A meeting of experts from the Atlantic Branch of the SSC RF "All-Russian Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography" (VNIRO) and the National Institute of Fisheries Research of Morocco (NIRI) took place on board. The parties have approved a scientific protocol and technical parameters for joint research in the Morocco area, which is a continuation of the long—term Russian‑Moroccan scientific cooperation within the framework of the current intergovernmental agreement.
The Russian delegation was headed by Vladislav Sidorsky, head of the expedition, and the Moroccan delegation was headed by NIRI Najib Sharouki, head of the research Center. The experts focused on the state of small pelagic fish stocks in the Moroccan Atlantic waters and the coordination of the scientific work program. Following the meeting, a Protocol was signed, and the head of the expedition was given permission to conduct research.
On the same day, the ship held a meeting with the crew, representatives of the Russian Embassy in Morocco, employees of the Russian House, and Mikhail Tarasov, head of the Rosrybolovstvo Representative Office in the Kingdom of Morocco. The guests were given guided tours of the ship: they got acquainted with the equipment of ichthyological, hydrobiological and hydrochemical laboratories, as well as with the working methods of Russian specialists. Dmitry Gorokhovich, the ship's captain, was presented with a souvenir from the Moroccan Shipowners' Association ARMA. The addition to the program was the photo exhibition of the Russian Geographical Society "The most beautiful country".
On October 24, the Atlantis began research off the coast of Morocco, which will last until December. The program includes trawl surveys to assess the replenishment of small pelagic fish, the study of their biological characteristics and size‑age composition, the collection of data on hydrometeorological, oceanological and hydrochemical conditions, the study of the food supply and acoustic monitoring of work. The results will help to assess stocks of European sardines, African mackerel, European and West African horse mackerel and make recommendations for their rational fishing. A joint scientific report will be prepared based on the results.
VNIRO Press Service
