Greenland Zoning: Proposal for Sermersooq
The Municipality of Sermersooq has presented a zoning propsal following the implementation of the Act on Tourism Activities and on Zoning. The proposal covers zones in the entire municipality, including Ittoqqortoormiit and Tasiilaq on the east coast, as well as Nuuk and Paamiut on the west coast.
The proposal has been approved by the municipal committee for finance and business and will be considered by the municipal council on December 3. Following council review, the final proposal will be sent to the Government of Greenland, which will then circulate it for public consultation before it enters into force.
The Secretariat is reviewing the proposal and will share updates as they become available.
Below are maps and descriptions of the proposed regulations for each area:
Ittoqqortoormiit Area
- The fjord area from Cape Brewster to Cape Lesley, including the center of the fjord and the northern side toward Kong Christian X’s Land, is proposed to be closed year-round due to local hunting interests.
- Certain sub-areas may be open from August 1 until the end of the tourist season.
- The area from Cape Brewster to Cape Ryder is proposed to be open to foreign vessels only from September 1 until the end of the tourist season.
Description (Danish)
Tasiilaq Area
- The following areas are fully closed to external vessels:
- Sermilik, Isittivaq, and Kangittarpik
- Johan Petersen Fjord
- Fjord systems near Kaarali Glacier and Knud Rasmussen Glacier
- Fjords near Kuummiut (including Ikaasalaaq, Qinngertivaq, and Tasiilaq)
- Sea areas around Salisaalik, Ilittertivaq, and Apuseeq
- Coastal zone from Qeertartivaq to Nuup Oqqummut Kangiat
- Area north of Tasiilaq, from Nansen Fjord to Similaaq
- Large parts of the coastline are proposed to be navigable only by local vessels or by vessels accompanied by a local pilot or guide.
Maps
Description (Danish)
Nuuk Area
- Only expedition cruise vessels with a maximum of 250 passengers are allowed in Nuuk Fjord.
- Navigation must be conducted via Uummannap Sullua to Kapisillit Fjord.
- No nature landings are allowed in Nuuk Fjord or Ameralik during the hunting season (August 1–October 31).
Description (Danish)
Paamiut Area
- The area south of Paamiut, where nineteen musk oxen were relocated in the summer of 2024, is protected from external visitors year-round to safeguard the animals.
- Sailing in Sarfaarsuk is prohibited due to dangerous currents.
- Sailing in Semilik Fjord and Kuannersuup Kangerlua is permitted only for ships and sailboats accompanied by local, experienced guides from Paamiut or pilots familiar with the area, due to the risk of glacier calving.
- No restrictions are imposed on other areas.
Description (Danish)
Last update: 16. December 2025