FAO Research Vessel to Conduct 32-Day Marine Survey in Sri Lanka

The United Nations-flagged research vessel R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka to carry out a marine scientific survey in the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), following an invitation from the Government of Sri Lanka.

The mission is conducted under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA).

The 32-day survey will focus on assessing marine living resources and ecosystems while collecting updated scientific data to support sustainable fisheries management and ocean governance in Sri Lankan waters. Research activities will include hydro-acoustic surveys to estimate the biomass and distribution of key fish stocks, assessments of marine pollution levels, and biodiversity monitoring.

The vessel supports countries in gathering scientific data essential for sustainable fisheries management and understanding the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. The mission will also emphasise capacity building, bringing together Sri Lankan scientists from NARA and other national institutions with international experts to encourage knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration.

Sri Lanka previously hosted the vessel in 2018, when it conducted a comprehensive survey of the country’s continental shelf and upper slope. Earlier Nansen programme surveys were also carried out in Sri Lankan waters between 1978 and 1980, highlighting a long-standing scientific partnership.

Sri Lanka’s participation in the survey underscores its continued commitment to sustainable fisheries, marine ecosystem protection, and international scientific cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.