Sri Lanka LOSES OUT ON vital marine research as FAO survey denied access- Norwegian expert

Sri Lanka's marine catches have dropped from 450,000 tonnes in 2015 to around 300,000 tonnes today. Comprehensive marine ecosystem surveys are crucial for sustainable fisheries management. Development of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is seen as vital amid geopolitical tensions in the region. It is difficult to say exactly what the economic loss is. But the loss, scientifically, is an overview of the marine ecosystem and the fish resources in the economic zone of Sri Lanka.

- By Kelum Bandara

The UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) research vessel 'Dr Fridtjof Nansen' made a port call in Sri Lanka recently before it proceeded to Bangladesh for research activities.

It initially sought permission for such work in Sri Lankan waters, but permission could not be granted for it because of delay in the bureaucratic process. The ship belongs to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Norway. In an interview with Daily Mirror, IMR's Special Advisor - Sustainable Development Ole Arve Misund said that there will be future cooperation with Sri Lanka.

Excerpts:

The FAO ship was denied research activities in Sri Lankan waters. What is the economic loss for Sri Lanka in your view?

It is difficult to say exactly what the economic loss is. But the loss, scientifically, is an overview of the marine ecosystem and the fish resources in the economic zone of Sri Lanka. This is needed in a time when we see the marine resources in Sri Lanka have diminished a little over many years now. Since 2015 when we have the highest catches in Sri Lankan waters, it has declined from 450,000 tonnes totally to now around 300,000 tonnes. So, a survey of the type is needed for sustainable management of Sri Lankan marine resourcesfish resources.

Did you express your concern to the Sri Lankan authorities?

Yes, we did. But, I mean, it was a bureaucratic process that was beyond our control and caused them not to permit. They were working on a procedure for allowing foreign vessels to enter the economic zone of Sri Lanka to carry out research activities at large. And, because of that procedure, they couldn't give it a go.

Are you interested in carrying out research activities in Sri Lankan waters in the future?