Tanzania and Norway are strengthening cooperation in marine research and sustainable fisheries as the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen docks at the Port of Dar es Salaam, bringing together government officials, scientists, development partners and blue economy stakeholders.
The visit, organised by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Tanzania, highlights the role of scientific research in improving ocean resilience, sustainable fisheries management and the use of marine resources amid growing climate change pressures.
The Dr. Fridtjof Nansen is operating under the EAF-Nansen Programme, a long-running partnership between Norway, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and participating countries that has supported marine research for more than five decades.
Speaking during a visit to the vessel on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, TAFIRI Director General Ismael Kimirei said the research was particularly important for small-scale fishers because it generates data on fish stocks in coastal waters where they operate.
“We conduct research across the world to support sustainable fisheries and collect data for sustainable fishing and the blue economy,” Kimirei said.
He explained that the research focuses on waters extending from the 12-nautical-mile limit into national waters, areas that are extensively used by small-scale fishers.
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The information collected can help determine the availability of species such as sardines and tuna-like fish, providing a scientific basis for fisheries management and planning.
Norwegian Ambassador to Tanzania Tone Tinnes said the vessel’s work along the East African coast includes collecting samples, assessing fish stocks and increasingly examining marine pollution, including plastics and microplastics.
“The scientific results are for Tanzania and every country to use in policy planning,” Tinnes said.
She said the research reflects the long-standing cooperation between Norway, Tanzania and international partners in advancing marine science, sustainable fisheries management and evidence-based decision-making.
The visit also demonstrated how scientific research can contribute to Tanzania’s blue economy while supporting communities that depend on marine resources.
Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Vice President’s Office, Union and Environment, Dr Latifa Khamis, said Tanzania values the partnership as the country seeks to strengthen climate resilience, ocean governance and sustainable use of marine resources.
She said the blue economy presents significant opportunities because of the range of resources and products generated by the ocean, including emerging opportunities from materials and resources deposited by the sea.
The visit comes ahead of the 12th Conference of Parties to the Nairobi Convention (COP12), scheduled to take place in Dar es Salaam from October 6 to 9, 2026.
The conference is expected to bring together stakeholders to discuss ocean governance, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, marine pollution and sustainable blue economy development.
