Russian Fisheries Agency To Assess African Oceanic Resources

The Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries is to organize an exploratory expedition in 2024-2025 to assess water bio-resources in the exclusive economic zones of African countries using ships of the Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography. The purpose will be to examine water quality and marine stocks, and will include visits to several African ports.

The Russian government stated that “The Federal Agency for Fishery is tasked with organizing an exploratory exhibition in 2024-2025 to assess the stock of water bio-resources in the exclusive economic zones of African countries using vessels operated by the federal state budget research center, the Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography.”

The move comes as Russia is looking to replace European fish purchases from alternative markets as well as looking to assist with improvements to the continent’s own consumption needs. African fishing fleets and ports are often underfinanced and use outdated technologies, while marine stock sustainability will also be a concern.

Species typically caught and consumed in West Africa include Hake, Mackerel, Sardines, Anchovies and Oceanic Tilapia.

We recently reviewed Russia’s trade with several West African countries following the Russian Foreign Ministers visits to the region last month. Please see our updates on Burkina Faso, Chad, Congo, and Guinea.