TANBREZ MINING GREENLAND A/S

TANBREEZ PROJECT

LOCAL USE STUDY

AUGUST 2013

Orbicon A/S Ringstedvej 20 DK 4000 Roskilde Denmark Phone + 45 46 30 03 10

Version Draft 1.1 Date 06 August 2013 Prepared CGOL

CONTENTS 1 Summary ...... 4 2 Introduction ...... 6 3 Methods ...... 7 4 Physical environment and population ...... 12 5 Fishery ...... 15 5.1 General ...... 15 5.2 Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) ...... 16 5.3 Greenland Cod (Gadus ogac) ...... 18 5.4 Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) ...... 19 5.5 Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpines) ...... 19 5.6 Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor) ...... 20 5.7 Greenland Halibut (Rheinhardtius hippoglossoides) ...... 20 5.8 Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) ...... 21 5.9 Deep Sea Prawn (Pandalus borealis) ...... 21 5.10 Capelin (Mallotus villosus) ...... 21 5.11 Lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus) ...... 21 5.12 Redfish (Sebastes viviparous) and (Sebastes marinus) ...... 22 5.13 Mussels ...... 22 5.14 Other species ...... 24 6 Hunting ...... 25 6.1 Bird species...... 25 6.2 Seal species ...... 29 6.3 Whales ...... 31 6.4 Other species ...... 32 7 Sheep farming ...... 33 8 Gathering ...... 37 8.1 Berries ...... 37 8.2 Plants ...... 37 8.3 Stones, Minerals ...... 37 9 Recreational use ...... 39 10 Tourism and protected areas ...... 40 11 Conclusions ...... 43 12 References ...... 46

APPENDICES

Appendix 1 Interviewed persons. Appendix 2 Questions for interviews

This report was prepared by Claus Goldberg for TANBREEZ Mining Greenland A/S All photos are taken by Claus Goldberg. Maps are produced by Jens Jørgen Knud- sen, Asiaq and Erik Mandrup Jacobsen, Orbicon.

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1 Summary

TANBREEZ Mining Greenland A/S has initiated the TANBREEZ Project, with the objective to investigate the possibilities of mining at the ”Killavaat Alannguat” deposit at Kanger- luarsuk Fjord in South Greenland.

This report concerns the use by local people of the proposed mine area at Killavaat Alannguat, Kangerluarsuk Fjord and surroundings. This includes a wide range of activi- ties such as fishery, hunting, sheep farming, stone collection, tourism, and recreational use by local inhabitants.

Information on the local use study has mainly been collected through interviews with lo- cal stakeholders. In total around 40 persons have been interviewed and approximately 20 additional people talked with. In addition described a total of 5 phone interviews were conducted. Other important sources of information were different written sources and internet homepages.

The physical environment of the mining and plant processing area and the surroundings is also described, and information on the population in the earlier two involved Munici- palities Narsaq and Qaqortoq is provided. With the structural reform in Greenland they have now been merged to Kujalleq Municipality. The new municipality has around 8.000 inhabitants and covers an area of around 53.000 km2.

The most important organisms exploited by local people in the project area are marine fish, marine mammals and sea birds.

The report is divided into sections providing information on use of natural resources/ organisms and activities related to agriculture, tourism, and recreational use. The fol- lowing conclusions from the report can be highlighted:

Many of the fish species in the area are exploited by both professional fishermen and private persons. They are used for private consumption, sold at “Brædtet”, and in many cases also sold to local fish factories. The most important fish species exploited are: At- lantic Cod, Lumpsucker, Greenland Halibut, Spotted Wolffish, and Redfish.

Brædtet, typically an open shop close to the harbour area, is the local traditional place where everybody belonging to the community can sell their catch. Similarly for the bird species many of these are shoot for private consumption or sold at Brædtet. The most important bird species exploited in the area are Common Eiders, Brünnich’s Guillemot, Little Auk and Ptarmigan. A number of other bird species are hunted to a more limited extent.

In relation to mammals, several seal and whale species are of great importance for the local communities, especially Minke Whale, Harbour Porpoise, Harp Seal, and Ringed Seal. Terrestrial animals are of much less importance and are indeed more rarely found. They comprise Arctic Fox, Arctic Hare, and occasionally Polar Bear.

For farming the most important animals are sheep. Meat from the lambs as well as wool is exploited. In the region is also cattle breeding, though not as common as sheeps. The cattle are used for meat as well as milk production. Horses are found on many of the farms, where horse riding is used when sheeps are brought to the farms in the autumn. One farm planned to offer horse riding for tourists.

Generally, tourism in the project area has been steadily growing. In particular the number of cruise liners visiting the area has been increasing in recent years. Tourists arrive to the area to experience Greenlandic culture and landscapes, but are also in

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some cases, by hunting, fishing or collecting stones, involved in direct use of local nat- ural resources

The project area is characterized by its mild climate with relatively rich vegetation, a number of unique mineral deposit sites, agricultural areas and cultural heritage. The lat- ter includes former Inuit cultures as well as buildings established by Vikings arriving to Greenland (the Norse culture), all interesting from a touristic point of view. Accordingly, recreational use of the study area does take place to a large extent. However, the planned mining and plant sites are little used compared to other areas closer to towns and settlements in the region.

One main issue described in the report is the current changes in ice patterns, supposed- ly driven by climatic changes. Such changes may influence distribution of animals and vegetation and accordingly the land use patterns in the future.

The final section in the report provides the conclusions from the study. It is concluded that overall mining activities will have little negative impact on local use of natural re- sources.

Fishing is the most important activity that could potentially be affected. However, fish- ing close to the sites where mining facilities will be established, is limited and involve only few people from the local communities.

The author would like to thank all the people that participated in the interviews for their openness and willingness to provide information. Special thanks to Bent Bredde Olesen and Poul Erik Petersen of the municipal administrations for their assistance and support in relation to the study and for arranging interviews. Jens Jørgen Knudsen from Asiaq participated in the project team and has been responsible for preparation of maps and securing translation during interviews with people only speaking Greenlandic. The au- thor would like to thank for good assistance and spirit from Jens Jørgen in relation to the cooperation.

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2 Introduction

TANBREEZ Mining Greenland A/S has recently initiated the TANBREEZ Project in South Greenland. The mineral deposit is situated at Killavaat Alannguat (Kringlerne) on the south- west side of the Kangerluarsuk Fjord 20 km NE of the town Qaqortoq and 12 km SW of Narsaq. The TANBREEZ project includes the development, operation and ultimate reclama- tion of an open pit Zirconia, Rare Earth Elements, Yttrium, Niobium, Hafnium and Tantalum mine with an on-site processing facility to produce mineral concentrates. The concentrates would be shipped of-site by ship to a facility for further processing.

Following the takeover of the mineral resource area in 2009 a new Act on Mineral Resources in Greenland came into force on 1 January 2010 (Greenland Parliament Act no 7 of 7 De- cember 2009 on mineral resources and mineral resource activities). This law regulates all matters concerning mineral activities including environmental matters (such as pollution) and nature protection.

According to the new mineral act it is a requirement of the Greenland Self Government that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is prepared to evaluate the potential impacts on the environment and the community, of proposed developments, such as an open pit mine. An element in the EIA process is the preparation a local use study. The purpose of this study is to compile key data on the human use in the proposed mine area based on a lit- erature study supplemented by interviews of key persons such as hunters, farmers and fishermen.

The interviews were carried out in the winter 2008. At that time Narsaq and Qaqortoq were two separate municipalities. The municipalities have later been merged to the Kujalleq mu- nicipality. However, for practical reasons, and reflecting the actual situation at the time of the interview study, the old municipality names will be used throughout the report.

The interviews were carried out by Claus Goldberg from Orbicon and Jens Jørgen Knudsen from Asiaq in Nuuk with firsthand knowledge of the Narsaq area and who is also Greenlandic speaking.

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3 Methods

Data was collected through 40 interviews carried out in Narsaq and Qaqortoq towns between 21. February and 4. March 2008 (Table 1). In addition two telephone interviews were con- ducted with people living outside the towns. The interviewed people were engaged in hunt- ing, fishery, sheep farming, tourism, museum activities, recreational use of natural areas, stone/mineral collection and public administration (Table 1). During revision of the report in April 2010 additional 5 interviews were conducted by phone (appendix 1 – interviewed peo- ple). In addition to the interviewed persons the study team talked to more than 20 additional fisher men and hunters.

An interview would typically last around 1½ hour. In a very few cases two or three people were interviewed at the same time. The interviewed persons were first introduced to the ob- jective of the interview and information on the planned mining activities. The interviewed persons were also shown the questionnaire, and told that this would be followed to the ex- tent relevant, but that additional questions might also arise. The interviewed persons were finally given a chance to “regret” previous given information. However, such “regrets did not in any cases take place during or after conducted interviews.

Photo 1. Amos Nielsen, fisherman and hunter, during one of the interviews.

In advance of the interviews an interview guide were presented for the administration in the municipalities. The interview guide is enclosed in appendix 2. During interviews maps were used with different scale depending on distribution of activities by the interviewed person. Notes from the interview were attached to the map used during the interview. On this map the interviewers together with the interviewed person marked interest, activity areas, infor- mation on timing of activity etc.

Claus Goldberg (CG), Orbicon and Jens Jørgen Knudsen (JJK), Asiaq conducted all the inter- views. The interviews were facilitated by Bent Bredde Olesen (BBO), Narsaq Municipality and Poul Erik Petersen (PEP), Qaqortoq Municipality who assisted during interviews and with find- ing representatives persons to interview. They both work in the technical administration in

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the municipalities. Interviews were done in Danish or Greenlandic. A list of the interviewed people is enclosed in appendix 1.

Activity Narsaq Qaqortoq Total Municipality Municipality1 Fishery & Hunting 11 5 16 Farming 4 3 7 Tourism 2 1 3 Stone collection 2 2 Recreational use 1 1 2 Other 7 5 12 Total 27 15 42 Table 1. People interviewed in the local use study. Main use indicated.

It was clear from the interviews that nearly all (20 out of 22 interviewed shows how common this is) went fishing and/or hunting in their spare time. This included both Greenlandic and Danish interviewed people.

Interviews were conducted either in private houses (6), at the working places of the people (around 25) or at the municipal administration in Narsaq and Qaqortoq (12).

In addition, 6 interviews took place at Brædtet in the two towns; one sheep breeder was visited at his farm and in 5 cases telephone was used for interviews. The methodo- logical approach was in advance to conduct sufficient interviews to secure solid infor- mation on the use in relation to the different activities mentioned in Table 1. When it was experienced that additional interviews with e.g. fishermen, provided new additional information on use for fishery inside the project area, contact to additional fishermen were done. In this way additional interviews were secured until it was obvious that only limited new information was gained.

It should be underlined that during almost all interviews with hunters and fishermen in- formation was provided not only on the interviewed person’s activities, but e.g. a hunter would typically also describe additional use of the area by other hunters. It is the im- pressions from the team conducting the study that the towns are rather small communi- ties were people are very much aware of activities conducted by other people with simi- lar occupation. A hunter will in other words be very much aware where other hunters are active and what they hunt there. Such additional information was of course provided during interviews.

The maps included in this report are prepared mainly on the basis of information pro- vided during the interviews.

In some cases additional information from other sources has been added, as being indi- cated in the legends of the respective maps.

It should be underlined that the purpose of the maps is basically to show, at a broad scale, where fishing activities take place in the Kangerluarsuk fjord and close to the pro- cessing plant and harbour sites. Therefore, such information does not necessarily reflect the actual specific distribution of fish species in the area. As is well known activities may also shift between places from one season to another depending on weather conditions and success with e.g. fishery. In this way placing of pond nets might not be exactly the same each year.

1 Notice: Qaqortoq Municipality is underrepresented in the study, compared to Narsaq Municipality, as 1400 more people lived in Qaqortoq Municipality than in Narsaq Municipality in 2008. 8

Short description of the planned mine and plant areas At the time of the interview study, the final location of the mining activities was not yet decided. As a consequence, this study relies of the present (February 2008) under- standing of the project layout (Figures 1 and 2).

However, the interviews and the evaluation of the collected data cover a large area, meaning that minor changes of the mining operation locations within the Kangerluarsuk Fjord area will not basically influence the results of the study.

Figure 1. The proposed mine lay-out.

As indicated from the figures there could be possible impacts from activities and construc- tions on both the marine and terrestrial environment. It should be noted, that part of the road on the Qaqortoq Peninsula has already been constructed by Qaqortoq Municipality that will continue this work in 2008. The main objective with the new road is to facilitate for the enlargement of the town towards the north-east. The position of the mining area, harbour facility and the plant processing site is shown in Figure 2.

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Figure 2. The red line indicates the boundary of the study area, i.e. the area supposedly influenced by the mining activities. The ore body is located at Killavaat Alannguat. The red and green squares show the locations for the processing facilities and tailings storage. At the time of the study, the most likely po- sition of the processing plant and tailings storage area is at the North-East coastline of the Qaqortoq Peninsula.

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The main impact from the activities in relation to terrestrial areas is expected to be re- lated to the construction work and following mining activities. Also dust can potentially propagate far and may have an impact on more distant areas

The planned open mine will obviously have a visual impact on the surrounding land- scape.

There will be a possibility for impact of the fjord Kangerluarsuk both from the mining area and from boat traffic to the plant processing place. In the text when mining area or mine site is mentioned it refers to the area with the ore body.

Previous studies There have previously been conducted studies in relation to possible mining in the area. One of the investigations has concerned archaeology (Grønlands Landsmuseum 1989). In a sampling project as part of an EIA in 1988 information was obtained on local use and natural conditions at that time. This study includes only accidentally observations of animal life, including Arctic Fox and Hare, sheep, Ptarmigan, and White-Tailed Eagle at the inner parts Kangerluarsuk near the mining site. The Lakseelv holds a large popula- tion of Arctic Char. Vegetation along the coast of the inner part of the fjord was found to be sparse and only well developed close to the Lakseelv. Angelica was growing in the inner part of the Kangerluarsuk. In the fjord Common Mussel, Atlantic Cod, Shorthorn Sculpin (Myoxocephalus scorpius), Spotted Wolffish, Greenland Halibut, and Uvac were recorded (Dietz 1989).

Important information on the biological values, natural resources and human activities in the project area can also be found in the Environmental Oil Spill Sensivity Atlas for South Greenland Coastal Zone (Mosbech et al. 2004). The maps from this report to- gether with information on fish species, mammals, bird species, and history of culture sites is enclosed in Appendix 3(Mosbech et al. 2004).

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4 Physical environment and population

Introduction

Narsaq and Qaqortoq Municipalities are situated in South Greenland. The border be- tween the two municipalities runs through the mining site at Killavaat Alannguat.

The mining site and plant may potentially have an impact on activities related to use of local resources for people living in the two towns and people living in the settlement Igaliku. It could further have an impact on sheep breeding sites in Itilliq Killig Illorsuit, Upernaviarsuk and Apartsivik, as described below in section 7.

As part of the future physical planning Narsaq Municipality has defined “strong and weak points” in the municipality. Strong points include the natural values, the possibili- ties for farming, fishery and hunting, existing industry and education, tourism and the possibilities for expanding Narsaq town. Weak points are the economy, risk for further unemployment, bottleneck problems with missing education for certain workplaces and lack of places for handling of wool and production of handicraft (Narsap Kommunia 2007).

Qaqortoq Municipality have conducted a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) of main activity areas in the Municipality in an Action plan analysing differ- ent sectors. Strong and weak points are quite similar to the ones described for Narsaq Municipality (Qaqortoq Kommunia 2005).

A new municipal plan for Narsaq and Qaqortoq Municipalities has not yet been prepared, meaning that the most recent spatial planning in the area is still dating back to 2005.

Physical environment

The landscape in the project area is characterized by relatively high and steep moun- tains as well as fjords with islands and peninsulas with lower mountain ranges. In some places there can be found more flat landscapes in the form of flood plains. One example is in the Narsaq Valley close to Narsaq town. Around the proposed mine site the moun- tains are steep-sided going up to above 1000 meters. The water depth in the adjacent Kangerluarsuk Fjord is in the inner part 10-30 meters, further ashore the depth is 20 and 100 meters. The water depth in the central part is more than 220 meters.

The fjords in Greenland often have a ridge with lower water depth at the entrance. This is also the case with Kangerluarsuk Fjord. Water depths in other fjords in the area is in some cases comparable (Qaqortoq and Igaliko Fjords), the bigger fjords are typically deeper. In the North, the water depth of Skovfjord is typically between 200 and 400 meters and Bredde Fjord has water depths down to 700 meters.

The climate in the region is subarctic with average temperature in January of -5, 5 de- grees Celsius and in July 7.2 degrees Celsius. During the study tour in February and March 2008, the temperature varied between minus 5 and 23, and snow cover and ice was dominating the landscape to an extent not seen by local people for several years.

Greenland can be divided into climate zones like high arctic zone, low arctic zone, and subarctic zone. The study area is situated in the low arctic zone close to the only small subarctic zone (Bugge & Christensen 2003).

Three types of ice occur in the area. Fast ice may occur in shallow and protected parts of the fjords. There has been a tendency with reduction of fast ice in the latest decades, where 2008 however is an exception where fast ice was found in many places in mid- winter in February. In Kangerluarsuk fast ice covered the fjord apart from a small inner part by the outflow of Lakseelv.

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Icebergs originating from the glaciers in the inland ice are frequently found in the fjords. Polar or drift ice flows southward along the east coast of Greenland and moves than northward along the coast of western Greenland. This type of ice may create problems for boat traffic by blocking the mouths of the larger fjords in March-April or later in the year.

In spite of some variation during the latest years, the main period of occurrence of moving polar ice around the Southern Tip (Kap Farewell) close to the study area has traditionally been in the period from May to July. However, in 2008 the polar ice ap- peared in SW Greenland as early as January.

Vegetation The distribution of the different types of vegetation in Southern Greenland is depending on a number of factors. These include distance from the ocean or inland ice, altitude, soil/rock type, and south or north facing exposure. The area in the inner parts of the municipality has the mildest climate in Greenland. In such places can be found well- developed birch and willow scrub. Close to Narsasuaq different foreign tree species has been tested in plantations.

At low altitudes the vegetation is generally dominated by different types of dwarf shrub heath and grasslands. At higher elevations lichens become more dominant and at high altitudes no vegetation is found at all. As described below in the intrusion where Killavaat Alannguat is situated the vegetation is suppressed and the border of the intru- sion can clearly be recognized on vegetation maps.

Use of natural resources Biodiversity in Greenland and in the arctic region in general is limited. The biological re- sources are exploited to a very large extent, but in reality the number of animal and plant species exploited by the human population is limited. The total number of animals and plant species utilised in all of Greenland in relation to fishery, hunting and collection is between 25 and 50. The majority of these can be found in the study area (Bugge & Christensen 2003, Tulugaq 2004a-b).

Population The Greenlandic population was 56.648 on the 1. January 2007 falling to 56.194 on 1. January 2009. At that time 3.762 persons were living in Qaqortoq Municipality and 2.279 in Narsaq Municipality.

Around 16% in Narsaq Municipality and 7% in Qaqortoq live in settlements, the majori- ty in the two towns. As can be seen from the figures in the Table 2 there have been an increase in population in the region 2006-2009, a tendency that differs from an overall population decrease in Greenland i the same period (statistics 2007a and 2009).

The area in Southern Greenland has historically been populated for at least three peri- ods. The first settlement “Late Dorset Culture” lasted from 2.400 BC to 200 AD, the last settlement from around 980 AD until today. The so-called Norse Settlement from 980 to 1450, with farming in the area, has left many traces.

Even today the main occupations are based on natural resources, particularly in the form of fishery, hunting, and farming.

The distribution of the population in the project area can be seen in Table 2. (Statistics 2007a and 2009). During 2006 - 2009 the population has increased, with different pat- terns between towns and settlements, as can be seen in the figure.

Figures in the same statistics shows that average age is growing in the area. Around 90 % of the people living in the area are born in Greenland.

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Place \Year 2006 2007 2008 2009 Narsaq town 1723 1691 2000 1953 Settlements in Narsaq municipality 319 325 332 326 Qaqortoq 3206 3238 3496 3532 Settlements in Qaqortoq municipal. 270 252 238 230 Total 5518 5506 6066 6041 Table 2. Size of population in towns and settlements in the former Narsaq and Qaqortoq municipalities. (Statistics 2007a, 2009)

The unemployment rate is approximately 7% in Qaqortoq and 8% in Narsaq. Qaqortoq has different education and training centres. Qaqortoq has primary and secondary schools, commercial school, high school, and in addition an education for social workers.

Similarly, Narsaq has a primary school as well as educations centres related to food- stuffs and carpeting.

It is a requirement for both professional and spare time hunters to have a hunting li- cense. The hunting license must be renewed annually. The hunters are requested to in- form the authorities of the annual bag (species and number).

In relation to unemployment, new possibilities for employment, based on exploitation of natural resources, is looked for all the time.

There have been previous attempts with mink- and fox farming, geese production and poultry, but such initiatives have all more or less failed.

New ideas include green houses for vegetables and fruit, collection and selling of sea ur- chins, fish oil production, and cod roe production.

SW Greenland is the warmest region in the country and the only place where sheep farming takes place.

Green houses are also used in the region to grow vegetables. Because of the increasing- ly mild weather in recent years, outdoor production of potatoes and spring onions has now become possible.

According to the interviewed persons, the amount of fast ice in the fjords has been re- duced in recent years. According to some interviewed persons (all asked on the issue described this – in total around 10 people) the polar ice and drift ice from glaciers in re- cent years has been more severe, creating problems for fishery and boat traffic. It should however be kept in mind that the problems with drift ice and polar ice to a large degree is connected with dominant wind direction as described in a later section.

In the Kangerluarsuk Fjord, the direction of the water flow in and out of the fjord is highly dependent on the wind direction. Also the sea current pattern changes in accord- ance with this.

As described below, stratification of the water body also takes place in periods.

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5 Fishery

5.1 General Fishery is mainly carried out by professional fishermen, the main part of the catch being sold at the fish factories. Additional fishery is done by part-time fishermen or private people for own consumption or small scale sale.

In most cases the catch is sold at “Brædtet”, but large catches are to some extent brought to the fish factories.

According to the Fishermen’s Organization KNAPK the organization holds 26 members in Narsaq and 32 in Qaqortoq. The actual total number of fulltime hunters and fishermen is though probably somewhat higher around 80 to 100 persons. Many of the members of KNAPK are both hunters and fishermen, but in Narsaq region a few are mainly hunters and in Qaqortoq several are doing only fishery.

The group of additional people doing part-time fishery in the area is large, up to 500 persons, according to the interviewed persons. Compared to earlier times, there is a tendency also for professional hunters and fishermen to have other occupations now.

Concerning general problems for fishery, 6 interviewed persons specifically mentioned Humpback Whales sometimes destroying the pound nets.

The nets are however also destroyed by icebergs. Climatic change related problems were generally underlined, including changes in ice coverage and –occurrence and a seemingly increase in storms. Three older fishermen, that have used the area for dec- ades, informed that especially stormy weather from North and South-East has increased in frequency and strength.

When the polar ice arrive, the smaller open fjords, including Kangerluarsuk, becomes increasingly more important for the Fishermen. Depending on the arrival time of the po- lar ice, typically May and June are important periods for fjord fishery.

The boats used by the fishermen range from smaller dinghies with outboard motors to larger cutters, some equipped with harpoons that may be used for whale hunting. The large deep sea prawn cutters have almost completely left the area following the collapse of the prawn fishery. This can clearly be seen as the most negative development that the local communities have experienced in the last decades. At least some of the cutters are now being used further north along the West coast.

According to the fishermen, the overall catch for the different fish species has not been going down in recent years on the contrary for some species there seems to be a growth in the populations. One example of this is the Atlantic Cod.

A fish factory in Narsaq closed in 2010. The factory previously received Atlantic Cod, Lumpsucker, Greenland Halibut, Spotted Wolffish, and Redfish. Sculpin, Arctic Char, Capelin, and Salmon for processing at the factory.

The annual registered catch is now 1200 tons at Narsaq and 1800 tons at the fish facto- ry in Qaqortoq.

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Figure 3. Location of sites on which Atlantic Salmon, Lumpsucker, Capelin, Greenland and Atlantic Halibut, and Arctic Char according to the interviewed fishermen are being fished. In addition, the single mussel breeding area is indicated. The information in the figure is further described in the text. The red line indicates the “study area”.

5.2 Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) The Atlantic Cod is distributed in the Northern Atlantic Ocean from USA and Spain and Northward to Baffin Island, Greenland, Svalbard and Novaya Zemlya (Glahder 2001). According to different written sources and local fishermen there have been fluctuations of the distribution of Atlantic Cod in the last decades in the local waters. This seems mainly to be correlated with changes in sea water temperature. The species can be sub- divided into populations living inside the fjords (“Fjord Cod”) and populations in open water offshore. Fluctuations have been rather drastic apart from some of the fjords with stable populations. The Atlantic Cod is common in many of the fjords in the local area around Narsaq and is used commercially and for private use (Jensen 2007). According to one fisherman is the most important fjord for Atlantic Cod fishery for fishermen living in Narsaq is Kangerluarsuk. Fishery is done mainly with pound nets. They are only used by professional hunters with license, and the fishery is regulated (Qaqortoq Municipality 1996).

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Figure 4. Information about Atlantic Cod based on information from interviews. The area with pound nets in Kangerluarsuk is shown together with sites for fishing of cod. As de- scribed in the text, fish pounds are used and fishery conducted in nearly all the smaller fjords – and even in places in the bigger fjords – that can be reached by boat from towns and set- tlements in the area. The red line indicates the “study area”.

All interviewed local fishermen informed that the Atlantic Cod several decades ago mainly were caught in open waters.

However, during the last decades, stable fishery has only taken place in smaller fjords including Kangerluarsuk Fjord in the proximity to Killavaat Alannguat. Similar descrip- tions are provided by other sources (ex. Gensbøl 1998). Information from the 1980’s indicates that Kangerluarsuk is an important fishing place for Atlantic Cod, Capelin, Arc- tic Char, and Lumpsucker (Pilegaard 1990). The Cod occurs in large part of the Fjord, but pound nets are especially placed in the parts with lower water – typically in the in- ner parts of the Fjord.

The fishermen reach the fishing grounds by motor boats, using pound nets and jigging for the catching, as described. The main period for fishery is May to October. There seems to be a correlation with high water current and catch, probably caused by an in- creased production of food for the Cod. The size of the Atlantic Cod in the Fjord typically varies from 1½ - 2 kilo for the smaller fishes up to specimens with a weight of between 10 and 20 kilos.

The pound nets are not only used here, but in many other fjords as well. The Kanger- luarsuk fjord is however considered important for the fishermen. One reason for this is that the area is typically accessible and free of ice, when other areas are inaccessible due to ice from glaciers or polar ice from Eastern Greenland. The arrival time of polar ice and the impact from ice from glaciers vary from year to year. According to the fish- ermen (8 out of16 interviewed), the problem with glacier ice has increased somewhat in recent years. Three out of16 interviewed fishermen was worried that the mine could 17

lead to a decrease in water quality in the Fjord. If material is washed from land into the fjord it could change the distribution of plants, mussels and other food items for the fish species and thereby generally change the composition of the food chains.

The mobility of Atlantic Cod in open waters seems to be profound. Three cod specimens marked in Nanortalik area 11. July 2008 was caught in the local area 25. July 2008, meaning that the fish had moved at least 150 km in only two weeks (pers. comm. Bent Bredde Olesen).

The catch of Atlantic Cod is mainly sold at “Brædtet” and in periods with large catch also delivered to the local fish factory. Naturally it is also used for private consumption. In some areas the species is also caught from openings in the fast ice during winter.

The official statistic on sold Atlantic Cod is shown in the table 3.

Place / year 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Narsaq town - - 12 3 13 721 1498 1028 Settlements in N. ------Qaqortoq 68 585 398 153 347 2250 2888 1275 Settlements in Q 5 87 33 8 32 - - - Total 73 672 443 161 354 2971 4368 2303 Table 3. The official trade of Atlantic Cod in tons and years (Statistics 2006a, 2007b, 2008). As can be seen from statistics, there have been large yearly fluctuations and an overall aver- age increase throughout the period.

One problem for the fishermen using pound nets is the Humpback Whales. There has been an increase in the whale population followed by an increase in destroyed pound nets. One fisherman had lost 2 out of 8 nets in recent years and explained that it is a general and increasing problem. The price of the pound nets is high, approximately 50.000 DKK.

During talks with local people in Narsaq it has shown that there is also some jig fishery in Kangerluarsuk Fjord with use of private boats and for own consumption.

5.3 Greenland Cod (Gadus ogac) The Greenland Cod is locally called Uvak. It is common and widely distributed in the re- gion. The species occurs north along the coast to Upernavik. It is considered inferior for eating compared to especially the Atlantic Cod. It is however still caught by local fish- ermen and used for private consumption and sale at Brædtet (Mosbech et al. 1998 and interviews). It is mainly found in shallow water along the coast and in the fjords. It also occurs in the Kangerluarsuk Fjord.

The Uvak fishery takes place all year round, but the main fishing periods are early spring from January to April and in autumn.

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Photo 3. Greenland Cod at Brædtet in Narsaq in February 2008.

Information on the catch of Greenland Cod is included in the official statistics from Greenland Statistics, generally showing low figures. In 2006 the registered sale was 47 tons in Qaqortoq and 12 tons in Narsaq (Statistics 2007a).

Previously the catch was included in statistics and the fish was also processed at fish factories in Greenland. Since then exploitation has been generally reduced and has completely stopped in Narsaq, as local interest has been directed towards the Atlantic Cod.

5.4 Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Atlantic Salmon only breeds in one river in Greenland: The Kapisigdlit in the inner parts of the Nuuk fjord. The majority of the salmons occurring in Greenland are of North America and Europe origin. Distribution in Greenland is along the Southern half of the coast in both East and West Greenland.

The species is protected from use in fish factories and is only used for private consump- tion. The salmon is caught in several fjords including the Kangerluarsuk, normally by using long lines.

A small amount is according to regulations also sold to old people’s home.

It was mentioned by one fisherman out of 16 interviewed that fishery for Salmon was more difficult last year in Kangerluarsuk because of temperature conditions this year. In one period there was a stratification of the water in the fjord with freshwater at the surface and salt water (preferred by the Salmon) in larger depths. The situation makes it more difficult to catch the salmon.

5.5 Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpines) The Arctic Char is widely distributed over the whole coastline of Greenland during sum- mer. However, in many places numbers have decreased due to intensive fishery. Strict regulations are implemented in relation to net fishery of the species.

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The Arctic Char seeks to streams in July to September and spawn in August to October. In May they fishes return to the sea. There are however two forms of the species, in- cluding one staying in the streams throughout the year. (Gensbøl 1998). Close to Qaqortoq and Narsaq there are about 25 streams where important fishery of the char takes place (typically at mouths of rivers). Further away an additional 5 fishing sites are found, including the Lakseelv close to Killavaat Alannguat (Mosbech et al. 2004). The in- formation on important fishing sites described above was confirmed in interviews with a total of 6 fishermen from Narsaq and Qaqortoq.

The catch is used for private consumption, and some fish are sold at Brædtet.

5.6 Spotted Wolffish (Anarhichas minor) The Spotted Wolffish is common at the sea bottom down to 500 meters water depth. It is widespread in the Southern part of Greenland and is typically found in the fjords in- cluding Kangerluarsuk. Catch in the municipality is only of local importance.

Photo 4. Spotted Wolffish at Brædtet in Qaqortoq in February 2008.

The Spotted Wolffish is regularly sold at Brædtet in Qaqortoq and Narsaq. It is typically caught on long lines.

5.7 Greenland Halibut (Rheinhardtius hippoglossoides) It is commonly found in the project area, especially in the inner part of the fjords close to the inland ice, where the main catch takes place. The halibut is typically found at wa- ter depth between 200 and 1000 meters. They are caught by long lines and nets. (Gensbøl 1998).

Greenland Halibut – 2005 2006 2007 2008 handling (tons) Narsaq 8 87 7 8 Qaqortoq 16 11 76 21 Total 24 98 83 29

Table 4. The official trade of Greenland Halibut in Narsaq and Qaqortoq (Statistics 2006a, Statistics 2007c and 2009). 20

As can be seen from the table, the official trade has been at a low level, although with some variation, through the latest years. In 2007 it was seen sold in the form of smoked halibut at Brædtet in Narsaq.

5.8 Snow Crab (Chionoecetes opilio) The Snow Crab can be found in several places in SW Greenland, among these in the deepest parts of the Kangerluarsuk. It is mainly fished in Narlunaq Skovfjord and Iker- suaq Bredefjord. The catch is used for private consumption and sold at Brædtet. There is a small registered catch. The figure for Qaqortoq of Snow Crab was 12 tons for 2003 (Data from Greenland Statistics).

5.9 Deep Sea Prawn (Pandalus borealis) The catch of prawn in SW Greenland has decreased significantly in recent years, and the processing plant in Narsaq has now been closed. According to 2 out of 16 interviewed local fishermen, the decline in prawn populations may be caused by predation from the increasing population of Atlantic Cod. However, the collapse of the prawn stock is most likely caused by several factors, including increasing water temperatures and over- fishing.

In 2003 the annual catch sold to the fish factory in Narsaq was 7.589 tons (Statistics 2006a). In 2004 the catch was reduced to 3.717 tons (Statistics 2006b). In 2005 the catch had further decreased to 2.009 tons (Statistics 2007a), and finally 2.109 tons were caught in 2006 (Statistics 2007c and 2009). Deep Sea Prawns are no longer treat- ed at the fish factories in Narsaq and Qaqortoq.

Until 1½ - 2 years ago Deep Sea Prawns were totally dominating the production and in- come at the local fish factory. Today the production has been substituted by Atlantic Cod, Lump sucker, and other species.

Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus) The Atlantic Halibut was overfished some decades ago and has not reached the former population size. It is no longer common anywhere, and fishery for this species is limited and in reality only taking place in a few limited areas (Gensbøl 1998). It is known from the fjords of the project area, but according to 5 out of 16 interviewed local fishermen this is a rarely caught species. This is in accordance with the registered sale that shows very low figures.

5.10 Capelin (Mallotus villosus) Capelin is widely distributed along the coastline of northern Greenland to Uummannaq and Amassalik, but also occurs further to the north (Gensbøl 1998). The inner part of Kangerluarsuk is important for spawning and fishery for the species, as is the case for many other of the smaller fjords in the area (Mosbech et al. 2004). Capelin arrives in May – June/July in large numbers to the same spawning sites every year and is during this period easy to catch (Gensbøl 1998). The Capelin is widely distributed inside the study area, including the Kangerluarsuk Fjord. There is a large catch used for private consumption and for sale at Brædtet.

The local fishermen (two out of sixteen interviewed) told that the Capelin of SW Green- land is rather small and not as attractive for people as populations in other regions of Greenland. A possible explanation for the small size could be that on average the cape- lins in SW Greenland are only one year old when caught, but 2-3 years old in the Nuuk area and further north.

5.11 Lumpsucker (Cyclopterus lumpus) The Lumpsucker is common in the Southern part of Greenland North to Uummannaq and Amassalik. In the period where they spawn, they seek to low water depths. The 21

male and especially the spawn are attractive for consumption (Gensbøl 1998). Lump- sucker is a widespread species of importance to local fishermen in the project area. It is fished for in Kangerluarsuk.

In relation to spawning and fishery, large parts of the coastline of the smaller fjords in- cluding Kangerluarsuk are important. The large fjords, such as Narlunaq Skovfjord and Ikersuaq Bredefjord are only partly or not important (Mosbech et al. 2004). The main fishing period is from March to May. Typically many of the fishermen shift from Lump- sucker to Atlantic Cod in May.

Lumpsucker is used for private consumption, sold at Brædtet and to the fish factory in Narsaq. One of the fishermen interviewed considered Lumpsucker as being very im- portant for his annual income.

5.12 Redfish (Sebastes viviparous) and (Sebastes marinus) Four species of redfish occur in Greenlandic waters, only two of which are more com- monly fished in the study area. They occur in deep waters from 200 to 600 meters and are important for private consumption and sale at Brædtet. Redfish become old and re- produce slowly, making them potentially sensitive to fishery (Gensbøl 1998).

Photo 5. Redfish at Brædtet in Narsaq. February 2008.

During the study tour redfish sold at Brædtet in Narsaq were frequently seen. They be- long seemingly to the species Ocean Perch/Atlantic Redfish (Sebastes marinus). A fish- erman explained that it was caught in deep waters rather close to Narsaq.

5.13 Mussels Common Mussel (Mytilus edulis) The Common Mussel is indeed very common all over in the fjords in the municipality. It is collected for sale at Brædtet or used for private consumption. Although they are su- perb for eating and exploited at the local level, Common Mussels are not economically important in Greenland. Common Mussels are abundant in regions where the warm At- lantic Current reaches the coast.

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In the fjords’ pelagic waters, mussel larvae are the most numerous meroplankton group (Bugge & Christensen 2003).

One fisherman from Qaqortoq attempts to “farm” Common Mussel on a part-time basis. The farming is taking place in the fjord Tasiusaq (Figure 3). The production, based on lines on which the mussels can attach themselves, has now taken place for some years. The lines are brought out as soon as the fjord is free of fast ice. The specific site is cho- sen because of its advantageous water currents.

One week before the start of harvest each year, specimens are delivered to NERI for la- boratory testing of PB, Cd, Zn and some other metals. The mussels are sold at Brædtet in both towns.

The season is typically from March to November. Sale is also taking place to old people’s home. A typical harvest is 50-100 kg, currently with an annual production of 500 to 1000 kg. The price for one kilo Common Mussel at Brædtet is around 40 DKK.

The commercial size of mussels is typically from 4½-5 cm up to 7-8 cm’s. The produc- tion, selling and export of mussels is regulated by Greenlandic law and through EU regulations.

The farm in Tasiusaq Fjord is the only professional mussel farm in Greenland. The scale of production on this farm is too small to comply with EU standards.

Photo 6. Common Mussel at Brædtet in Narsaq. February 2008.

Iceland Scallop (Chlamys islandica) This is a common species along the west coast of Greenland, found on water depths be- tween 20 and 60 meters. There is some collection of the species in the study area, but seemingly not of great importance.

The occurrence and use was not underlined by any of the 16 interviewed people. The species is not sold to the fish factory. The main distribution of the species seems to be more northerly, as it is among other places found near Paamiut, Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat (Bugge & Christensen 2003). Iceland Scallop is used in the Nuuk region. Export from here is 2-3000 tons annually to France and other countries (Greenland Statistics).

Also the following mussel species can also be found; Spisula solida, Mya arenaria, Tapes spp., Cardium edule, and Hiatella arctica (Brian Fencker pers. Comm.) 23

5.14 Other species It was mentioned by several (8 out of sixteen interviewed) fishermen that some “new” species were caught in increasing numbers. Among these are Pollack (Polachius pola- chius), Atlantic Heering (Clupeid harangues), and Whiting (Melanges melanges). They are typically caught outside the study area, closer to the open waters.

From one local person not directly interviewed it was heard that a Japanese company was doing investigations on possible collection and export of sea urchins. In the marine environment in the municipality specimens of sea urchins are commonly found. The species of sea urchins are Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis and possible Echinus escu- lentus (Inf. from Martin Blicher, Greenland Institute of Natural Resources).

Both species are both edible and good. The investigations has reached a stage where there will be taken samples/specimens for laboratory testing in order to test for chemi- cals etc. that would make them unsuitable for consumption.

Currently seaweeds are collected to a very limited extent. However in the area there are several species of seaweed that potentially could be interesting for further exploitation. Plans for this are to some extent developed at the moment, including export possibilities to i.e. Japan (Suluk – flight magazine - February 2008).

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6 Hunting

The hunting for birds is done by both professional hunters and other people in their lei- sure time. The catch is sold at “Brædtet” or used for private consumption. The number of part-time hunters in the project area is about 500.

The information on single species in relation to hunting period, importance and size of catch were provided during interviews. Additional information on biology of the species has mainly been found in Bugge & Christensen (2003) and Gensbøl (1998).

6.1 Bird species The coastal zone and the marine areas close to the coast in Southern Greenland have a relatively rich fauna, both in relation to bird species and number (Bugge & Christensen 2003). This includes both breeding and migratory birds. Many of the sea birds breed in colonies, but none occur close to the area covered by this study. However, a small colo- ny of Black Guillemot is found in the Northern part of the former Narsaq Municipality close to the inland ice, and colonies are also found on several outer islands close to open water. This is in accordance with mapping of colonies in the literature study (Jen- sen 2007). One area in Narsaq and Qaqortoq Municipalities, (Ydre) “Outer” Kitsissut is designated as a bird protection area.

The largest sea bird populations in the area are to be found during the winter period. Most seabirds leave the area in April through June, when the ice starts to break up fur- ther north (Gensbøl 1998, Mosbech et al. 2004). In addition to the bird species men- tioned the in table below the following seabirds are also commonly found in the waters of the municipalities:

Great Shearwater (Puffinus gravis), Cormorant (Phalacrocorax spp.), King Eider (So- materia spectabilis), Red-Breasted Merganser (Mergus merganser), Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus ), Glaucious Gull (Larus hyperboreus), Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides), Great Black-Backed Gull ( Larus marinus), Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea), and White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) (Mosbech et al. 2004).

In particular the seas outside the coast of South-East Greenland, but also the fjords are very important wintering areas for sea birds. This includes large number of Brünnich’s Guillemot, Common Eiders and different species of gulls. The species of birds are regu- larly hunted by people from Narsaq and Qaqortoq and sold at Brædtet in both towns.

Greenland has designated 11 Ramsar sites for protection of the natural values especially to protect waterfowl (Egevang & Boertmann 2001). The mentioned Kitsissut area is one of these designated Ramsar Sites. It is a group of tiny vegetated rocky islands 10 kilo- metre of the coast, important for breeding sea birds. It contains among other interna- tionally important numbers of Brünnich’s and Common Guillemots (www.ramsar.org).

Only few of the bird species that are hunted are of commercial interest. Most birds are used for private consumption or sold at “Brædtet” in Narsaq and Qaqortoq towns.

Birds are hunted all over the project area, but Kangerluarsuk was not mentioned as an especially important hunting site by any of the interviewed hunters.

On the contrary, many other sites were pointed out as more important for specific bird species or bird in general.

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Photo 7. Brünnich’s Guillemot sold at Brædtet in Qaqortoq town in February 2008.

The relatively importance of the bird species most commonly hunted in the municipality, is indicated in Table 5, as well as the hunting season according to the Statutory Order on Birds of 21 January 2004. The following scale is used: 3 very important, 2 with im- portance and 1 less or not of importance.

Table 5 Birds species hunted regularly in the study area. The importance for the hunters according to the information from interviews is indication together with information on hunting season. For some of the species additional remarks are provided in the table.

The “Importance for hunters” rating in Table 5 should be taken with some precaution because it is building on the information provided from a limited number of hunters.

The RD value (Red Data List) is indicated for three species (Boertmann 2007). The study area is considered to be of little importance for these species. The Hunting season indicated is covering the area from Kap Farvel to Northern border of former Kangaatsiaq Municipality.

Bird species Importance Hunting Remarks. English name Latin name for hunters Season Brünnich’s Uria lomvia 3 15. October- RD: Vulnerable Guillemot 28/29 February Common Uria algae 1 15. October- Guillemot 28/29 February Black Guillemot Cepphus grylle 2 1. September- 28/29 February Common Eider Somateria 3 15. October- RD: Vulnerable molissima 28/29 February During study tour seen in numbers in fjords. Great Northern Gavia immer 1 1. September – RD: Near Diver 31. December threatened Mallard Anas 2 1. September- 26

Plathyrhynchos 28/29 February Long-tailed Clangula hye- 2 1. September- duck malis 28/29 February Little Auk Alle alle 3 1. September- 30. April Northern Fulmarus glaci- 1 1. September – Including per- Fulmar alis 31. May mission for egg collection (pro- fessionals) Ptarmigan Lagopus mutus 2 1. September- No trails seen 30. April around towns in snow. Black-legged Rissa tridactyla 2 1. September- Kittiwakes 28/29 February Other Gull spe- Larus spp. 1 1. September- Many speci- cies 30. April (For L. mens in towns. glaucoides, Eggs may be marinus, & hy- collected from perboreus) some species. Raven Corvus corax 1 1. September- Many specimen 28/29 February in towns

Figure 5. Information provided by the interviewed hunters on sites where Common Eider, Brünnich´s Guillemot, and Black-legged Kittiwake are mainly hunted. The species are also hunted in other areas in the region, depending on wind speed and direction and other weather conditions. The information provided suggests that Kangerluarsuk Fjord generally is not important for hunting of seabird species. Further explanations can be found in the text. Note that all information given concerns sites outside the study area (indicated by the red line).

Below is provided some remarks regarding the most important hunted species, mainly based on Bugge & Christensen (2003) and Gensbøl (1998). 27

Common eiders (Somateria mollissima) breed throughout Greenland, although only in small numbers around Qaqortoq and Paamiut.

The eiders are shot with shotguns from dinghies or islets, as they migrate through the area. The majority of birds are shot in the open waters off West Greenland and mainly by professional hunters. Common eiders are used in private households or sold at the local market. Statistics from the hunting registry “Piniarneq” indicate that approximately 68,000-82,000 (1993-95) common eiders are shot per year throughout the country. Of these, about 80% are shot in West Greenland’s open waters, which equals somewhere between 54,000 and 66,000 birds. According to some of the local hunters, the Eider has become increasingly more common and now also occurs closer to towns.

Brünnich’s Guillemot or Thick-billed Murre (Uria lomvia) occur along most of West Greenland, in Qaanaaq County in North Greenland and in Ittoqqortoormiit County on the east coast. The open water area is a wintering site for a number of Greenland’s speci- mens and likewise, for many Guillemots that breed in Norway (Svalbard), Russia and Canada. The species are shot with shotguns from dinghies and the majority of birds are shot during the winter in the open water area.

According to the 16 persons interviewed, the species is used in private households or sold at the local market. In addition to this, permission can be given for sale to other parts of Greenland for a limited number of birds during the winter.

There is no quota on the thick-billed murre take, but recreational hunters are allowed to bring home a maximum of ten birds per hunt and to hunt them only for their own use. According to “Piniarneq” approximately 188,000-200,000 (1993-95) Guillemots are shot annually throughout the country. About 85% of all Guillemots shot in 1993 (194,984) were shot south of Qeqertarsuaq during the winter (October-March).

Figure 6. Indicative information on marine mammals obtained during interviews. The infor- mation concerns important areas for hunting of Harp, Hooded and Ringed Seals. For Polar Bear, Fin Whale and Narwhale the intention is just to indicate certain places where the spe- cies has been shot – or for Polar Bear seen – in recent years. The information on Polar Bears covers a longer time period of several decades. Further information is provided in the text. The red line indicates the “study area”. 28

In the official statistics also Little Auk is included. In 2005 a total of 25.700 specimens were registered. (Statistics 2007a) In relation to hunting season and the mentioned Statutory Order on Birds it should be mentioned, that this is under revision. It is planned that a new order will be passed in late summer 2008.

6.2 Seal species There are five seal species occurring in the project area, three of which are common and hunted: Harp Seal, Hooded seal, and Ringed Seal.

From 1988 to 1998 between 150.000 and 200.000 seals were hunted each year, and of these 1/2 – 1/3 were traded. The ringed seal dominates the sale and also the treated skins. The total number of skins traded in 1998 in Greenland was 85.539, of which 52,3 % were Ringed Seal, 33,5 % Harp Seal and 5,8 % Hooded Seal.

6.2.1 Harp Seal Harp Seal (Phoca groenlandica) is common in the study area and was by two out of six- teen hunters mentioned as one of the most important hunted species together with Hooded and Ringed Seals. It arrives in large numbers in May-June from Newfoundland where they whelp in early spring. It is mainly found and hunted in the larger fjords and is normally not seen in Kangerluarsuk Fjord.

The number of traded skin from the two municipalities is shown in table 6, covering the period from 1988 to 1998. The table is divided into seals hunted in towns as well as set- tlements.

Place/year 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Narsaq 141 63 109 35 70 38 16 - 873 902 6 town N. settle------ments Qaqortoq 25 - - - - 872 5944 6274 3886 2418 9730 town Q settle- 438 774 640 - 84 398 698 375 632 1.399 208 ments Total 604 837 749 35 154 1308 6658 6649 5391 3719 9944

Table 6. Sold skins from Harp Seal in the period 1988 to 1998 in Narsaq and Qaqortoq Mu- nicipalities (Statistics 2001a).

As can be seen from the table for that period, there are large annual fluctuations in the catch, but the majority of animals are shot near Qaqortoq.

6.2.2 Hooded Seal Hooded Seal (Cystrophora cristata) is widely distributed along the outer coast. It can al- so be found in the study area, but is much more regular in the large fjords and towards the open sea. It arrives with the polar ice. It is commonly hunted and is one of the im- portant seal species for the hunters. The hunting period is divided into spring months and September-October.

According to two out of sixteen interviewed hunters, the number of Hooded Seal in the area has been decreasing, making the remaining animals increasingly more difficult to find and hunt. There might recently have been observed a slight more upward trend in the size of the population (one interviewed hunter).

Sold skins from Hooded Seal from the two municipalities are included in the table below, covering the period from 1988 to 1998. The table is divided into seals hunted by hunt- ers in towns and settlements.

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As can be seen from the table here is huge annual variations in the catch with an in- crease in the period. Hunters from Qaqortoq town are dominating the picture. The hunt- ing from the settlements in Qaqortoq is however of importance. The distribution of sold skins reflects the distribution of the species mainly found in large fjords and western part of the municipalities in open sea and related to the polar ice drift.

Place/year 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Narsaq 5 5 4 7 8 4 - - 6 15 - town - N. settle------ments Qaqortoq 1 - - - - 41 23 486 122 28 383 town Q settle- 13 19 5 - 5 5 14 43 39 24 1 ments Total 19 24 7 13 50 37 529 167 67 384

Table 7. Sold skins from Hooded Seal in the period 1988 to 1998 in Narsaq and Qaqortoq Municipalities(Statistics 2001a and 2001b).

6.2.3 Ringed Seal Ringed Seal (Phoca hispida) is very common in all waters surrounding Greenland. It is also distributed in the fjords around the study area – but not specifically in Kangerluar- suk Fjord and is a species typically hunted in larger fjords.

The number of traded skins from Ringed Seal from the two municipalities is shown in the table below, covering the period from 1988 to 1998. The table is divided into seals hunted by hunters in towns and settlements.

Place/year 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 Narsaq 32 18 32 17 15 15 1 - 67 302 1 town N. settle------1 - ments Qaqortoq 27 - - - - 125 364 1627 882 476 1137 town Q settle- 80 278 319 - 45 137 202 106 353 489 45 ments Total 139 296 351 17 60 277 567 1733 1302 1268 1173

Table 8. Sold skins from Ringed Seal in the period 1988 to 1998 in Narsaq and Qaqortoq Municipalities. (Statistics 2001a).

In spite of large annual fluctuations, there is an overall increase in the catch throughout the period. Again most seals are shot in the Qaqortoq area.

6.2.4 Harbour Seal and Bearded Seal

The official statistics on Bearded and Harbour Seal shows low number of skin traded, but the seals are hunted to some extent according to latest statistics (Statistics 2001b).

The Harbour Seal (Phoca vitulina) was not mentioned by the hunters interviewed, but there could be a small amount of animals shot in the area.

Bearded Seal (Erignatus barbatus) is caught in the inner parts of the fjords, but seem- ingly in very low numbers. The status of the species is not so well know in the whole of Greenland and total catch is much lower compared to the previously mentioned species (Greenland Nature Institute Homepage). 30

6.3 Whales Several whale species can be found in region and are regularly seen by the hunters and fishermen, but only Minke Whale and Porpoise are hunted to a larger extent.

Photo 8. One of the bigger fishing boats in the harbour in Qaqortoq in February 2008. The boat is equipped with a harpoon intended for whale hunting.

6.3.1 Minke Whale Minke Whale (Balaenoptera acutorpstrata) is common along the entire west coast of Greenland during summer, both in open and sheltered waters. In recent years they have tended to be distributed towards more open water and have become most abun- dant in Southwest Greenland (Bugge & Christensen 2003). It can be found in many places inside the study area, but again normally not inside the smaller fjords including Kangerluarsuk. The hunting is regulated in relation to type of boat and equipment. The annual quota is set to 130. The whales are hunted from boats with harpoon. The smaller boats can also go hunting, but according to rules only when they are several boats to- gether. When hunting from small boats, rifles are being used.

During five interviews in the Narsaq area it was explained that the annual catch would vary from 3-4 up to 13 per year. Fisherman with small boats would typically shoot one annually, while bigger boats with harpoons typically hunt up to 5 individuals each year.

6.3.2 Fin Whale Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalis) can be found during summer and autumn in South Greenland on deeper water. It is also hunted in small numbers in Qaqortoq and Narsaq Municipalities. At Brædtet in Narsaq Finn Whale meat was sold in March 2008, probably from a specimen killed in September 2007 and salted at that time for later sale. In Fig- ure 6 a site where a whale was recently shot is indicated. They can however be hunted in many areas close to open water and also in the bigger fjords.

6.3.3 Harbour Porpoise Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) occur along Greenland’s entire west coast, but are especially found at Paamiut, Maniitsoq and Nuuk and only on rare occasions in Southwest Greenland according to Bugge & Christensen (2003).

However according to the hunters, Harbour Porpoise is also sometimes found in Narsaq and Qaqortoq municipalities, and some hunting is taking place. One of the main areas 31

for hunting is in Bredefjord. The species was not by any of the 16 interviewed hunters mentioned in relation to Kangerluarsuk fjord.

6.3.4 Other whale species

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaangliae) is further considered a problem for the fish- ermen (5 out of 16 interviewed), as the species feed on fish of commercial importance, as for instance the Atlantic Cod.

According to local hunters there is an increase in the population and a change in biology of the species. Earlier they tended to be migratory going to the Caribbean part of the year, but some are stationary now.

Blue Whales (Balaenoptera musculus), Narwhale (Monodon monocerus), Sperm Whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and Orcas (Orcinus orca) are occasionally observed by the hunters and fishermen and were all mentioned during interviews. (The Orcas is called “a Criminal” by some of the local hunters). They are occurring at deep waters close to or at open sea.

6.4 Other species Polar bear (Ursus maritimus) The Polar bear occurs regularly in the area but only in very low numbers. During the stay of the project team tracks from two polar bears were observed at the Storesø (“Large Lake”) close to Qaqortoq. Nearly all the hunters and sheep farmers could tell stories about polar bears they had seen or shot. In Figure 6 is indicated places were po- lar bears have occurred over the last 30 years.

The map indicates that animals may be seen in many places, but as indicated rarely.

The bears probable arrive with the polar ice from the East coast of Greenland. In Green- land the animal occurs typically along the whole east coast living in pack ice areas. They breed in two areas in North-East Greenland and in the area of Qaanaaq in North-East.

The animals were earlier hunted. In a few cases they are now shot close to the farms of the sheep breeders in order to protect the animals. They may only be shot by certified hunters or to prevent damage on property (or human beings). Annual quota are decided by the Home rule Government. The regulation is rather detailed, and applica- tion/license is required for hunting apart from the special circumstances outlined above (Grønlands Hjemmestyre 2005).

Arctic Fox (Alopex lagopus) and Arctic Hare (Lepus arcticus) are found in many places in the study area. They are both widespread in Greenland. They are both hunted, but they are only of little importance for the hunters.

The Caribou (Rangifer tarandus) has been introduced to a few places in South Green- land. These sites are far from the study area and no impact on the animals can be fore- seen from mining activities. The animals are used for sale at the slaughterhouse and for trophy hunting by foreigners. One fisherman and hunter interviewed had a supplemen- tary income from shooting Caribou.

There are two registrated owners of caribous in the association of sheep breed- ers/farmers.

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7 Sheep farming In Narsaq and Qaqortoq Municipalities there are 46 members of the association of sheep breeders/farmers - agricultural consulting service in Qaqortoq. The number of sheep farms is somewhat higher, as some farms are owned by several active family members

In spite of the term “sheep breeders/farmers” other animals than sheep are being pro- duced and a number of different types of crops are grown on such farms.

Production includes sheep meat and wool, dairy cattle, fat stock, horses, different vege- tables, potatoes, onions, and farm tourism is growing.

According to two of the interviewed persons the production of vegetables has increased in recent years. The changed production is to some extent based on a tendency with in- creased temperatures, although this immediate advantage for the farmers is followed by low precipitation in the last summers. This creates opposing problems for the production and especially the production of grass for winter feeding. In 2008 and 2009 according to interviews several farmers (two out of seven interviewed) have been forced to buy/import grass for winter feeding.

In some areas the number of sheep breeders has been growing to a level where no more farmers will be allowed to enter the specific region. One example is the area around Quassiarsuk, where no free areas can be found for grazing and production of food for winter feeding of the animals. The reasons for limiting the number are to pre- vent damage to the vegetation and to secure, that enough food is available for grazing in summertime.

The carrying capacity for sheep farmers in the areas in the municipality has however not been reached, according to the consulting service for the farmers. From their esti- mates there could still be room for additional farmers. The total number of sheep now is approximately 21.000 and a conservative figure, according to the consultants, for sustainable production would be 30.000. (Maybe even up to 70.000 might still be realis- tic based alone on availability of vegetation for grazing).

In the area are several abandoned farms. Some of the farms are really not suitable for farming because of topography, local climate conditions, and insufficient possibilities for grazing or grass production in these sites. In other areas abandoned farms could be re- used.

The problems with topography concerns especially sheep seeking to inaccessible moun- tain areas from where it is difficult to bring them back to stables at winter time. One example is the two abandoned farms on the Qaqortoq peninsula, in the area east of the proposed site for harbour and plant.

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Figure 7. Map with sheep farms mentioned in the text. Farm 1 close to Narsaq holds sheep, cattle for meat production and horses. Farms 2 and 3 use areas close to Killavaat Alannguat for summer grazing for the sheep. Farm 6 and 4 use areas south of Killavaat Alannguat for sheep grazing in summer. The two farms at 7 are abounded but could be attractive for new farmers. Farm 5 has cattle for milk production. The information is further described in the text. The red line indicates the “study area”.

Vegetation analysis took place in the 1970s 1980s, and detailed maps exist from those analyses. The two farms at Qaqortoq Peninsula (Farm 7 on Figure 7) were closed, partly because sheep entered the town area.

Some of the sheep breeders have started with sheep received from the slaughter house, which obviously sometimes would not be the best breed. The sheep used for breeding are originally coming from Island in 1906 with additional animals from Norway in the 1960’ties.

Typically some areas are used for grazing in the summer period from May to first No- vember. The animals move freely around in these areas without fencing. By end of Oc- tober – first November the animals are driven to the stables, where they are kept and feed during the winter.

In other areas fields are sawn in May and harvested in July with different grass species like Deschampsia sp., Phleum sp., Festuca sp., and Poa sp. One problem with grass production is the risk of drought in June reducing harvest significant.

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Photo 9. Sheep in February 2008 at Farm 1 (Figure 7) in Narsaq Valley.

The sheep are typically moving freely around in the areas where they are let loose in spring. Two farmers asked during interviews on the size of the summer grazing areas were not able to answer this. In some places it might be very labour-intensive to get the animals back to the stables in autumn because of topography of the landscape.

In table 9 is provided a rough estimate on hay fields in relation to farms.

Table 9. Overview of hay fields in relation to the 7 indicated farms in figure 7. Farm/ Hay fields Distance in km. Direction from Remarks In ha. mining site 1 10-15 12.8 North/North- East 2 3-5 26.3 East 3 3-5 25.9 East 4 Around 5 13.1 South 5 Not possible to 18.9 East/South- Map of this site detect East can not be used 6 Not possible to 7.5 South/South- Map of this site detect East can not be used 7 (2 farms) 3-5 and 2-4 24.5 West/South- Abandoned West fields, but could be re- used later The information is based on Google Earth latest version available in November 2010. See further information in text. (Information is according to Google Earth varying based on pictures taken in the period 2005-2009).

The figures in table 9 should be seen as rough estimates. The size of hay fields are based on Google Earth satellite images, that for the different farms areas has quite dif- ferent quality (solution). For farm 5 and 6 the quality of the images are so pour, that it can not be used for estimation. The figures provides however an indication that can be used in the EIA in relation to the potential impact of dust on the hay fields. Depending on wind directions, pollutants in the dust, dust prevention measures, the impact can be

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dealt with in the EIA. As stated size the location of the summer grazing areas can not be described in detail and do, according to two farmers, show variation from year to year. In summers with pour production of hay, there is in varying degree a need to buy additional hay for winter feeding.

Horses and dogs are often used at the farms, also in relation to bringing back the ani- mals in autumn.

The seven farmers, that were interviewed, had from 400 to 600 sheep at the farm. They do in addition have cows for meat- or milk production and horses, as described below. The animal production of lambs is 1½ lamb from each mother sheep.

The lambs are taken to a slaughter house in Narsaq and to the slaughter department of the local supermarket (“Brugsen”) in Qaqortoq. The mother sheep are allowed to live for around 10 years. At the slaughter houses veterinary control of the animals are carried out.

Two farmers at Igaliku were interviewed by telephone, as the area could not be reached due to harsh weather conditions.

They both told that they had sheep moving freely in summer, also entering the area close to Killavaat Alannguat. The sheep spread in summer to large areas. They had re- spectively 400 and 600 sheep and had difficulties bringing the sheep back from the area close to Killavaat Alannguat around Lakseelv. Indeed in that area a few wild sheep can now be found. They have their fields to grow grasses for winter feeding close to the farms. They told that one additional farmer from Qaqortukulooq close to “Halos” has sheep in the area. They use horses on these farms to collect the sheep in autumn and bring them back to the farms.

The two farmers expressed that fencing around a future mine in the area could indeed be an advantage for their sheep farming. This was confirmed again in the phone inter- view with the chief consultant from the agricultural consulting service in April 2010.

One main problem further mentioned in relation to sheep breeding was illegal shooting of animals in summer.

Other farmed animals In one visited farm there was, apart from more than 500 sheep, also cows for slaugh- tering as well as horses at the farm. Cows are coming from Ireland, horses from Ice- land.

The purpose by raising cows was obviously partly the same as for the sheep in relation to meat production.

The horses should be used to initiate a business for tourists with horseback riding in the valley close to Narsaq. It was told that this was the only farm with horses for that pur- pose.

Cows used for milk production are found on at least three other farms in the area.

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8 Gathering

8.1 Berries Crowberry is collected in several places in the valley close to Narsaq. The success with collection of Crowberry is correlated with snow cover the previous winter. There will be more berries with good snow cover in winter. The Land areas in Kangerluarsuk Fjord seem not to be especially used for picking of berries, even though the plant is very common and widely distributed in the area. The land areas surrounding Kangerluarsuk Fjord and the area around the possible plant site cannot be considered important as berry collection sites.

8.2 Plants Angelica (Angelica archangelica)

The plant is very popular as a source for food among the locals. It is collected in differ- ent places along streams and other wet areas. Some plants are collected around the Kangerluarsuk Fjord.

One woman married to a fisherman that was interviewed at Brædtet did in periods col- lect Angelica to sell it at Brædtet. As was the case with other wives of fishermen and hunters, she supported her husband by taking care of the sale.

Use of sea weeds and sea urchins have been described in section 5.14.

8.3 Stones, Minerals The clearly most interesting areas for the stone collectors are the so-called intrusions, the Killavaat Alannguat area being situated inside one of these. Based on geological events with movements of the surface crust crevices were created with downward movements of certain areas and opening to lower magma that could rise towards the surface. Some magma didn’t reach the surface but was caught in cavities in the crust on the way, creating the so-called intrusions. These intrusions are typically containing unu- sual minerals. (Ljungdahl 2006)

According to the local collectors a “new intrusion” is now becoming more and more ac- cessible for the stone collectors because of the withdrawal of the ice cap/inland ice. This area is naturally situated in the most Eastern part of the municipality. Two others intru- sions are situated in the northern part of former Narsaq municipality and close to the settlement Igaliku.

The collection of stones is almost exclusively done inside the intrusions. According to the collectors, the border of these can clearly be seen in the field because of the sudden reduction of vegetation, once the intrusions are entered. This has been confirmed on maps at the farmers advisory service visited in Qaqortoq. The interest is high for collec- tion of many different minerals. Some of these are rare occurring only in this area and at few other sites, e.g. the mineral “Tuttupit”.

The rules for mineral collection imply that a person with relations to Greenland is al- lowed to collect for their own use. All income below 10.000 DKK annually is free of tax. For one of the interviewed collectors this was a problem, as he was selling part of the collected stones through a partner outside Greenland. The collectors selling stones need to obtain an official permission from the Bureau of Minerals and Petroleum (BMP).

In the Narsaq area only four stone collectors are using a larger part of or all their work- ing time on collection. Only one of these has a full income in this connection (50 years old). This has been discussed with the BMP, he has obtained permission for the collec- tion, but the issue is not fully settled. The others are older (70, 75, and 76 years old, only getting a smaller additional income out of the collection. They have all been collect-

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ing stones for 10-20 years. All interviewed collectors expressed that the mine compa- nies could be “partners of cooperation”; they are generally positive towards the estab- lishment of mines and feel that the cooperation is going well. From Qaqortoq one addi- tional stone collector is visiting the same intrusion at Killavaat Alannguat.

The collection is mainly done on daytrips, with use of smaller boats to get to the specific areas. Selling is typically small scale to private buyers, except the previous mentioned collector using internet and a partner outside Greenland (in USA) for the sale.

Collectors do to a limited extent arrange mineral tours for tourists. They use chisel and wedges for the extraction and backpacks for transportation of stones and minerals.

The sudden changes in weather related to the strong foehn winds occurring in the re- gion is a challenge to the collector. Also, in periods access to the area may be blocked by arrival of polar ice. Ice from the glaciers is not a main problem.

According to the Law on Mineral extraction, the collectors shall each year report on number, type, and weight of both untreated and treated minerals.

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9 Recreational use

Some of the interviewed local people use the Kangerluarsuk Fjord for recreational pur- poses. They take smaller boats to the area for fishing and collection of mussels and ber- ries. The main fish species are Atlantic Cod, Salmon, and Arctic Char. It is the impres- sion, based on the information provided from three of the interviewed fishermen and one local person that have conducted such activities, that this takes place only on a smaller scale.

Mussels and berries can more easily be collected in other places, but the collection does have some local importance.

For people from Qaqortoq easier and shorter access to streams with Arctic Char is avail- able.

For boat trips just to experience and enjoy the landscape, the site is just one among many places possible to visit in the local area. Other areas are comparable more inter- esting in terms experiencing history of civilization, visiting farmed areas or experiencing the inland ice.

In Qaqortoq a nature ranger has been employed by the municipality. He is communi- cating knowledge and information on natural values and environmental issues, including pollution, history of culture, geology, local use of natural resources, plants and animals.

The main target group is primary school pupils, but communication is also directed to- wards people in trade and industry. Main activity is talks/lectures, as the ranger ar- rangement includes no boats, microscopes, binoculars etc.

There are in total five rangers in Greenland, the nearest other ranger is in Nuuk.

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10 Tourism and protected areas

Protected areas

Ramsar Sites Greenland has approved the Ramsar Convention. The main objective of the Convention is to protect wetlands and its associated wildlife, especially water fowl. A total of 11 Ramsar sites have been designated in Greenland, none of which are close to the study area.

Nature reserves and other protected areas Several protected nature areas and areas of importance wildlife have been designated in Greenland, but none of these are close to the mine or plant sites.

Tourism

The tourist season is mainly in the period from mid June to August. Tourism has been steadily growing since 2002, but numbers of staying nights the last two years have been more or less stable. The statistics is divided into regional figures for people stay- ing overnight. Qaqortoq and Narsaq are included in region south (Table 9).

Period/year No. of staying nights Remarks 2002-2004 25.000-30.000 Including tourists and Greenlandic visitors for work etc 2005 37.333 Including 20.000 staying nights by foreigners and 17.000 Greenlandic staying nights 2006 38.000 Including 22.000 foreigners and 16.000 Greenlandic

Table 9: Number of staying nights in “region south”, including Qaqortoq and Narsaq Munici- palities 2002-2005 (Statistics 2005, Statistics 2006c and Statistics 2007c).

With the expanding tourism there are plans for still new possibilities for visitors. Among these are new walking trails between Igaliku and Qaqortoq. New places for “farmland holiday”, improvement of huts for tourists and establishment of new unmanned huts for hikers and other activities related to visitors that want to go hunting, fishing or to par- ticipate in guided mineral tours.

The cultural site at Igaliko, other cultural historical sites (e.g. Hvalsey church ruin), and areas historically used for agricultural production in the region have been proposed for designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The area is now on the candidate list to be discussed, and a decision will be taken at forthcoming meetings under the Conven- tion.

One annual event is the “Greenland event race” involving 10-15 teams with two mem- bers. They compete in a combination of mountaineering, canoeing, bicycling, running, and ice-climbing. It is taking place to the east of the foreseen mine – between Igaliku and Narsarsuaq, and there should be no conflict. For the mine and plant sites the fol- lowing tourist activities were described:

In relation to hunting and fishery the only activity is a small number of tourists sailed to “Lakseelv” in the inner part of Kangerluarsuk to go fishing for Arctic Char. Tourist tend typically to go to other streams for fishing. Hunting is among other on Caribou in the ar- chipelago north of Narsaq peninsula.

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For hikers there already exist some trails between Igaliku and Qaqortoq. Trails are situ- ated on both sites of Killavaat Alannguat one crossing the future mine site. They are both marked with red colour indicating “medium difficult”. Indeed it was told that the one passing the possible mining site should on maps have been black indicating “very difficult”. It is only used by a very limited number of hikers each year. For both trails in total 10 – 20 people. It is planned to establish a new and better marked trail going south of Killavaat Alannguat, also seen in relation to the “Viking route” for cultural in- terested visitor and related to the possible designation of a new “World Heritage Site”.

This is designated under UNESCO and needs official approval. The material for applying for designation is under preparation. The present proposal that can be seen on the Fig- ure 8 below will not interfere with the planning for the mine at Killavaat Alannguat.

The designation of Ilulissat Icefjord has shown the great importance such a designation can have. The demarcation of the proposed site is outside the area where mineral inves- tigations are carried out.

Figure 8. On the map is shown the intrusions at Killavaat Alannguat and Igaliku mentioned in the text. The intrusion at Igaliku is only indicative in demarcation. The numbers reefers to information provided in the text. The four tourist cabins are planned for the area. The three cabins close to numbers 2 and 3 on the figure are planned in relation to development of a track between Igaliku and Qaqortoq. Position is indicative, but several are planned. 7 indi- cate the possible track from Narsaq to Quassiarsuk. Number 5 is Quassiarsuk with sheep farm and interests from historical point of view (remnants from Norse Culture). 4 and 6 are sites from where tourists can watch the inland ice. Red dotted line indicates the “study ar- ea”.

For geological interested people and mineral collectors tours are arranged each year to Killavaat Alannguat. On average the number of these visitors is between 20 and 30.

There are a limited number of tourists on “Botanical tours”. For natural reasons, due to lack of vegetation, they do not visit the Killavaat Alannguat intrusion. Instead they visit the

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“arboretum” close to Narsarsuaq and go hiking in other places with more rich vegeta- tion.

New roads are as indicated a wish among local politicians and the citizens in the area. They could include roads from Narsaq to Narsarsuaq and a road on the Qaqortoq Penin- sula, including a new airport for airplanes on this peninsula. Cruise liners with tourists are not entering the Kangerluarsuk Fjord. The Cruise liners visit the towns and some of the most interesting cultural historical sites. For Qaqortoq the number of cruise liners has increased enormously during the last years. In 2007 there were 14 cruisers arriving, for 2008 it is scheduled that 38 cruisers will arrive. The number has now reached a level where two boats are scheduled to arrive some of the days. The boats carry between 75 tourists up to several thousands. The largest until now had around 3000 passengers (and a crew on additional 1200).

Hiking take place in many sites in the municipality, but not in areas where mine and plant activities are expected.

Cultural interests and tourism strictly related to this is not covered by the present re- port. Investigations have taken place with archaeological studies a number of times, al- so in relation to earlier plans for mining in the area (Grønlands Landsmuseum 1989). In the area are visible relics of the past in form of Norse homesteads and Inuit hunting camps.

Among problems facing the touristic development in the area, it is foreseen that it will be more difficult to keep the young guides working in the tourist season. They could be attracted by higher salaries in relation to the mining activities. The number of guides used depends very much on arrival of cruisers. Number can vary from one up to 20 used the same day. Another problem is the bottleneck in relation to available airplane seats. The airplanes and helicopters are fully booked in the tourist season and have kept the number of visitors arriving by these transportation means down to a steady number.

Photo 10. Church in Qaqortoq February 2008.

The two tourist office directors were interested in, and somewhat worried about, the landscape effect in the mining area and plant site, both because of excavations and construction of buildings. Noise is another worry, as Greenlandic tourism to a large ex- tent is based on the undisturbed, clean and peaceful areas close to the towns and in the

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countryside. They mentioned the idea of introducing “Sustainable use of mineral re- sources” as a slogan for the coming mining activities.

On the other hand they are very interested in possible touristic possibilities associated to the mine, as a visit to the mine area could be attractive for some visitors.

11 Conclusions Throughout the report conclusions are drawn in relation to distribution and exploitation of specific taxonomical groups, or in relation to specific activities like tourism, farming etc. The conclusions are based on expressed views by a total of 42 interviewed persons or based factual data like statistic information on catch, handling etc.

In this section conclusions and findings in relation to the possible mining at Killavaat Alannguat and plant at Qaqortoq peninsula are summarized and commented on.

SPECIFIC CONCLUSION

Physical environment

The planned mining area is situated in the Ilímaussaq intrusion, an area deviating from the surrounding landscape by being especially rich in mineral deposits and in general poor in vegetation cover.

An observation relating to the physical environment is that the pattern and intensity of ice – fast ice, polar ice and ice bergs – seems to be under change. This has cre- ated problems and need for adaptation for fishery and hunting in the area. Just one example is the increased interest in using the inner fjords for fishery when the more exposed outer areas of the fjords and the open sea cannot be used because of occurrence of mowing drift ice. Among these inner fjords is the Kangerluarsuk close to the mining site.

Fishery

There have been important changes in the fishery in the study area in recent years. The prawn fishery has collapsed and the Atlantic cod fishery has become more important.

Many of the larger cutters have disappeared from the area and are now used for fishery further north along the coast. In relation to species for local use and sale at Brædtet the picture is relatively unchanged.

Current problems facing fishery include the described changes in ice pattern, including change in timing, intensity and type of ice. Also the increased number of Humboldt Whales, leading to damage or destruction of fishing gear like pond nets, is a challenge to local fishermen. The area close to the mining site has importance in relation to fish- ery for Atlantic Cod and Lumpsucker, where pond nets and long lines are used.

The Kangerluarsuk area is important for this fishery. Fishery for Atlantic Salmon and Arctic Char also takes place in localities close to the mining area.

Mining activities, generally causing an increase in boat traffic in the area, might inter- fere with fishery using nets and long lines close to the mining area. Also there is a po- tential risk for reduced water quality because of leaking chemical materials from the mining and processing areas. Dust with chemical materiel can also be transported by wind to marine and terrestrial habitats.

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Hunting

The marine area close to the mining and plant sites are not especially important in rela- tion to hunting, as hunting for birds, seals and whales does not typically take place close to these sites.

Similarly the hunting for birds and other species in terrestrial habitats will probably not be influenced to any important degree by mining activities.

Farming

Only a few farmers, according to the interviews only 2-3 out of seven interviewed, do have sheep grazing in the summer period close to the mining site.

As the vegetation cover is scarce in the intrusion, sheep would normally not enter this area. Closest suitable area for grazing is at the Lakseelv somewhat to the North-East of the mining site.

The mining activities will not have an impact on fields at the farms where grass is grown and mowed for winter feeding. Indeed the two farmers express that possible fencing around the mining site would be an advantage for them.

It is planned to start farming again at two sites close to the process plant. The proposed road might be beneficial for the farmers, as it would improve possibilities to secure transport of sheep to the slaughterhouse and delivery of supplies to the farms.

Gathering and recreational use

The mining and processing plant would only have little effect on gathering and recrea- tional use. The areas involved in mining and processing are not especially important for these activities compared too many other areas in the region.

However, there could though be some impact on the landscape, as described below un- der tourism.

Tourism and protected areas

There are no designated strictly protected areas that will be influenced negatively by the mining activities. The closest protected area for biodiversity is at some distance (bird protection area, Outer Kitsissut). The same is the case for the most important remnants of buildings from the Old Norse and Inuit Communities. As indicated in the report, the latter (ruins, dwelling sites, tent rings, kitchen, graves, stone constructions, etc.) is dealt with in a separate report. Tourism and visits related to such sites would generally not be affected.

There would be some minor negative impact on one nature trail now used at the coast- line of Kangerluarsuk, crossing the mining site. The trail is however rarely used, and an alternative and safer trail is planned already.

In relation to landscape view, the mining area and construction will naturally have an impact. The foreseen open mine will change the landscape at Killavaat Alannguat and the harbour construction and processing plant – including possible tall buildings – will have visual impacts, and the tailing area will change that specific site.

There could indeed be some positive effects from the mining activities and construction work that will take place. The mining site could be an attraction, given that touristic ac- tivities can be combined with safety requirements. The proposed road between Qaqortoq and the processing plant and tailing area could be used for different touristic purposes. There are alternative ideas for areas close to the road trace, like a skiing re- 44

sort, a demonstration farm, renewal of a hut for visitors, etc. Access to these areas would be secured with the road. Again the processing area would be attractive to some visitors, if safety requirements could allow this.

OVERALL CONCLUSIONS

The most important conflicts between mining activities and present land use concerns fishery and stone collection. To a limited degree there could also be an impact on tour- ism, hunting, and farming. The impact would however concern a small number of peo- ple. Negative impact concerns also the visual appearance of the landscape, if an open mine at Killavaat Alannguat and a processing plant and tailing area is realized at the North-West part of Qaqortoq Peninsula.

A total of around 8 out of 42 interviewed persons expressed the wish that the visual im- pact of the mining area, tailing area, construction work etc. should be minimised by ap- propriate mitigation measures.

Among possible positive impacts in relation to the mining activities increased possibili- ties for activities using a planned new road at Qaqortoq Peninsula and the touristic at- traction that the mining and processing plant may constitute can be mentioned.

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Appendix 1 Interviewed people.

Narsaq

 Bent Bredde Olesen, Narsaq Municipality, Technical Administration, Erik Egedes Plads B989, Phone 66 12 77 (in 2008 and by telephone April 2010).  Jan Jørgensen, Gammel Sygehusvej B910, phone 66 15 60 (stone collector, pri- vate hunter).  Sofus Frederiksen, Narsap Ilua B1359, phone 6619 97/49 62 53 (sheep farmer)  Suka Frederiksen, Narsap Ilua B1359, phone 6619 97.  Ib Laursen, Narsaq Tourism Office, Søndervej B157, phone 66 13 25.  Rie Oldenborg, Narsaq Museum Fiskervej B58, phone 66 16 59 (manager at mu- seum).  Kurt Hansen, (hunter and fisherman).  Amos Nielsen, Mestervej B912, phone 66 12 83, (KNAPK – organisation for pro- fessional hunters and fishermen).  Ole Jørgen Davidsen, medlem af KNAPK (hunter and fisherman)  Brædtet – talked with: o Frederik Isaksen (hunter and fisherman). o Margrete Isaksen (wife of hunter and fisherman – collector of mussels) o Knud Vahl (hunter and fisherman).  In Narsaq town talked with several local people on recreational use, hunting and Fishery in Kangerluarsuk Fjord.  Peter Lindberg, Apartement C, Kong Frederik IX’s vej, Narsaq, (hunter and fi- sherman).  Morten Simonsen, Sheep breeder, B1142, Igaliku, (sheep breeder).  Kaava Egede, Sheep breeder, B532, Igaliku, (sheep breeder).  Søren Janussen, Kantinevej B991, Narsaq, (hunter and fisherman).  Enok Samuelsen, “working on Whale hunting boat” (hunter and fisherman).  Elias Didriksen, Kalistasvej B34, Narsaq, (Fish Factory Director).  Jørn Holding, Adolf Egedesvej B132, Narsaq, Hotel Narsaq (hotel owner).  Louise Mølgaard Mosfeldt, Head of occupation and trade division, Narsaq Munici- pality, Erik Egedes Plads B989, Phone 66 12 77.  Steffen Rosing Bertelsen, Narsaq Municipality, Technical Administration, Erik Egedes Plads B989, Phone 66 12 77.  Steen Ole Jensen, Narsaq Municipality, Technical Administration, Erik Egedes Plads B989, Phone 66 12 77.  Jonna Olesen, Narsaq Municipality, Technical Administration, Erik Egedes Plads B989, Phone 66 12 77 (wife of fisherman).  Kurt Hansen (Fisherman – possible sea urchin project).  Jørgen Christensen (technician, mechanic – spare time fisherman).  Isak Gotfredsen, Inhabitant in Narsaq buying fish from fishermen for smoking these for local sale.

Qaqortoq2

 Poul Erik Pedersen, Anders Olsensvej B900, phone 64 22 77 Qaqortoq Municipali- ty, Technical Administration.  Sten Johan Motzfeldt, Anders Olsensvej B900, phone 64 22 77 Qaqortoq Munici- pality, head of education and marketing division.  Brian Fencker, Ringvej B1512, phone 64 18 01 (mussel breeder) [email protected].

2 Notice: Qaqortoq Municipality is underrepresented in the study, compared to Narsaq Municipality. Only 14 persons were interviewed in Qaqortoq Municipality compared to 26 persons in Narsaq, despite the fact that 1400 more people lived in Qaqortoq Municipality than in Narsaq Municipality in 2008. 48

 Christian Isaksen, Nature ranger in Qaqortoq Municipality.  Egede Tittussen, Fisherman and Hunter, KNAPK Qaqortoq.  Jens Enok Hansen, Fisherman and Hunter, KNAPK Qaqortoq.  Egil T., Fisherman and Hunter, KNAPK Qaqortoq.  Pitsi Høegh, Tourism Office manager, Qaqortoq.  Pavia Eriksen, hunter, Qaqortoq (interview at “Brædtet”).  Ole G. Jensen, manager Qaqortoq Museum.  Kenneth Høegh, Taparfik B1500, Qaqortoq, (chief consultant sheep breeders).  Aqqalooraq Frederiksen, chief consultant sheep breeders, telephone conversation April 2010.  Kaj Egede, SPS Consultant for farmers.  Birger Kristoffersen, Kujalleq Municipality telephone conversation April 2010  In Qaqortoq town also talked with some local people on recreational use, hunting, fishery and recreational activities in Kangerluarsuk Fjord and the terrestrial sur- roundings.

Mining site in winter

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Appendix 2. Questions used at interviews.

Questionnaire used during interviews with key stakeholders (local fishermen, hunters, sheep farmers, representatives from the tourist industry and others.) Additional ques- tions would depend on person and received answers.

Questionnaire

1. Personal information  Name  Address  Phone no.  Occupation

2. Physical environment  Fast ice, where (map) which months (e.g. November-March)  Polar ice, problem areas (map) which months (e.g. March-May)  Other important aspects in the physical environment.

3. Fishery  Which important species: Atlantic cod, Greenland cod, Greenland halibut, Atlan- tic halibut, Spotted wolffish, Atlantic salmon, Arctic char, Capelin, Snow crab, Deep sea prawn  Which species are caught where (map)  How important is the area: o Most important (used by many fishermen each year /”owned” by a family) o Important (used most years) o Of no importance (used rarely)  When is the area used– indicate months (e.g. Jan.- March)  Equipment: o boat type o Fishing tackle  What happen to the fish: o a) traded o b) Sold at the local market place ”Brædtet” o Own consumption  Capelin spawning grounds (map) – indicate period

4. Hunting  Which important species: Ringed seal, Harp seal, Harbour seal, Mink whale, Brünnich’s guillemot, Eider  Which species are hunted where (map)  How important is the area: o Most important (used by many hunters each year) o Important (used most years) o Of no importance (used rarely)  When is the area used– indicate months (e.g. Jan.-March)  Equipment: Nets, riffle, harpoon canon, other  What happen to the catching? o Traded (hide) o Sold at the local market place (”Brædtet”) o Own consumption

5. Sheep farming  How many sheeps does the interviewed person have at the farm?  Which areas are important for grazing? o Very important (used by many animals every year) o Important ( used by some animals each year) o Not so important (rarely used)  How many sheeps grazes in the single areas (map)

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 Which period is the sheeps in the mountains/grazing  Where are fields for winter feeding? (map)

5. Gathering  What is gathered: berries, herbs, hay, mussels, precious stones, and soapstone  Where are the above items gathered (map)  When are the above items gathered? Indicate months (e.g. June - September.)

6. Tourism  Which kind of tourists: on cruise liner, hiker, angler, hunter,  other  Which areas are used (map) by the different kind of tourists  How important is the area: o Most important (used by many tourists each year) o Important (used by some tourists each year) o Of no importance (used rarely)  Access to the area by: foot, dinghy, ship, helicopter, fixed winged aero plane, seaplane  When is the area used? Indicate months (e.g. July-August)

7. Recreation  Which areas are used by the locals (map)  How important is the area: o Most important (used by many locals each year) o Important (used by some locals each year) o Of no importance (used rarely)  Have huts, houses, etc. been built in area (map) and approximately how many  Access to the area by: foot, dinghy, ship  When is the area used? Indicate months (e.g. July-August)

8. Disturbances Are there any disturbances in the area you use? Which kind of disturbances How often do the disturbances occur?

9. Information on other persons relevant to this study 1. Do you know of any persons who are able to give information? on one or more of the issues above?

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