Research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen completes marine survey in Sri Lankan waters

Colombo, May 8 (Daily Mirror) - The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has successfully completed a marine scientific survey in Sri Lankan waters and departed Colombo, marking the conclusion of a key mission aimed at strengthening the country’s ocean knowledge base.

The vessel operated under the EAF-Nansen Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Norway, spending several weeks collecting scientific data on fish stocks, marine ecosystems and oceanographic conditions. The findings are expected to contribute to a better understanding of Sri Lanka’s marine resources.

Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the survey marks a significant milestone for the fisheries sector.

“The scientific insights gained will support evidence-based decision-making to ensure the sustainable management of our marine resources and the protection of livelihoods dependent on them,” he said.

The Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, recognised as the only research vessel flying the UN flag, serves as a global platform for international scientific cooperation. It brings together researchers and fisheries management institutions from partner countries and is equipped with advanced technology to support marine research and ecosystem assessments.

The vessel also provided hands-on training opportunities for Sri Lankan researchers, helping to strengthen national capacity in fisheries science and oceanographic studies.

Norway’s Ambassador to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives May-Elin Stener said the programme reflects a long-standing commitment to science-based ocean governance.

“Norway is proud to partner with Sri Lanka and FAO through the EAF-Nansen Programme to support sustainable ocean planning, where management decisions are firmly based on science,” she said.