The Spanish Oceanographic vessel “Vizconde de Eza” arrived at the Port of Walvis Bay last week to carry out a new scientific campaign in Namibian waters.

The Spanish embassy in Windhoek said in a statement that the vessel, owned by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, is one of the most modern and updated oceanographic vessels in the world. Built in Spain, the vessel was launched in 2005 and since then it has conducted more than 50 scientific missions.

The “Vizconde de Eza” is 53 metres long and equipped with the most modern technology, both regarding electric-diesel propulsion and telecommunication equipment.

On board the vessel is a joint scientific team of Namibian and Spanish experts in marine geology, fisheries and marine biology. From the Spanish side, the chief scientist is Eduardo Balguerias from the Spanish Oceanographic Institute. The Namibian team consists of experts from the National Marine Information and Research Centre (NATMIRC).

“This year's campaign in Namibian waters is expected to last until the end of February. The main objective of the campaign is to assess the potentially commercial species occurring along the Namibian coast at deep sea level,” said the statement.

The results of the survey will be of great importance due to the fact that they will provide scientific data about the composition and ecology of the living marine resources. The result of the survey will be made available to the two governments.

This year's campaign is the third mission carried out by the “Vizconde de Eza” in Namibia.