Russian scientists have concluded the "Great African Expedition," which began in 2024, the Russian government announced.
During the research, the scientists assessed the state of biological resource stocks in the waters off Morocco, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique.
"The data obtained are of practical importance for ensuring sustainable, efficient, and environmentally safe fishing. Such large-scale research has been conducted for the first time in the modern history of our country," emphasized Deputy Chairman of the Russian Government Dmitry Patrushev.
The Russian government noted that the expedition has restored scientific ties with African research institutes and scientific centers, which "can become the basis for developing cooperation in the field of fisheries."
"The Great African Expedition has been a strategically important event for expanding the geography of Russian scientific research. It was conducted in cooperation with scientists from coastal countries, and the collected information will be used to organize fishing operations jointly with our African partners," stressed the head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery (Rosrybolovstvo), Ilya Shestakov.
Currently, scientists continue to analyze the data obtained during the expedition and prepare recommendations for Russian fishermen.
Background: The Great African Expedition began in August 2024 from the seaport of Kaliningrad. The expedition was carried out by two research vessels, Atlantida and AtlantNIRO. The scientific team on each vessel consisted of 12 specialists, experts in oceanology, ichthyology, hydrochemistry, and other fields.
This maritime scientific initiative aligns with broader bilateral cooperation efforts. In October of last year, Russia and Morocco signed an agreement on cooperation in maritime fisheries, establishing the fundamental conditions for the fishing activities of Russian vessels.
