Sierra Leone might allow Russia to catch 40,000 t of fish in its waters - Federal Fisheries Agency

MOSCOW. June 27 (Interfax) - Sierra Leone might grant Russia a quota to catch 40,000 tonnes of aquatic biological resources in its exclusive economic zone, the Federal Fisheries Agency (Rosrybolovstvo) said, citing statements made at the first session of the Russia-Sierra Leone fishing commission that was held in the West African country's capital of Freetown.

"The Sierra Leone authorities expressed a willingness to allocate a fishing quota for Russian fishers, 40,000 tonnes of aquatic bioresources per year, as well as provide investment preferences. The country is interested in attracting up to 20 vessels for work in its exclusive economic zone," the agency said in a press release.

Russian researchers earlier conducted two stages of a study near Sierra Leone as part of the Great African Expedition. They assessed the biomass and number of small pelagic species of fish, as well as the biomass of demersal (deep sea) bioresources. Researchers from Sierra Leone took part in the expedition.

Once the obtained data are processed and fishing companies' interest in specific types of bioresources is assessed, there are plans to begin more detailed negotiations with Sierra Leone on the terms of working in its exclusive economic zone, the agency said.

Sierra Leone is also interested in working with Russia on developing port infrastructure and modernizing its fishing fleet, attracting Russian investment in the construction of onshore refrigeration facilities, improving the system of control and oversight, manufacturing fishing tackle and gear, and developing aquaculture.

A Russian research expedition to study fish stocks in the exclusive economic zones of African countries, the Great African Expedition 2024-2026, set sail in August. It will cover the waters of 19 countries along the western coast of Africa, from Morocco to Angola, and the western part of the Indian Ocean, along the coasts of Eritrea, Oman, Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius.

The expedition is being carried out in line with a government order dated June 19, 2024. President Vladimir Putin issued instructions to arrange the expedition following the Russia-Africa forum in 2023.