1. Introduction

Survey objectives.

The general objectives of the programme as discussed and agreed at the planning meeting in Trinidad, 12-14 January are as follows:

Describe the composition, distribution and abundance of the main components of the resources of small pelagic - and demersal fish and crustacea on the shelf and slope for studies of the state - and the potentials of the stocks.
Collect biological samples of the most important species for studies of growth, maturity etc.
Conduct taxonomic studies for the purpose of preparing a regional species guide.
Conduct oceanographic investigations and obtain satellite imagery for studies of the oceanographical regimes and their ecological characteristics.
Prepare charts based on echo sounder observations of bottom character.
Provide data of catch rates for specific selected gears and areas.

These overall objectives were to be amended and supplemented by the more specific requirements for each country or area. For Colombia the following applies: The more recent exploratory surveys include that organized by the FAO Fishery Development Project, 1969 - 71 with the R/V CHOCO' and the programme jointly with Japanese Agency for International Cooperation (JICA) with CARIBBEAN STAR II in 1980/81. The first was focussed on the demersal fish and thread herring, the second on shrimp on the slope (250 - 800 m) and snappers at 100 - 200 m depth. Taking account of the results of these programmes the more specific objectives of the present surveys should include:

i) Identify the areas of distribution and concentration of the thread herring (Opisthonema oglinum) in the Guajira Peninsula.
ii) Identify the areas of distribution and concentration of the squids Lolliguncula brevis southwest of Cartagena and Loligo plei east of Santa Marta.
iii) Confirm the distributions and concentrations of the deep water shrimps Hymenopaeneus robustus and Plesiopaeneus edwardsianus.
iv) Confirm the areas of distribution and abundance of the sardin Sardinella aurita in the existing upwelling zones off the Guajira Peninsula.
v) Confirm the area of abundance of the family Lutjanidae in the south-east zone with hand lines, vertical lines beyond 100 m.
vi) Exploratory fishing in the insular zone of San Andres (hard-bottom corraline fish).

The survey should cover the whole of the continental shelf but with priority to the area between outlet of the Magdalena River and the border with Venezuela, and especially from Cape Vela eastwards which is the zone with upwelling.

The acoustic coverage should be adapted to the distribution of the target resources for these investigations so that the highest survey intensities are in areas of high fish densities. This will be done by amendment of the basic survey grid on a current basis during the survey. Trawling with mid water and bottom gear for identification and sampling form an integral part of the acoustic survey work.

The acoustic system will only cover the part of the demersal fish found in mid water and non of the crustacean resources, although samples for composition, size etc. will be provided by the accompanying bottom trawl catches. In order to obtain further data on the demersal fish a number of trawl stations will be made in prelocated position. When targeted on demersal fish these hauls must be made in daytime. Deep water shrimp may be fished both day and night.

Participation.

The following scientific staff participated from Colombia:

From Punto Fijo to Cartagena: Santiago Anboleda, Jorge Gallo.
From Santa Marta to Cartagena: Luis Escobar, Carlos Guerrero, Jorge Mercado, Manuel Barrios.
From Venezuela the following participated from Punto Fijo to Santa Marta: Diana Zaera, Luisa Franco, Mauricio Campo.
From FAO: Luis Villegas
From IMR the staff was: T. Strømme, O. Alvheim, T. Haugland and E. Molvær.