The Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries' Great African Expedition, which commenced on Wednesday from the sea fishing port of Kaliningrad, will facilitate the development of new fishing territories in the interests of both Russia and African nations, the agency's statement said.
The decision to conduct the scientific Great African Expedition was made following the Russia-Africa Summit in 2023.
"This is a unique event, as such research has not been conducted since the 1980s. The expedition will allow us to assess the stocks of aquatic biological resources off the coast of Africa and open new fishing areas," noted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev, who attended the ceremony.
Two research vessels from the All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography (VNIRO), "Atlantida" and "Atlantniro," have set off on the expedition. The crews consist of about 100 Russian scientists.
The deputy prime minister noted the important international mission of the expedition.
"African countries will be given access to information about fish stocks. And this will be another contribution of our country to ensuring global food security," Patrushev noted.
The comprehensive study of biological resource stocks will cover large areas near the coasts of 19 West African countries, from Morocco to Angola, and the western part of the Indian Ocean, near the shores of Eritrea, Oman, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Mauritius.