Greenland is renowned for its wildlife and particularly seabirds which flock to its icy shores each year.

But concerns have been raised that the number of birds making their home here is starting to decline due to annual bird hunting in the month of March.

Last week, environmental organisations expressed their fears to Greenland's government, urging politicians to ban hunting at this time of year to give birds time to breed and recover their numbers.

Hasse Hedemand of the Greenland conservation group Timmiaq said that the country is a "unique and special place" but added that "seabird numbers are nowhere near the level you could call sustainable".

It is hoped that the government will take action to allow the birds to thrive and thus be enjoyed by eco-tourists who regularly partake in Greenland cruises.

Other forms of wildlife that can be observed on a cruise in Greenland and on the nearby Norwegian island of Spitsbergen include polar bears, arctic foxes and seals.

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