CHATTOGRAM: A specially equipped Norwegian vessel has arrived in Chattogram to carry out an acoustic survey in the maritime boundary of Bangladesh.

The United Nations flag carrier marine research vessel, RV Dr Fridtjof Nansen, headed by the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR) arrived at Chattogram Silo Jetty around 12:00 pm Tuesday (July 31).

The vessel’s local agent Globe Link Associates Limited official Rezaul Karim told Banglanews that the world’s sophisticated research vessel has arrived to conduct acoustic survey in our maritime boundary at the invitation of Fisheries and Livestock Ministry.

The vessel has been conducting survey on Fisheries, livestock and marine ecosystem in different countries of the world. 

Earlier on July 19, the research ship left Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, for port city Chattogram. It will conduct the survey here from August 2 to 17 and expected to leave Chattogram on August 19. 

Rezaul Karim said the vessel is carrying 19 scientists from different countries and 15 crew members. Bangladeshi scientists will also accompany them during the survey. 

Fisheries quarantine officer of the Marine Fisheries Office Abdullah al-Mamun told Banglanews that the vessel will survey on the fisheries stock in upper level of the sea, ecosystem, water quality and presence of polluting elements like plastics. 

The vessel is capable to examine 10 to 2,000 meters depth of the sea. The survey will hopefully unveil new possibilities for our blue economy, he added.

BDST: 2142 HRS, JULY 31, 2018
AP/SMS