Operating under the EAF-Nansen Programme of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Norway, the vessel conducted weeks of research gathering data on fish stocks, marine ecosystems and oceanographic conditions around Sri Lanka. The information collected is expected to support future marine resource planning and conservation efforts.
Officials said the mission also placed strong emphasis on capacity building, with Sri Lankan researchers participating in onboard activities and receiving hands-on training in advanced fisheries and oceanographic research methods.
The vessel, which is recognised as the only research ship flying the UN flag, functions as an international platform for scientific collaboration, bringing together experts and institutions from partner countries to support evidence-based fisheries management.
Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekar said the survey contributes directly to strengthening sustainable management of marine resources.
Norway’s Ambassador to India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and the Maldives May-Elin Stener said the initiative reflects continued cooperation on science-based ocean governance and long-term sustainability of marine ecosystems.
