Researching Justice in Greenland’s Blue Economy: My Journey from Nuuk to Narsaq

I’m Tabea Maria Jacob, a second-year student in the Coastal and Marine Management master’s program at the University Centre of the Westfjords. My academic background is in sociology and psychology, and my research interests bring together both natural and social sciences, particularly in the areas of the Blue Economy, fisheries, social justice, and equity.

Alongside my studies, I work as a research assistant on two projects at UW. One of them is “Green Energy Meets Blue Food – Sustainable Coexistence in Nordic Seas”, led by Nordregio and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Food, and Forestry. The other is “AG-Fisk: The Role of Local Knowledge in Marine Spatial Planning for a Just Green Transition in Times of Digital Transformation and Climate Change”, which is also supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers. Through my work and research, I am particularly passionate about breaking down barriers for young scholars and academics, fostering educational exchange, and supporting mobility in research.

Understanding Justice in Greenland’s Blue Economy

For my master’s thesis, “Blue Justice or just blue – Perceptions of Small-Scale Fisheries on Spatial and Distributive Justice in Greenland’s Development of a Blue Economy”, I explore how Greenland is aiming for independence from Denmark and therefore trying to diversify and strengthen their economy. I will be trying to assess what that means and how these developments are perceived by local communities.

My research was conducted as part of the AG-Fisk project, focusing on local knowledge in fisheries management. To collect data, I used Q-sort methodology, a technique that involves gathering statements from a literature review and having participants rank them on a sorting grid. This approach helps identify patterns in how different groups view key issues related to fisheries management, social developments, and cultural values. In addition to Q-sorts, I conducted in-depth interviews to gain a deeper understanding of local perspectives. This mixed methodology approach allows for a combination of viewpoints and groups participants together, instead of focusing on individual opinions.

To understand the realities on the ground, I traveled to two key locations in Greenland: Nuuk, the capital, and Narsaq, a small town in South Greenland. Each place presented a different perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing Greenlandic fisheries and coastal communities.

Research in Nuuk

Nuuk, the capital, is home to roughly one-third of Greenland’s population. While there, I had the opportunity to participate in a workshop titled “The Future of Arctic Fisheries: Sustainability and Reform”, hosted by the Ilisimatusarfik University and my second advisor, Javier Arnaut. My first advisor, Patrick Heidkamp, attended as well as a speaker. In addition to attending the workshop, I conducted interviews and Q-sorts with planners, representatives from NGOs, fisheries managers, and academics.

Fieldwork in Narsaq

Reaching Narsaq was an adventure in itself. The journey required one plane, two helicopters, and three days of travel. Narsaq, located in the Kujalleq municipality in South Greenland, has a population of about 1,400 people. Historically, it was an important fishing town after the opening of fish-processing plants during the Danish colonization period, but declining fish stocks and the closure of its fish-processing plant have led to significant economic and social challenges, like depopulation.

Narsaq sits between two inactive mines for uranium and metals on land. The mines have caused pollution in the fjords in the past; therefore, the community is sceptical about their developments, which point towards them likely being active again in the near future. In Narsaq you can also find a harbour for cruise ships but there is a lack of infrastructure for tourism in the town and in the region itself.

While in Narsaq, I stayed at the Narsaq International Research Station (NIRS), where I worked closely with the local community. I conducted interviews and Q-sorts with fishermen and other members of the community through the local community center. Many of the older fishermen I spoke with only spoke Greenlandic, so I relied on two community members to help with translation.

I was also fortunate to arrive just in time for Narsaq’s annual Fishers and Hunters Festival, a local event where fishers and hunters share their products, prepare meals together, and celebrate with coffee and live music.

Early Findings from My Research

A recurring theme in my conversations with people in Narsaq was the feeling of being unheard and left behind. Many community members expressed frustration over the lack of communication between the government and small coastal communities. Fishermen spoke about how strict quotas make it increasingly difficult to sustain a livelihood, and they questioned why these restrictions are necessary, given Greenland’s relatively small population. In terms of fisheries, this community is now paying the price for a colonial power establishing an economy, overfishing the fjords, and then taking the economic possibilities away again. The results also showed that one of the biggest concerns was the depletion of fishing grounds in South Greenland. While fisheries management, scientific research, and government policies seem to prioritize the northern regions, communities in the south feel abandoned and left behind, without many options for the future. In response to these challenges, a few local residents are actively trying to revive the town’s economy—whether by creating local fish and hunting markets, working to reopen a fish factory, or even experimenting with agriculture. However, these efforts are difficult to sustain, as many people face broader social challenges, including alcoholism and mental health struggles.

Lastly, the results also showed that another pressing issue is the potential reopening of two nearby mines, which have historically caused pollution in the fjords. For many in Narsaq, the uncertainty surrounding these developments makes them question whether there is a future for them in Narsaq.

A Broader Reflection on Fisheries Management

One of the key takeaways from my research is that the success of fisheries management cannot be measured solely by how well things are going in the areas that are thriving. Instead, it must be evaluated based on how well it serves the communities that are struggling.

With Greenland’s new fisheries law introducing an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) system, many small-scale fishers worry about further privatization of resources. Several of my interviewees questioned whether Greenland should be adopting Western economic models that may not serve its people in the long run. Instead, they wonder whether alternative economic structures—ones that are more in line with Greenland’s unique cultural and environmental context—should be considered.

Even though Narsaq is no longer a major fishing hub, fishing and hunting remain deeply embedded in the town’s culture and identity. The way these communities are treated and the policies that shape their futures will be crucial in determining whether Greenland’s Blue Economy can truly be inclusive and just.