This is an annual summary for 2018, summarizing activities carried out during the year. The document provides an overiew of the work, including research surveys on board the research vessel (R/V) Dr Fridtjof Nansen. We continued with the development of research work under the programme in support of the ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF). We also made great strides in identifying priorities for implementing the ecosystem approach to fisheries management, an approach that is becoming more crucial, as you are all very much aware.

The Science Plan addresses the overall principles and main thematic areas for the research of the EAF-Nansen Programme, including the use of the research vessel (R/V) Dr Fridtjof Nansen as a key tool for field work. Since 1975, the Nansen Programme has supported developing countries in fisheries research and management in their efforts to enhance food security. Fisheries and environmental surveys with the R/V Dr Fridtjof Nansen have been an important and integral part of the programme throughout its phases. A Science Plan has been developed that is comprised of the three pillars below, in support of the overall objective of the Programme: promoting sustainable fisheries to improve food and nutrition security for partner countries.

The research vessel (R/V) Dr Fridtjof Nansen is a state of the art research vessel that serves the countries partners to the EAF-Nansen Programme “Supporting the Application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries management considering climate and pollution impacts” to generate knowledge on resources and ecosystems by use of the art gears and technologies, providing key information of complex and changing marine ecosystems to the benefit of partner countries.

The ecosystem approach to fisheries (EAF) entails a comprehensive and risk-based management planning process, addressing both the human (social and economic) and ecological (resources and ecosystems) dimensions of sustainability. The EAF-Nansen Programme will continue to provide technical support to coastal countries in Africa and the Bay of Bengal for the development of national and regional frameworks that promote and facilitate the implementation of the EAF by strengthening the fisheries management cycle and improving the knowledge base in partner countries.