In Oman, Director-general Visits The Dr. Fridtjof Nansen Research Vessel For The Launch Of The Fisheries Resources Survey Programme
28 February 2026, Oman: FAO Director-General QU Dongyu today inaugurated the Fisheries Resources Survey Programme in the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman at Muscat Port and then toured the Dr. Fridtjof Nansen research vessel, a leading platform for global marine science and collaboration.
“Today’s launch reflects our shared commitment to healthy oceans, strong science, and sustainable fisheries. It highlights the importance of ocean governance, regional cooperation, and the blue economy,” the Director-General said opening the ceremony.
The Nansen is set to sail and spend 236 days at sea this year, a mission that “will deepen national understanding of fish resources, marine ecosystems and environmental conditions in Omani waters,” he added. This comprehensive regional assessment will emphasize monitoring, data collection, and evidence-based decision-making that can benefit Oman and the region, he said, noting that Oman is already a regional leader in fisheries and ocean stewardship.
The ceremony was held under the auspices of H.E Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al-Habsi, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR), and included interventions from Dawood AlYahyai, Director General of Fisheries Research at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries & Water Resources, and Heljar Havnes, First Secretary of the Royal Norwegian Embassy to Saudi Arabia.
The Survey Programme highlights the strong and continuing partnership between FAO, Oman and Norway, as it will be conducted in close cooperation with the Institute of Marine Research of Norway, FAO technical specialists, and Oman’s scientific teams under the leadership of its Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources.
The EAF-Nansen Programme, centered around the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, is one of the world’s longest-running fisheries development initiatives. The vessel flies the United Nations flag and is equipped with the latest technology. Since 1975, the vessel has travelled extensively in the waters of approximately 60 countries, generating critical knowledge about marine resources and ecosystems to support science-based decision-making for sustainable ocean management.
FAO’s Blue Transformation lies at the heart of this vision. It highlights the potential of aquatic food systems to provide accessible and affordable food, improve diets, support livelihoods, and foster sustainable economic growth, particularly for coastal communities. By collecting data on fish stocks, ocean health, and the impacts of climate change, the Fisheries Resources Survey Programme will contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals, with a focus on SDG 14: Life Below Water.
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