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GREENLAND HALIBUT Reinhardtius hippoglossoides

Greenland halibut spawns in late winter in the area between Iceland and Greenland. Following spawning some of the stock migrates to the north and east off Iceland for feeding. The main fishing areas, however, are in deep waters off the west and northwest of the country. Greenland halibut feeds primarily on small fish and crustaceans and is often found at depths of 350-1,600 m at ocean temperatures near freezing.

Greenland halibut is caught by deep sea trawling. The age at catch is difficult to determine but the weight is usually 1 - 4 kg.

Greenland halibut off East Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands is considered to be the same stock but there is considerable uncertainty in the assessment of stock size.

Greenland halibut landings of Icelandic vessels have varied from 10,000 to 60,000 tonnes annually in the last 30 years, with an average catch of 25,000 tonnes. Since 1990, Icelandic catches have decreased by 60% while landings by other nations have increased considerably.

It is known that the fishing effort for Greenland halibut has in recent years been excessive. Catch per unit of effort has decreased considerably and seems to have been at an all time low in the past four years.. 

Total landings of Greenland halibut from Icelandic waters were 12,000 tonnes in 2006. Landings from other areas were close to 9,000 tonnes. The MRI recommends a maximum catch from the stock of 15,000 tonnes in 2007. The national TAC for 2007/2008 has been set at 15,000 tonnes.

The MRI warns that considerable reduction in fishing effort is needed to rebuild the stock. This can only be achieved by a multinational agreement on management strategies. Iceland is presently seeking such an agreement with Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The diagram shows the development of the Greenland halibut catch in Icelandic waters since 2001, together with the recommendations of the MRI for the whole stock and the Icelandic national TAC.
Greenland halibut has only been harvested by the Icelandic fleet for 40 years. Earlier it was fished by foreign vessels only. The flesh shows great seasonal variations in fat content. Greenland halibut in good condition has a thick firm flesh which is rich in lipids. It is a delicacy on the Asian markets, particularly in Taiwan and Japan.

Latest update July 2007