Russian vessels Atlantniro and Atlantis continue research in the Northwest African region as part of the Great African Expedition

 

It is planned that at the first stage of the Great African Expedition, two vessels will fully survey the existing and promising areas for domestic fishing in the zones of the countries of Northwest Africa. These are the zones of Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea and Sierra Leone. With all countries, current intergovernmental agreements in the field of marine fisheries and fisheries have been signed, and cooperation with each of them has been going on for many decades.

 

According to the results of the work of the STM "Atlantniro" in the area of ​​Mauritania, the largest biomass was determined for West African horse mackerel, anchovy and sardine, as well as pagellus (sea bream) and John Dory. West African horse mackerel is the most valuable object of the domestic pelagic fishery, sea bream are valuable and expensive fish in the bottom fishery, which the Russian fleet does not yet conduct in the area of ​​Africa. The survey of replenishment, which can provide information on the prospects of the pelagic fishery, is still ongoing. Assessments will be made a little later.

 

Another vessel of the STM "Atlantis" on November 28, 2024 began a bottom survey in the area of ​​the Republic of Guinea and continues research work. At present, it is premature to talk about the results of the survey, but in any case, we can already say with confidence that unique scientific data will be obtained. At the moment, it can be noted that the basis of the catch of the completed trawls was leaffish, speckled porgies, West African and round horse mackerel. The maximum catch for a 30-minute trawling was West African and round horse mackerel and mackerel tuna. Most of the above species are valuable commercial fisheries.

 

To date, more than 50 bottom trawls have been completed in the area of ​​the Republic of Guinea, more than 11 thousand fish specimens have been measured, about 2.5 thousand fish specimens have been subjected to biological analysis, about 350 samples have been taken to determine the age of the fish. 26 hydrological, 35 near-trawl hydrological and 13 hydrobiological stations have been completed. More than 1200 hydrochemical analyses were performed, 54 samples for chlorophyll "a" were determined, 26 samples of phytoplankton, zooplankton and ichthyoplankton were taken. About 900 nautical miles were covered with acoustic support.

 

It should be noted that the work is often complicated by complex soils in the trawling areas.

 

Also, in addition to direct scientific research, the expedition monitors the work of the foreign fishing fleet in the area of ​​the Republic of Guinea. It was established that about 30 units of medium-tonnage fishing vessels under the flag of China (the main part), Guinea and Gambia are fishing in the work area.

 

Press service of VNIRO