Russia’s Research Institute for Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO) are conducting an ongoing program of extensive marine studies offshore of north and west Africa, that includes Morocco’s southern provinces around Dakhla, according to VNIRO’s official website.
VNIRO is using two hi-tech research ships, The STM Atlantniro and The STM Atlantis to conduct the surveys that will ultimately span the waters of six countries on the Atlantic coast of North Africa.
Equipped with advanced oceanographic, acoustic, and scientific tools, the vessels aim to enhance understanding of aquatic ecosystems and identify opportunities for sustainable fishing practices.
The expedition’s first phase is focusing on surveying existing and potential fishing areas in the waters of Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. The effort is supported by longstanding intergovernmental agreements between Russia and these countries over marine fisheries.
In Morocco, Atlantniro resumed its operations following a refueling stop at Dakhla Port. The research includes acoustic and fishing surveys to evaluate pelagic species’ biomass and their populations within Morocco’s Atlantic fishing zone.
In Mauritania, Atlantniro has completed a survey of small pelagic fish stocks, including anchovies, sardines, and the highly valued West African horse mackerel. The vessel also identified valuable bottom-dwelling fish species such as sea bream and John Dory. Surveys to assess pelagic fish replenishment and future fishing prospects are ongoing, with results expected soon.
Atlantis began bottom trawling surveys in Guinea on November 28, 2024. Preliminary findings highlighted significant catches of commercially important species, including leaffish, speckled porgies, horse mackerel, and mackerel tuna.
To date, over 50 bottom trawls have been conducted in Guinea’s waters, with detailed biological analyses performed on more than 2,500 fish specimens. Measurements have been taken for 11,000 fish specimens, providing vital information on species composition and population dynamics. 26 hydrological, 35 near-trawl hydrological, and 13 hydrobiological stations have been completed, offering a comprehensive understanding of the region’s marine environment.
The research has also included 1,200 hydrochemical analyses, as well as the collection of 26 samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and ichthyoplankton. Acoustic surveys spanning approximately 900 nautical miles have further enriched the data. These efforts are critical for assessing fish populations, supporting sustainable fishing practices, and enhancing knowledge of marine biodiversity in the region.
A meeting between the Russian VNIRO and the Mauritanian IMROP (Institute of Oceanographic and Fisheries Research) defined the objectives and methodologies of the expedition. The research focuses on hydrometeorological, oceanographic, and hydrochemical conditions influencing biological productivity. Samples of plankton, fish, and marine organisms will be analyzed for parasitological, radiological, and taxonomic studies.
The expedition is also monitoring foreign fishing fleets in the Republic of Guinea, having so far identified around 30 medium-tonnage vessels from China, Guinea, and Gambia operating in the area.
By generating scientific insights and providing recommendations for sustainable and profitable fishing practices, the so-called Great African Expedition aims to optimize resource management in Atlantic waters.