Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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The Great African Expedition, which began in 2024, has been completed. Research was conducted in the waters of six coastal countries in Northwest and Southeast Africa, including Morocco, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique. The expedition was carried out by two research vessels, the Atlantis and the Atlantiro. The main objective was to assess the status of biological resources in Africa's exclusive economic zones. This is the first such large-scale fisheries research conducted off the African continent in modern Russian history; similar work has not been conducted since the 1980s.
"During the Great African Expedition, we completed the tasks of studying the prospects for developing domestic fisheries in remote marine areas and strengthening cooperation with our African partners. The data obtained has practical significance for ensuring sustainable, efficient, and environmentally safe fishing. This is the first such large-scale study in the modern history of our country. The expedition once again confirmed the Russian Federation's status as a leading maritime power. Furthermore, Russia is contributing to global food security and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity," noted Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev.
One of the first practical results of the Great African Expedition was the development of Russian fisheries in the Kingdom of Morocco's Atlantic fishing zone. Relevant agreements were reached, and an agreement on cooperation between our countries in marine fisheries was signed in 2025. Over the past few years, the maximum annual Russian catch in Morocco's Atlantic fishing zone has been approximately 60,000 tons. This figure is expected to increase to 90,000–100,000 tons. Fishing companies have confirmed their readiness to increase their catch of pelagic species, primarily mackerel and horse mackerel, in this area.
"The large African expedition was a strategically important event in expanding the geography of Russian scientific research. It was conducted in collaboration with scientists from coastal countries, and the information gathered will be used to organize fisheries operations with our African partners," emphasized Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries.
During the expedition, scientific ties were re-established with African research institutes and centers, which could serve as a foundation for developing cooperation in fisheries. A bilateral agreement on cooperation in fisheries research was signed with the Republic of Mozambique.
The research was conducted over the course of a year and a half. Scientists are currently continuing to analyze the data obtained during the expedition and prepare recommendations for Russian fishermen.
In addition, in 2025, the first session of the Russian-Sierra Leone Fisheries Commission was held, during which the Republic of Sierra Leone expressed its readiness to allocate to the Russian side a catch quota of 40,000 tons of various aquatic biological resources and provide access to its waters to 20 vessels.
The large African expedition has opened up new prospects for the Russian fishing fleet. Russian fishermen are interested in developing additional fishing grounds and increasing their catch. Developing the fishery and sharing scientific data could form the basis for establishing joint ventures with coastal countries, opening up additional markets and strengthening Russia's position in Africa.
The large African expedition began in August 2024. The decision to conduct it was made following the Russia–Africa Forum summit in 2023. Thanks to the support of the Russian Government, the project received federal (state) status.
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