The Russian delegation was led by Konstantin Bandurin, Deputy Director and Head of the Atlantic Branch. The Guinea-Bissau delegation was represented by Isa Barry, Director of INIPO.
As part of the Great African Expedition, three research surveys were conducted in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau in 2025, covering the entire waters of the country's EEZ: one acoustic trawl survey (pelagic fish species) and two bottom trawl surveys (demersal aquatic biological resources). VNIRO specialists presented a review report on the results of their research in the Guinea-Bissau EEZ, outlining the scope and types of research conducted.
During the meeting, Russian and Guinea-Bissau scientists discussed the objectives of upcoming joint research in 2026 and a plan for upcoming publications in a joint collection based on the results of the large-scale expedition. VNIRO experts proposed potential areas for joint research and publications covering the joint expeditionary research on the Russian vessel.
Among the topics discussed at the meeting were the organization of internships and the exchange of experience between specialists from INIPO and the Atlantic Branch of VNIRO within the framework of a methodology for assessing the status and prospects for harvesting pelagic and benthic aquatic bioresources in the Guinea-Bissau EEZ. Potential formats and topics for such events were discussed.
The meeting was held in an atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding. The meeting resulted in agreements to continue working consultations between Russian and Guinea-Bissau scientists to further coordinate joint research, publications, and exchange of experience based on the results of the 2024-2026 Great African Expedition.
VNIRO Press Service