1 September 2014: Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of Fisheries and Environment and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) have launched a US$4 million project that aims to contribute to local food security, ensure quality fish products for domestic and international markets, generate jobs and reduce dependence on fish imports.

The project will first conduct research on the state of fish stocks, which will then be used to develop an investment plan for the sustainable management of the country’s fisheries. In November, scientists will participate in an oceanographic study on the Research Vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen, a marine research platform that is managed by the Institute of Marine Research (IMR) in Bergen, Norway, under FAO supervision.

FAO will provide technical assistance to Equatorial Guinea as part of its broader efforts to improve food and nutrition security through the use of natural resources. FAO also works to support sustainable fisheries management in Africa, including building the capacity of African countries to conduct research on marine ecosystems.

The four-year project will cover the sea areas of Bioko, Annobon and the mainland region. Artisanal and industrial fisheries are both expected to benefit from the project. [FAO Press Release] [IISD RS Story on EAF-Nansen Project]