UN research vessel completes key marine survey in sea of Sri Lanka

The Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has completed a comprehensive marine scientific survey in the Sea of Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in strengthening the country’s understanding of its ocean resources.

The vessel departed Colombo after several weeks of data collection, contributing valuable insights into fish stocks, marine ecosystems, and oceanographic conditions.

Operated under the EAF-Nansen Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Norway, the vessel's mission aimed to gather critical scientific data to support sustainable ocean management. 

As the only research vessel flying the UN flag, the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen serves as a unique platform fostering international cooperation, bringing together researchers and fisheries management agencies from partner countries. Equipped with advanced technology, the vessel collected data on pelagic and demersal fish populations, water temperature, currents, nutrient levels, and dissolved oxygen, among other parameters.

The mission also explored underutilized marine resources such as cephalopods and mesopelagic species, examined marine pollution including microplastics, and conducted nutritional and contaminant analyses of seafood. Additionally, the survey provided hands-on training opportunities for Sri Lankan researchers, strengthening national capacity in fisheries science and oceanography.

Norway’s Ambassador to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, May-Elin Stener, highlighted Norway’s pride in partnering with Sri Lanka and FAO through the EAF-Nansen Programme to promote sustainable ocean planning grounded in scientific research.  

This survey builds on previous expeditions conducted in Sri Lankan waters in 1978-1980 and in 2018, providing updated data essential for understanding evolving marine ecosystems and fish stock dynamics. The collaboration involved scientists from Sri Lanka’s National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) and experts from Norway’s Institute of Marine Research (IMR), which manages the vessel’s scientific activities and training.

The findings from this mission will support Sri Lanka’s compliance with international reporting obligations, including marine mammal observations required to maintain access to global seafood markets. 

The analyzed data will inform future fisheries management and policy development, ensuring the sustainable utilization of Sri Lanka’s ocean resources for generations to come.

Source: The morning