Participation of MOI in the EAF-NANSEN programme 2018

Three scientific staff from the MOI participated in the EAF – Nansen Programme 2018 for the characterisation of the Joint Management Area (JMA) between the Republic of Mauritius and the Republic of Seychelles from the 3rd of May to the 3rd of June 2018. The cruise comprised of an international team of scientists from Norway, Mauritius and Seychelles as well as 2 guest scientists from Russia and South Africa. Norwegian technicians, engineers and crew ensured the smooth running and handling of instruments, sampling of specimens and video recording for benthic and habitat mapping. The aim of this scientific research survey was to characterise the marine ecosystem and morphology at Saya de Malha bank with regards to physical oceanography, bathymetry, chemical characterisation of the water column, biota of water column and seafloor, fish and fish resources identification, amongst others.

R/V Dr. Fridtjof Nansen

The Norwegian research vessel, Dr Fridtjof Nansen was launched in 2017 and is operated by the Institute of Marine Research, Norway under the aegis of the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO). She is currently the most technologically advanced research vessel in the world, with specialised laboratories namely the fish lab, Benthos/Plankton lab, CTD lab and is equipped with scientific equipment such as CTD Rosette sampling system, Video-Assisted Multi Sampler (VAMS), split-beam and bathymetric multi-beam echo sounders, Acoustic Doppler Profilers (ADCP), fisheries sonar, amongst others.

Port call event for R/V Dr Fridjof Nansen

A Port Call event was held on the 4th of June 2018 to mark the completion of the Leg 2.1 scientific survey by the RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen at the JMA and Nazareth Bank. The Minister Mentor, Minister of Defence for Rodrigues, Minister of Ocean Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping, the Ambassador of Norway as well as other eminent personalities were present.

Scientific Visit of Dr Odd A. Bergstad

Dr Odd Aksel Bergstad, Principal Scientist at the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway, visited the MOI on the 5th of June 2018. He was the cruise leader, and PI on the RV Dr. Fridtjof Nansen cruise to the Joint Management Area and Nazareth Bank. His main areas of research have been fish biology and ecology, primarily as elements of wider studies of marine communities and ecosystems studied in the coastal waters of Norway, the North Sea, and deep areas of the North and South Atlantic and the Western Indian Ocean. Dr Bergstad gave a very interesting presentation on his ongoing work at the IMR.