Distribution of the commercial fishery for Greenland halibut and Northern shrimp in Baffin Bay. Technical Report No. 91

The fishery for Northern shrimp and Greenland halibut are only two fisheries of 
significant economic importance north of 68°N. The fishery for Northern shrimp 
takes place offshore in Baffin Bay and in the inshore area of Disko Bay. Offshore the 
fishery is concentrated south west of Disko Island and and around 72°N. The catches 
north of 68°N including Disko Bay constitutes about 60-75% (82.000 t-96.000 tons) of 
the total West Greenland catches. Slightly above half of the catches are taken 
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offshore in the Baffin Bay. The fishery peaks in 3. quarter. The fishery takes place at 
250-300 m. The fishery for Greenland halibut takes place both in the inshore areas 
around Upernavik, Uummannaq and Disko Bay and offshore in Baffin Bay. The 
catches have been relatively constant in recent years and have been around 20.000 
tons in the inshore areas and around 6.500 tons in Baffin Bay and have constituted 
about 60% of the total catches of Greenland halibut in Greenland waters. The fishery 
in Baffin Bay is conducted by trawlers at about 1000 m depth west of Disko Island 
and peaks in 3. quarter.