The Spanish training ship INTERMARES has begun a four-week stay in Mauritania, with a formal launch ceremony held on board the ship in Nouakchott. The ceremony was presided over by Mauritania's Minister of Fisheries, Infrastructure, and Ports, Mokhtar Ould Ahmed Bousseif. The event was attended by Isabel Artime, Secretary General of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food, as well as ambassadors from the European Union, Spain, France, Germany, and Japan.
The INTERMARES ship is a significant component of Spanish-Mauritanian cooperation in the fisheries sector. According to the Spanish ambassador to Mauritania, the ship's presence underscores the long-standing relationship between the two countries, with Spanish fishermen having operated off Mauritanian coastlines for centuries. The training provided on board aims to strengthen capacities for sustainable resource management.
The European Union ambassador to Mauritania praised the INTERMARES' presence, highlighting its role in promoting sustainable fishing practices. The ambassador noted that the EU provides significant financial support for the training campaign, which is part of the partnership agreement between the EU and Mauritania. This new campaign will build on previous experiences, the ambassador added.
Isabel Artime expressed her gratitude to the Mauritanian government for its collaboration and hospitality. She also acknowledged the support of the European Commission and the Spanish Navy, which has operated the INTERMARES since 2018. Artime emphasized that the ship is more than just a training vessel, but an instrument of diplomacy and cooperation in the fisheries sector.
Minister Mokhtar Ould Ahmed Bousseif highlighted the significance of the fisheries sector in Mauritanian-Spanish cooperation, with 15 Spanish vessels operating in Mauritanian waters under a fishing agreement with the EU. He also praised the level of cooperation between the two countries in combating irregular migration and promoting maritime safety and security.
The INTERMARES has been designed as a floating university, offering training in maritime and fisheries-related activities. Since 2010, the ship has provided training to international students, with successful campaigns conducted in countries such as Morocco, Senegal, and Peru. This new stop in Mauritania follows a commitment made during a high-level meeting between Mauritania and Spain in July 2025.
The training program on board the INTERMARES will focus on inspection and control of fishing, safety and rescue at sea, fishing gear, and fish processing. The program aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance the skills of Mauritanian professionals in the sector.
Key points
- The INTERMARES ship is a unique training vessel that offers a range of training programs in maritime and fisheries-related activities.
- The ship's presence in Mauritania underscores the strong cooperation between Mauritania and Spain in the fisheries sector.
- The training program aims to promote sustainable fishing practices and enhance the skills of Mauritanian professionals in the sector.
