**Trump's Greenland Ambitions: The Arctic's Economic Freeze**

The fishing industry faces challenges and uncertainties as geopolitical events and environmental concerns derail potential growth in the Arctic.

The Arctic region is facing a standstill in economic development despite former President Donald Trump's recent expression of interest in purchasing Greenland. Trump's focus on Greenland is primarily driven by the territory's vast mineral wealth, which has piqued the interest of many. However, for individuals like Norwegian fisherman Sondre Alnes-Bonesmo, the harsh reality of working in these frozen waters presents both immediate challenges and long-term uncertainties.

Alnes-Bonesmo embarks on rigorous five-week tours aboard a large factory trawler named Granit, operating in the frigid Arctic Ocean north of Norway and off the coast of Greenland. The extreme conditions include complete darkness from late October until mid-February, with temperatures often plunging below -40C. "I prefer the summer,” he reflected, adding that calmer weather during sunny months makes for safer navigation.

This challenging environment is reflective of the larger “cold rush” that has emerged since 2008, following reports of extensive mineral and hydrocarbon resources in the Arctic as climate change continues to make these reserves more accessible. Recent data reveals that ship traffic in the Arctic Sea has surged, with recorded miles traveled doubling from 2013 to 2023, signaling strong interest in Arctic sea routes potentially connecting Asia, Europe, and the eastern U.S.

However, the geopolitical landscape shifted drastically after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, stymieing many planned investments in the area. The deterioration of relations with Russia has significantly impacted international shipping, especially along the Northeast Passage, which was once anticipated to be a bustling route for trade. Shipping companies are now hesitant to navigate these waters, with only a handful of vessels operating, primarily from China.

Norway's ambitions for oil and gas exploration in the Arctic have also come to a halt. “It’s completely stopped,” stated Morten Mejlaender-Larsen from DNV, a Norwegian maritime firm. Increased environmental advocacy has led to the halt of licensing for deep-sea mining in Arctic waters, as concerns over ecological damage have taken precedence. Impacts of climate change create further complications; Helene Tofte from the Norwegian Shipowners Association emphasized that despite thawing ice, operations remain hazardous and under-resourced for emergencies.

Moreover, Prof. Arild Moe from the Fridtjof Nansen Institute cautioned against romanticizing the economic potential of Arctic development. "Exuberance was excessive,” he noted, emphasizing that reports on resource availability often didn’t account for the inherent difficulties and risks in extraction.

While Trump's interest in Greenland has led to responses from Danish authorities reiterating the territory's unavailability for sale, the former president's administration is expected to advocate for increased exploration in Alaska. Development plans continue in Canada’s Arctic with the construction of a deep-water port at Grays Bay, cementing its strategic importance.

For Alnes-Bonesmo and others in the fishing industry, the reality is grim. Fishing quotas are declining to ensure sustainability, and the expectations of prosperity from Arctic resources remain shrouded in uncertainty. Despite the challenges, he maintains a philosophical outlook on his experiences, acknowledging the power and beauty of the Arctic landscape he navigates.