Dr. Fridtjof Nansen: Still going strong after almost 50 years of scientific surveys

“In some of the areas we operate, little or no research had been done before the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen visited”, says marine scientist Nikos Nikolioudakis, the Research Coordinator for the Nansen Programme. For almost 50 years, this development aid programme has been performing marine research and promoting sustainable fisheries management in more than 60 countries in Africa, Asia and South and Central America.

Ship number three

Right since the start of the Nansen Programme, the ship Dr. Fridtjof Nansen has played a key role.  Or to be precise, there have been three different ships bearing the name, with the current one launched in 2016.  

When the research vessel left Norway in 2017, the goal was for it to work in warmer waters for many years, and it has remained in Asia and Africa since its launch, except for a brief interlude during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have contributed valuable data and knowledge about the ecosystems off the coasts of many countries in Africa, Asia and South and Central America. That supports research-based fisheries management, not just in individual countries, but also in neighbouring countries with shared fisheries resources” says Kathrine Michalsen, the Survey Coordinator for the Nansen Programme.

Apart from gathering scientific data in regions where such knowledge is scarce, the Nansen Programme is committed to training of researchers and technicians in the countries it visits. The vessel typically hosts up to 19 local researchers alongside the crew and specialists from the Institute of Marine Research, with around 45 people aboard in total.  
 
"Over the past five years, we've welcomed over 1,000 participants from more than 35 countries. The local researchers receive training on scientific sampling procedures and data collection," shares Michalsen.  

“During each survey we leverage the expertise of the entire Institute of Marine Research, involving researchers and technicians from nearly all our research groups. It's truly a collaborative effort, which the Institute of Marine Research takes great pride in by providing their most experienced and skilled personnel on these surveys" she adds.  

Time series from 1975

Michalsen’s first scientific survey with Dr. Fridtjof Nansen was in 2009 on the previous ship.  They surveyed the waters near Comoros in the Indian Ocean.  

"During that survey, we sought to understand the currents around the islands and their impact on fish stock recruitment processes, focusing on how eggs and larvae are transported along the East African coast," Michalsen explains.

The Nansen Programme mainly operates in areas with significant fish stocks and major upwelling zones, which are crucial for food security. As a result, surveys often revisit regions previously explored by the vessel.  

"In some countries, we've conducted sporadic surveys, but for other countries we've conducted annual visits to nations like Angola, Namibia, and South Africa, creating time series that dates back to 1975. These series hold immense value, particularly in understanding ecosystem changes," says Michalsen.  

 A memorable incident involving food

It can be challenging to have many different people on board a ship. For weeks on end. With different cultures, age groups, tribes, hierarchy, political views, and religions. Not to mention food preferences. Food is important, if they like the food, people work better, and the mood is on top.
Managing different cultural preferences can be challenging aboard a long-term research vessel. In 2018, while surveying near Sri Lanka, the crew stocked jasmine rice—a popular variety in Sri Lanka and among Norwegians. However, in the subsequent survey in Myanmar, the local team did not favour it, preferring their traditional rice.  

Fortunately, the vessel was able to restock with Myanmar's preferred rice at a nearby port. "This avoided what could have been a significant disruption, and the steward learned from experience," Michalsen recounts with a smile.  

"Instructive cooking sessions from local participants also followed, highlighting the diverse ways to prepare rice," she adds with appreciation.  

Adapting Culinary Practices

In Myanmar, an interesting maritime tale unfolded involving fermented foods and shark—a culinary norm for the local team. However, unconventional cooking methods and smell, disrupted the routines on board.  
 
Despite varied cultural food norms, Michalsen notes that overall satisfaction with the vessel’s cuisine is crucial to the morale and productivity of those at sea. The steward and his/her team try to adapt dishes based on feedback to accommodate different preferences, limited by available ingredients and cooking facilities on board.

Building a Cohesive Multinational Team

With as many as eight different nationalities present on board, food isn’t the only prominent challenge.  
 
"During surveys, it’s vital for all aboard to feel secure and respected. There are stringent rules and procedures everyone must adhere to, necessitating sensitivity to cultural differences to minimize potential conflicts," explains Michalsen.  

Michalsen, who has herself led several surveys, advocates for cruise leaders to foster teamwork among participants while ensuring enjoyable experiences despite working hard.

On a vessel like Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, participants can encounter challenges such as homesickness, seasickness, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with maritime environments. Political, religious, and even gender role perspectives may vary, requiring delicate handling and understanding.  

"The key lies in attentive listening and acute observation, allowing for thoughtful responses tailored to the specific situations," advises Michalsen. Not an easy task and there is not any fixed template that can be followed that will work in all situations.

Safety Protocols in Remote Waters

Given the areas often visited by Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, thorough security assessments precede each annual cruise plan.  

The Institute of Marine Research’s Research Vessel Department liaises with entities providing updated security information in areas planned for exploration.
 
"We avoid regions with high hijacking threats or active conflict zones, but in some cases even the unexpected can happen. For those situations there are specific plans for handling and communication," Nikolioudakis explains.  

Entering a new phase

Entering a New Phase: In 2024, the Nansen Programme embarked on a new five-year phase aimed at assisting partner countries in fulfilling ecosystem-based fisheries management commitments.  

“By improving fisheries management, we can increase food security – in other words the amount of safe and healthy food available to people. However, this must be implemented by the countries the Nansen Programme supports, and not by us”, says Nikolioudakis. Before adding:

“But scientific advice is needed to ensure sustainable fisheries management”.