Greenland halts controversial plan to cull 1,000 Greenland sharks

Yesterday 13:40

By: Azzat Manal

Greenland halts controversial plan to cull 1,000 Greenland sharks

Greenland has faced international criticism over a controversial proposal to cull up to 1,000 Greenland sharks, one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth, after local authorities approved the measure before it was subsequently blocked.

The proposal was backed by the Avannaata municipal authorities following complaints from local fishermen, who said the large sharks frequently became trapped in fishing gear and caused significant economic losses. Some fishermen reported losing thousands of hooks and other equipment as a result of encounters with the animals.

The Greenland shark is particularly vulnerable to population declines because of its exceptionally slow biological development. Scientists estimate that the species can live for more than four centuries, while females may not reach sexual maturity until around 150 years of age.

Marine experts have warned that removing large numbers of the sharks could have consequences that would be extremely difficult to reverse. Their slow growth and reproduction mean that populations would likely require a very long period to recover from substantial losses.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature has classified the Greenland shark as vulnerable, reflecting concerns over the pressures faced by the species and the difficulty of rebuilding its population once numbers decline.

Conservation groups have also questioned whether culling the sharks would actually solve the problems reported by fishermen. Greenland sharks are highly mobile and can travel considerable distances, meaning that removing animals from one fishing area could simply create space for others to arrive.

Environmental advocates argue that the dispute points to broader challenges facing Greenland's fisheries, including fishing pressure, the number of vessels operating in some areas and the interaction between commercial fishing activities and marine wildlife.

The decision to halt the proposed cull has temporarily eased concerns among conservationists, but campaigners warn that similar measures could be considered again if conflicts between fishermen and sharks continue.

They are calling instead for long-term solutions that protect fishing livelihoods while reducing accidental catches and improving the management of marine ecosystems. For conservation experts, the controversy highlights the difficulty of balancing economic interests with the protection of species whose exceptionally long lifespans make them particularly vulnerable to human pressure.