The agreement was signed by Rectors Alfredo Macedo Gomes (UFPE) and Marcelo Carneiro Leão (UFRPE), Emmanuel Lenain, the French Ambassador to Brazil, accompanied by Serge Gas, the Consul General of France for Nordeste, and Abdel Sifeddine, the IRD Representative in Brazil.

Flávia Lucena-Frédou, Secretary of State for the Brazilian Ministry of Fisheries and co-coordinator of the LMI TAPIOCA, presented the main outcomes of the LMI in terms of capacity building, outreach, and scientific knowledge. The collaboration between Brazil and France was highlighted, sharing the exceptional results of this partnership, which has further strengthened the LMI TAPIOCA as a centre of excellence in marine science throughout the project.