Ayesh Indranath Ranawaka
In a concerning turn of events, Sri Lanka’s government has yet to grant approval for the arrival of the _Dr. Fridtjof Nansen_, a state-of-the-art Norwegian research vessel operating under the United Nations. This delay has sparked deep concern among marine experts and stakeholders, especially given the vessel’s critical role in sustainable fisheries and oceanic research.
Previously, a one-year moratorium was imposed by the former Sri Lankan government on foreign research vessels entering the country’s maritime zone. This decision was taken as a temporary measure to de-escalate geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Chinese and Indian research ships. While diplomatically sensitive, it was never intended as a long-term policy, and further delay in reversing this restriction could severely hinder essential scientific research efforts in Sri Lankan waters.
The _Dr. Fridtjof Nansen_ vessel is currently docked in Mauritius, awaiting clearance to proceed to Sri Lanka under the coordination of the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). This vessel last visited Sri Lanka in 1983 and only returned again in 2018—a gap of 35 years. During its last mission, the vessel conducted a detailed stock assessment of Sri Lanka’s coastal marine environment. I was personally involved in the coordination of that visit, and the findings were eye-opening.
The research revealed that the country’s marine fish stock had dramatically declined—from approximately 350,000 metric tonnes in 1983 to less than 50,000 metric tonnes by 2018. This depletion was primarily attributed to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, as well as environmental pollution—particularly from plastics. These insights became the foundation for understanding the urgent interventions needed to safeguard marine biodiversity and ensure food security.
Sri Lanka is now at a pivotal moment. Granting swift clearance for the _Dr. Fridtjof Nansen_ is not just a bureaucratic decision—it is a matter of national and environmental importance. The vessel is part of a global effort, supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), to support nations in managing marine resources based on scientific data and best practices. Delaying this visit sends a worrying message about Sri Lanka’s commitment to evidence-based ocean governance.
Sri Lanka’s need for modern marine research infrastructure has become increasingly urgent. Despite the existence of the “Samudrika”—a research vessel previously under NARA—its long period of idleness has reportedly led to its transfer to the Sri Lanka Navy. This move, while pragmatic from a logistical standpoint, underscores the nation’s limitations in conducting its own advanced marine assessments.
The _Dr. Fridtjof Nansen_ could be a vital lifeline. By implementing zigzag sampling methodologies and focused assessments in targeted zones, the vessel could help Sri Lanka identify not only the status of fish stocks but also the potential presence of valuable deep-sea minerals. These findings could serve as a catalyst for sustainable marine-based economic development, all while preserving ecological balance.
Furthermore, aligning this initiative with FAO’s recommended Standards of Procedure (SOPs) ensures that Sri Lanka can contribute to and benefit from global scientific standards in marine resource management.
In light of all this, we strongly urge the government to act without further delay. The clearance of this UN-backed vessel should be a priority, not a pending file. The ocean around us is a shared resource, and science must lead the way if we are to preserve its bounty for future generations.
