The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has concluded its marine scientific survey in the waters of Sri Lanka, departing from Colombo and signaling the end of a vital initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s marine knowledge.
This mission was part of the EAF-Nansen Programme, a collaborative effort between the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and Norway. Over several weeks, the vessel gathered essential scientific data regarding fish populations, marine ecosystems, and oceanographic conditions, thereby improving understanding of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.
Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, remarked, “The successful conclusion of this survey marks a pivotal moment for the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka. The scientific knowledge acquired will facilitate data-driven decision-making aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of our marine resources and protecting the livelihoods that depend on them.”
The Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is notable for being the only research vessel operating under the UN flag, serving as a distinctive platform for global collaboration. It unites researchers and fisheries management organizations from partner nations and is equipped with advanced technology to create essential knowledge regarding marine resources and ecosystems, enabling countries like Sri Lanka to make informed, science-based decisions. Additionally, the vessel offered practical training opportunities for Sri Lankan researchers, thereby enhancing national expertise in fisheries science and oceanographic research.
H.E. May-Elin Stener, the Norwegian Ambassador to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, expressed pride in the collaboration with Sri Lanka and the FAO under the EAF-Nansen Programme to promote sustainable ocean management grounded in scientific research. She stated, “The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen symbolizes a long-term commitment to international cooperation, knowledge exchange, and capacity building. The data and insights produced through this initiative will help protect marine ecosystems while bolstering livelihoods and enhancing food security for communities reliant on the ocean.”
The survey investigated both pelagic and demersal fish populations, while also gathering critical oceanographic data, including temperature, currents, nutrient concentrations, and dissolved oxygen levels. It also explored underutilized marine resources like cephalopods and mesopelagic species, assessing marine pollution, including microplastics, alongside nutritional and contaminant analyses of seafood.
This survey is the fifth conducted in Sri Lankan waters as part of the Nansen Programme, following earlier expeditions between 1978 and 1980 and most recently in 2018. The updated data is especially crucial given the changing dynamics of marine ecosystems and fish stocks.
The survey was carried out in close partnership with Sri Lankan organizations, led by scientists from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), with assistance from experts and crew members from Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR), which manages the vessel and oversees scientific endeavors and training on board. Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, noted, “The departure of the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen does not signify the end but rather the commencement of a significant phase of data analysis and application. FAO is dedicated to aiding Sri Lanka in transforming these findings into effective policies and practices that foster sustainable fisheries and robust marine ecosystems.”
The survey also addresses Sri Lanka’s international reporting requirements, including those related to marine mammal observations, which are essential for maintaining access to global seafood markets.
The insights gained from this mission will be evaluated and disseminated to national stakeholders to inform future fisheries management strategies and policy formulation, ensuring the sustainable utilization of Sri Lanka’s ocean resources for future generations.
Photo: (Left – Right) Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO Representative for Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Mr. Tommy Steffensen, Captain, R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen; Hon. Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources; and Prof. Sanath Hettiarachchi, Chairman of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) at the ceremony marking the successful completion of the research survey.
