EAF-Nansen Programme

Bridging science and sustainability at COFI 36

11/07/2024

11 July 2024, Rome, Italy – During the 36th session of the FAO Committee on Fisheries (COFI 36), the EAF-Nansen Programme delivered an engaging talk at the Speaker's Corner, highlighting its commitment to bridging science and sustainability in fisheries management. The session, titled "Bridging Science and Sustainability - How Data and Information from the Research Vessel (R/V) Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is Transforming Aquatic Food Systems," showcased the Programme's innovative approaches to integrating ecological, social, and economic aspects into sustainable fisheries management. 

"Knowledge-based decision-making is essential for improving the sustainability of fisheries and ensuring the long-term health of marine life" said Merete Tandstad, Coordinator of the EAF-Nansen Programme, explaining that the programme is dedicated to enhancing the capacity of partner countries to leverage the high-quality data and information collected by the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen.  

By promoting the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, the Programme tackles the complexities of marine ecosystems and their interconnections with human activities. Ms Graça D'Almeida, Director of Resource Management at Ministry of Fisheries in Namibia, shared her experiences on how the Programme has been instrumental in laying the groundwork for effective fisheries research and management in her country.  

"My participation in research surveys with the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has demonstrated how the Programme’s collaboration with partner countries is making an impact on sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation". She further explained how the assessments of fish stocks conducted in Namibia provide vital data that informs sustainable catch limits and management practices, ensuring that Namibia’s vital hake and horse mackerel stocks are not overexploited.  

At the end of the talk, the audience was invited to take a virtual tour aboard the R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen in the COFI36 exhibition area. Through an immersive presentation using 3D-glasses, attendees could explore the laboratories and advanced technologies that are being used for marine research. This hands-on approach allowed attendees to appreciate the critical role of scientific research in understanding marine ecosystems and addressing challenges posed by human activities and climate change. 

About the programme 

The EAF-Nansen Programme is a longstanding partnership between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Norway, executed in close collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR). 

The Programme is also one of the endorsed ‘Decade Actions’ under the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030). 

For more information on COFI 36: