1. Introduction

Survey objectives.

The general objectives of the programme as discussed and agreed at the planning meeting in Trinidad, 12-14 January 1988 are summarized in the Preliminary Report of Cruise No I, Part 1.

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.

North coast. Trawl - and acoustic exploratory survey covering the shelf from the coast to the slope with about 12 prepositioned trawl stations, some in the slope if bottom permits and one hydrographic section.

East coast. Bottom trawl survey of the slope south of 10°20’ with fishing at various depth for deep water shrimp starting at 300, 400, 500 and 600 m, but adjusting to findings, up to 12 trawl hauls, fishing both day and night. The haul made with some catch of deep water shrimp in February at 360 - 380 m was at night. Grounds with even smooth bottom, but showing small humps should be avoided. They are spots of sharp coral and will tear the net. These corals seems to be present in certain sections of the slope and most abundant at 300 - 400 m depth. This followed by a hydrographic section towards Mayaro Bay. Inshore survey, acoustic - and trawl from Manzanilla Bank southwards to Joint Research Zone should be made with some prepositioned trawl hauls and fishing for identification of echo recordings.

Joint Research area with Venezuela. Trawl and acoustic survey with trawl stations on both sides, fishing both day and night preferably where shrimpers operate 15-20 trawl hauls. Objectives: shrimp distribution and by catches, distribution and sampling of fin-fish and small pelagics.

Participation.

The following participated from Trinidad and Tobago:

Boris Fabres, Fisheries Division, MFPMEFE
Christine Henry, Fisheries Division, MFPMEFE
Sita Kuruvilla, Fisheries Division, MFPMEFE
David Ramjohn, Fisheries Division, MFPMEFE
Anthony Nakhid, Fisheries Division, MFPMEFE
Wayne Jittan, Institute of Marine Affairs
Max Sturm, Fisheries Division, MFPMEFE
Ronald Chan-A-Shing, Fisheries Training and Development Institute

From Venezuela:

Leo W. Gonzalez, Diana Zaera.

From FAO:

Alvaro Abella

The scientific staff from IMR was:

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