MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Spanish minister visits Argentina to talk about fisheries

Minister ElenaEspinosa

Spanish Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA) Elena Espinosa currently visiting Argentina held a meeting with Spanish fishing companies operating in Argentina and signed a fisheries scientific research cooperation agreement which includes surveying the South Atlantic, reports the Buenos Aires press.

Following the meeting with Spanish fishing companies mostly established as joint ventures in Argentina, Espinosa said that the purpose of her visit was to "join forces with the Argentine Government" so that the Spanish companies can continue to "provide jobs and generate income". The meeting at the Spanish embassy in Buenos Aires included representatives from fourteen companies: Pescargen, Vieira Argentina, Abrumasa, Pesca Austral, Pescapuerta Argentina, Ibermar, Pereira Argentina, Ibercon de Argentina, Pesquera Santa Cruz, Argenova, Congeladores Patagonicos, Empesur, Pescargen Deseado, and Conarpesa. Espinosa underlined the significance of Argentina for the Spanish fishing industry since "the catches from the Spanish fleet in its own EEZ and the European Union (EU) do not fulfil our country's demand". The Spanish minister who is scheduled to meet with Argentine Minister of Economy, Martin Lousteau; Secretary of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food, Javier Urquiza; and with Fisheries and Aquaculture Undersecretary Gerardo Nieto also signed a scientific cooperation agreement between Spain's Oceanographic Institute, IOE, and INIDEP, Argentina's National Institute for Fisheries Research and Development. The agreement will begin with a joint cruise of Argentine and Spanish scientists on the Miguel Oliver, Spain's main oceanographic research vessel, in the South Atlantic basically to collect information that should help address the sustainability of that fishery. The IEO/INIDEP agreement extends for four years, will promote research programs, personnel training, exchange of information, joint use of equipment, among other issues included. The coming joint cruise on the Miguel Oliver, which is equipped with EU standard laboratories, radars, echo sound and other sophisticated equipment will survey Argentina southwestern continental platform to a depth of 1.500 meters, take samples of the sea bed and draw a benthonic cartography. Benthonic marine life and sea bed topography is also included. Miguel Oliver will remain in Argentine waters until April and is scheduled to return to its tasks in the South Atlantic next October. (FIS/MP).-