In September 1979 a programme of investigations of the marine fish resources of Burma was agreed between the Government of Burma, the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the Norwegian Agency for Development Aid (NORAD). In accordance with this the fishery research vessel "Dr. Fridtjof Nansen" was commissioned to survey Burmese waters at two seasons: in September-November 1979 and in March-April 1980. The Institute of Marine Research, Bergen was responsible for the details of planning and the programme was carried out jointly with the Peoples Pearl and Fisheries Corporation, Rangoon. The participating scientific and technical staff is listed in Annex I.
The acoustic/exploratory fishing survey which is here made use of base itself on observations from the following work systems:
Acoustic system observing depth, bottom type, and fish biomass by categories.The analysis and processing of these data provide information on the quantity and distribution of the fish resources, their composition and aspects of their behaviour and their environment. The survey system has certain limitations particularly as regards the interpretation of the acoustic observations. These will be discussed later. Similar work in other areas has, however, demonstrated that findings from these types of surveys can provide good if often conservative indications of the availability of fish resources.
Fishing system observing catch, its amount and composition, biological data of fish, fishability.
Oceanographical observations of ambient characteristics (temperature, salinity, oxygen, current.)
