The Miguel Oliver vessel evaluates the fishery resources in the western Mediterranean

Scientists from the Spanish Institute of Oceanography (IEO) have begun the MEDITS_ES_2024 campaign for the assessment of fishery resources in the western Mediterranean Sea. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has made available the Miguel Oliver vessel, which has departed from the port of Malaga.

Therefore till the 29th of June, the team will estimate the abundance and population structure of species targeted by the Mediterranean trawling fishing fleet. Additionally, they will assess the biological configuration of these fisheries and the impact of fishing on their ecosystems.

In more detail, the works will consist of the collection of sediments and the gathering of oceanographic data from water masses, as well as completing the census of seabirds and the analysis of trophic relationships between different species.

This campaign is integrated into the National Program of Basic Data for the Spanish fishing sector, co-financed through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA). The results will be presented to the Scientific Advisory Committee of the Mediterranean Fisheries Commission (CGPM).

Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food of Spain presented the XXIII edition of the 'Jacumar' Award which promotes aquaculture research and strengthens relationships between the scientific community and the production sector.

The Miguel Oliver vessel

The Miguel Oliver vessel is equipped with the most updated technological equipment for navigation and both fishing and oceanographic research.

It has a length of 70 meters and a beam of 12 meters, with 3 echosounders, 3 radars, and 6 laboratories, in addition to a sophisticated positioning and navigation system.

The certificación company Bureau Veritas has classified Miguel Oliver's as an ecological and silent vessel. Finally, the vessel complies with ICES 209 regulations on noise and vibration emissions in research vessels.

Spain has positioned itself strategically in terms of aquaculture research, especially after the first restorative aquaculture centre in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea was presented during the Seafood Expo Global in Barcelona. The centre will be located in La Rapita, Cataluña, Spain, and is expected to open by the end of 2024.