1. Introduction.

Survey objectives.

The general objectives of the programme as discussed and agreed at the planning meeting in Trinidad, 12-14 January are summarized in the Priliminary Report of Cruise No. I Part I. In the following the objectives for Survey II are clarified and amended on the basis of experience from previous surveys and from discussions with representatives from the participating countries.

Oriente. In principle the programme should be a repetition of that of Survey I. The main aim of the acoustic work is an estimate of the distribution, composition and biomass of the sardine stock with emphasis on problem of catchability of sardinella, even at night. The following amendments of the programme should be made:

1) The hydrographic profile off Pta Caribe should be moved to a position between Margarita Isl. and Los Testigos. The survey track off the easternmost coast can then be limited to an inshore coverage.
2) Work hydrographic profile off Cabo Codera or La Guaira.
3) Otherwise the coverage and the course tracks can be as in Survey I except that the inshore shelf inside the Cariaco Trench west of Puerto La Cruz can be skipped or given a low priority.
4) Intensified work on squid is of interest Squids are at bottom during the day, at least in intermediate depths. Important areas are outside Margarita and perhaps also the edge off Los Testigos should be tried.
5) Fishing for Penaeid shrimp inshore at night should be tried in suitable locations to provide samples and by-catch data.
6) The small shelf around Blanquilla should be better covered.

Venezuela West coast and Gulf of Venezuela.

1) Add hydrographic profile off Golfo Triste.
2) Add night shrimping inshore where suitable
3) Follow programme Survey I, but with less coverage off La Guaira. Give emphasis to squid, positions where good catch rates during Survey I.

Participation.

The following scientific staff participated from Venezuela:

Port of Spain to La Guaira: Diana Zaera, Ayurami Alcala, Ramon Guzman, Walter Gonzalez, Bladimir Rodriguez and Wilmer Rojas.
La Guaira to Punto Fijo: Ayurami Alcala, Walter Gonzalez, Wilmer Rojas, Roberto Cipriani, Marco Tulio Badaracco and Diana Zaera.

From FAO:

Alvaro Abella.

The scientific staff from IMR was:

J. Hamre, H. Ullebust, M. Dahl and H. Vorren.