The distribution of acoustic energy, area backscattering, are shown in Figures 5 and 6. The acoustic energy is dominated by pelagic species as sardines, anchovies, carangids and scombrids. The contributions of demersal species are minor. The dominating pelagic species are indicated in the Figures. The highest abundance was found around Margarita Island and in the Gulf of Venezuela. The distribution is conformable with the results of previous surveys, however, the area of high abundance is larger indicating a higher biomass estimate of the pelagic stocks. In general the registrations were highest on the shelf decreasing on the slope to zero in deep waters. The abundance was low from the Tortuga Island to the Peninsula de Paraguana. The integration was carried out in good weather with good acoustic conditions except when surveying the Golf of Venezuela Some parts of the tracks in this area could not be integrated due to strong wind and the abundance of the pelagic stocks in the Golf is likely to be underestimated. The catch rates of pelagic species in demersal and pelagic trawling are not representative of abundance and should not be compared with the distribution of acoustic energy. Judging from the catches and the netsonde recordings an improvement in the catchability is indicated in the pelagic trawling during night time. Attempts carried out during day time on shoals belived to be sardine gave negative results due to strong avoidance reactions to the trawl. Increased catchability during pelagic trawling at night time should not be expected with this type of trawl. The catches in the pelagic hauls are given in Appendix 3. Length frequency distribution of some of main pelagic species are shown in Appendix 4.
