Twenty-four Malagasy researchers are traversing Madagascar's exclusive economic zone waters. Studies, data collection, observations and analyses mark this scientific campaign. Part of the team celebrated the national holiday aboard the Norwegian oceanographic research vessel "Dr Fridtjof Nansen".

They are embarked for another two months aboard an oceanographic research ship. The twenty-four Malagasy researchers represent the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, through the Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (IHSM) of the University of Toliara, the National Center for Oceanographic Research (CNRO) of Nosy Be, as well as the University of Anôsy.

This campaign is conducted under the EAF-Nansen program, implemented by the FAO, in close scientific collaboration with the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR) and with financial support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad).

"Researchers will assess, among other things, the biomass of pelagic and demersal fish, measure essential biological parameters and characterize the oceanographic conditions of Malagasy waters," explains Aina Le Don Nomenisoa, doctor of marine sciences and one of the IHSM representatives aboard the research vessel.

The mission will also study plankton, document the effects of marine pollution, and observe marine mammals and seabirds to improve knowledge of ocean biodiversity.

During the two-month expedition, the campaign is divided into two distinct missions. Eleven researchers will follow Madagascar's west coast, from Antsiranana and Nosy Be, before continuing south toward Mauritius.

"The other team, composed of thirteen researchers, works offshore from Antsiranana and will explore the northeast coast to Vohémar, before following the east coast to the south of the Androy region, covering Madagascar's southern continental shelf," the researcher details. He notes that foreign researchers also participate in the expedition.

According to program officials, collected data will contribute to developing fisheries management policies based on solid scientific data, better understanding climate change effects on marine ecosystems, monitoring marine pollution evolution, particularly microplastics, and assessing impacts on biodiversity. They will also strengthen the capacity of Malagasy researchers.

Aboard, master's students and doctoral candidates from IHSM also participate in scientific work. Teams rotate on a schedule of four hours of work, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., followed by eight hours of rest, before another activity period from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m. "During breaks, we watch television, we can sleep or exercise. Everyone gets a bit seasick, especially the first two days, but after that, it gets better," recounts Aina Le Don Nomenisoa.

The vessel makes no stops. It remains at sea for twenty-five days with the first team, before a second team takes over for a seventeen-day mission. Since 1995, the Nansen program has supported African coastal countries in collecting high-quality scientific data on oceans and fishery resources to promote sustainable management of marine ecosystems.