Promoting sustainable fisheries management and food-security: the journey of the Nansen Programme

Over the past five decades, the Nansen Programme has been pivotal in advancing marine and coastal ecosystem science and sustainable fisheries management in collaboration with partner countries and regional organisations in Latin America, Africa and Asia. The Programme’s objectives have evolved from gaining knowledge on the availability of fishery resources to improving the capacity of partner institutions in fishery research and management. This ultimately included the application of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF). Geographic scope has also changed over time with 58 countries and several regional organisations having benefited directly from the Programme thus far.

By fostering international partnerships, the Nansen Programme has created a collaborative research platform that addresses critical knowledge gaps in marine biodiversity, ocean health, and ecosystem resilience. Additionally, through extensive research expeditions, the Nansen Programme has generated critical scientific data that informs marine policy and fisheries management, aids stock assessment, resources and ecosystem monitoring, and guides development of strategies.

Key achievements, including advancements in research methodologies and technological applications, supporting data-sharing analytical frameworks for shared stocks and promoting the operationalization of the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries, underscore the Programme’s capacity to contribute to sustainable growth while addressing complex marine management challenges. The Nansen Programme’s achievements serve as a model for coordinated, science-based management approaches that emphasize sustainable resource use and regional cooperation. Despite these accomplishments, challenges remain in translating scientific insights into equitable, effective policy measures that protect marine resources.

Therefore, this presentation will highlight the Programme's historical evolution, development objectives, as well as scientific and developmental contributions, which collectively support sustainable management practices aligned with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Programme’s contributions to robust and impactful marine science will also be detailed, emphasizing its role in providing scientific evidence to inform and support sustainable policies, fisheries management, and enhance conservation efforts in emerging nations. Ultimately, the presentation aims to assert that ongoing investment in fisheries management and coordinated international efforts to strengthen the resilience of our marine and coastal ecosystems is essential for harmonizing ecological integrity with socio-economic prosperity.