The agreement between the two countries, according to a statement from the Ministry, was signed between the Mission Structure for the Extension of the Continental Shelf (EMEPC), under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and the Sea, and the Brazilian Navy – Directorate of Hydrography and Navigation (DHN).
The two organisations will collaborate on missions with the Luso ROV, ‘one of the most advanced scientific exploration systems’ in the ocean at Portugal’s service.
The strengthening of cooperation takes place in the context of the extension of the respective continental shelves beyond 200 nautical miles, the Ministry said in the statement.
‘The agreement establishes a solid basis for joint geological mapping and sampling activities in the deep sea, using the remotely operated vehicle ROV Luso,’ explains the government.
The two entities will share technical-scientific information, methodologies for acquiring and processing geophysical and geological data, and training and collaboration in oceanographic campaigns.
The partnership is part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and ‘fulfils commitments’ made at the 13th Luso-Brazilian Summit in 2023.
‘Knowledge of the deep sea is essential for the affirmation of sovereign rights and for the sustainability of the oceans, two priorities for Portugal, as set out in the Government Programme,’ said the Minister for Agriculture and the Sea, José Manuel Fernandes, in the statement.
