UN FAO Research Vessel to Conduct Marine Study in Sri Lankan Waters

13-Mar-2026

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The Dr. Fridtjof Nansen research vessel operated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization arrived in Sri Lanka on March 11 at the invitation of the Sri Lankan government.

The vessel will conduct marine scientific research within Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries, Justice and Ocean Resources and the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency.

The research vessel supports countries in collecting key scientific data required for sustainable fisheries management and in understanding the impact of climate change on marine ecosystems.

The study, which will run for 32 days, will focus particularly on assessing marine resources and marine ecosystems.

Scientists will carry out a range of activities including hydroacoustic surveys to evaluate the biomass and movement of fish stocks, assessments of marine pollution levels and biodiversity monitoring.

Capacity building is also a key component of the programme, bringing Sri Lankan scientists together with international experts to promote scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange.