, we have a responsibility of maximizing the output of the natural resources, we have been granted access to.

The Business Development department in Greenland continuously seeks new and unexplored marine resources with commercial potential and develop them into long-lasting product concepts.

Nikoline Ziemer, MSc of biology and previously employed as biologist at Greenland's Institute for Natural Resources, heads the department. She states: "As a biologist, I have seen many species, well-known as well as unknown, from cod, Greenland halibut and scallops to seaweed, razor clams and sea cucumbers. The fishermen who are at sea every day are my most valuable resource. They know the oceanic landscape, what they catch and where."

Collecting data

In practice, Ziemer collects data on potential species or fishing methods via trial fishery in combination with dialogue with the fishermen and information from fishery logs. Collected data is analysed, documented and details are explored, e.g. where is the species caught? How? Is the fishery and fishing method sustainable? What is the current market price for the specie? What are the costs for catch and processing? Demands for transportation and export? What are the legal requirements from authorities and are there permits that needs to be obtained? If the business case is good, Ziemer will test the product with potential customers all over the world.

Nikoline Ziemer, Business Development Manager Greenland with a batch of fresly caught seaurchins

Promising new species

Sea urchin is a valued delicacy in China and Japan and is one of the species Nikoline Ziemer has been exploring through trial fishery and testing with customers. In addition, Ziemer is looking at capelin roe (also known as masago, often used for sushi), sea cucumbers and whelks – a highly valued delicacy in France. Through the recent investment in Quin Sea fisheries in Canada, Royal Greenland has gained insight into the processing and sales of the latter two species and is investigating whether it would be possible to extend the production to Greenland as well.

Practical challenges

Fishing and processing in Greenland can be a challenge, due to weather, but also due to the remote location far to the north in the Arctic sea. Some production facilities are located in small settlements that are only reachable by boat and it can be difficult to live up to regulations, Ziemer explains about the sea urchin fishery: "The mollusk decree states that three water samples have to be checked for algea toxins before the fishery can be allowed. In practice, it is not possible for a fisherman to travel 50 nautical miles to the fishing area and back, send the water samples to the laboratory in Copenhagen or Malmö for analysis within 24 hours".

In order to be able to examine new species and opportunities in even more detail, Royal Greenland has invested in a research vessel for Ziemer, so that it is possible for her to make field work at any given time. Royal Greenland hopes to be able to add a number of new Greenlandic species to our assortment in the coming years.