FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has recently set sail from Colombo after completing a comprehensive marine scientific survey in the waters surrounding Sri Lanka, aimed at enhancing the nation’s understanding of its oceanic environment.
According to May-Elin Stener, the Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka, “The knowledge and data acquired during this mission will play a vital role in protecting marine ecosystems while also supporting the livelihoods and food security of communities reliant on the ocean.”
This initiative is part of the EAF-Nansen Programme, a collaborative effort between Norway and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. Over several weeks, the vessel gathered crucial scientific information regarding fish populations, marine habitats, and oceanographic conditions.
Ramalingam Chandrasekar, the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, noted, “The scientific findings obtained will aid in evidence-based decision-making, ensuring the sustainable management of our marine resources and the protection of livelihoods that depend on them.”
The survey focused on evaluating both pelagic and demersal fish stocks and collected various oceanographic data, including water temperature, current patterns, nutrient content, and dissolved oxygen levels, according to the FAO.
Additionally, the mission explored the potential of underutilized marine resources, such as cephalopods and mesopelagic species, and investigated issues related to marine pollution, including microplastics. It also included nutritional assessments and contaminant analyses of seafood.
The vessel serves as a platform for fostering international collaboration, uniting researchers and fisheries management authorities from partner nations, as stated by the FAO. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, it generates essential knowledge regarding marine resources and ecosystems, thereby assisting countries like Sri Lanka in making informed, science-driven decisions.
The mission also offers training opportunities for Sri Lankan researchers, thereby enhancing the national capacity in fisheries science and oceanographic studies.
This expedition represents the fifth scientific survey conducted in Sri Lankan waters under the Nansen Programme, building upon earlier missions carried out between 1978 and 1980, as well as in 2018.
Collaboration was a key aspect of this effort, with scientists from the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) working alongside experts and crew members from Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR).
Vimlendra Sharan, the FAO Representative for Sri Lanka, remarked, “The departure of the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen signifies not an end, but rather the commencement of a crucial phase involving data analysis and its application.” He emphasized that the FAO is dedicated to assisting Sri Lanka in translating these findings into effective policies and practices that foster sustainable fisheries and resilient marine ecosystems.
The data collected during this survey will be analyzed and shared with national stakeholders, guiding the development of future fisheries management strategies and policies. Furthermore, the survey contributes to Sri Lanka’s international reporting obligations, including marine mammal observations, which are essential for maintaining access to global seafood markets.
