One of the tasks undertaken by the EAF-Nansen Project is to provide a solid basis of knowledge resulting from a continuous ecosystem assessment and monitoring. This is to assist decision-makers to come up with policies and decisions consistent with the ecosystem approach to fisheries.
The Northwest Africa ecosystem survey is being carried out as a partnership between the EAF-Nansen project and the Canary Current Large Marine Ecosystem (CCLME) project. The survey can be followed step by step thanks to the publication of weekly diaries which can be accessed at the following link:
The survey which started on 20th of October will last for 62 days and is to cover the continental shelf area from Conakry, Guinea (in the south) to the Strait of Gibraltar (in the north). Thirty-two scientists and technicians from 8 countries will be on the cruises.
Progress reports on the survey, preliminary findings, developments and interesting pictures of the activities are provided weekly in the diaries.
The R/V Dr. Fritjof Nansen is one of the principal tools for the EAF Nansen Project. The vessel, built in 1994, is dedicated to carry out resources and ecosystem surveys in partner countries in Africa, resulting in a strengthened knowledge base for the furtherance of EAF. Data collected from these surveys are used to gain knowledge on the elements of the marine ecosystem and to support management decisions. The R/V “Dr. Fritjof Nansen” is owned by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), but is manned and operated by IMR, Bergen, Norway on behalf of the EAF-Nansen project.
The EAF-Nansen project supports partnership arrangements with other projects or programs with similar goals and objectives, with the aim to ensure a consistent and strengthened effort to achieve the goals of sustainable management of the fisheries and ecosystems in Africa.
The surveys under the EAF-Nansen project are therefore carried out in partnership and through costs sharing arrangements with other projects such as the LME projects around Africa. Access to the vessel and the cost to the partners are determined by a minimum set of conditions.
Survey information sheets are available for the following years:
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Download the 2011 cruise report overview (PDF)
Survey No
Title
(No of days)
2011 BCC SURVEY
Transboundary survey between Namibia and South Africa with Focus on the shared stocks of deep water hake
20 January – 16 February
(28)
South Africa
Namibia
BCRE, South Africa
NatMIRC, Namibia
IMR, Norway,
ZMT Bremen, Germany
To plan and conduct a transboundary survey from Port Alfred to Orange River to produce distribution maps and abundance estimates of the two species of hake to be later merged with similar data from a co-occurring Namibian national demersal survey, to enable complete mapping and assessment of shared stocks, thus providing a measure of the degree of sharing of the stocks at the time of the survey.
To collect data on the maturity stages of the hakes to check for possible spawning activity.
To collect other relevant data to better understand the environment impact on the distribution of hakes, and the fish community structure in the distribution areas of the hake.
20114 02
Survey of the fish pelagic resources of Angola
17 February- 19 March
(30)
Angola
INIP, Angola
IMR, Norway
To estimate the abundance and map the distribution of the main commercially important pelagic and semi-pelagic fish species in Angolan waters, including the two sardinella species Sardinella aurita and Sardinella maderensis, the Cunene horse mackerel Trachurus trecae, the Cape horse mackerel Trachurus capensis and other clupeid and carangid pelagic species.
To collect stomachs from both horse mackerel species for analyses of diet composition.
To collect stomachs and otoliths from both sardinellas species for analyses of diet composition and length-age relationships.
To collect depth-stratified samples of zoo- and phytoplankton in order to continue the studies on feeding biology, relating stomach contents to estimated zooplankton compositions and densities.
To map the general meteorological, hydrographical and biological conditions in the survey area by means of continuous recordings of weather data, CTD-casts (Temperature, Salinity and Oxygen), ADCP measurements (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) and plankton sampling along acoustical and hydrographical transect lines.
On-the-job training of cruise participants on the main survey routines, including using the Nansis database and scrutinizing acoustical data using IMR post-processing system, the Large Scale Survey System (LSSS).
To collect seal scats from the breeding fur seal colonies (with pups) in the Tiger Bay area in order to study their diet composition as basis for subsequent evaluations of their impact on the fish communities in the region.
20114 03
Survey of the Demersal Resources of Angola
20 March – 9 April
(21)
Angola
INIP, Angola
IMR, Norway
To map and describe the distribution, composition and abundance of the main demersal species, with emphasis on seabreams (Sparidae), croakers (Sciaenidae),grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae), hakes (Merlucciidae), cephalopods and shrimps (Parapenaeus longirostris and Aristeus varidens) on the Angolan shelf and slope (down to 800 m), from Benguela (12°35’S) to Congo River (06°00’S) using bottom trawl and the swept-area method. Due to time constraints, it had been agreed to cover the southern region from Tombua (15°40’S) to Cunene River (17°14’S) at the end of the pelagic survey in July-August.
To collect biological data such as length, weight, sex and maturity stage of Dentex macrophthalmus, D. angolensis, Pagellus bellottii, Pseudotolithus senegalensis,Umbrina canariensis, Merluccius polli, Brachydeuterus auritus, A. varidens, P.longirostris, Chaceon maritae, Panulirus regius and cephalopods.
To collect stomach contents for D. angolensi, Merluccius polli, P. senegalensis, U. canariensis and B. auritus, for subsequent analyses in the INIP Lab.
To monitor the general hydrographical conditions using thermosalinograph and CTD sondeon trawl station and map the temperature, salinity and oxygen.
To carry out four monitoring lines (Namibe, Lobito, Palmerinhas and Congo River mouth) using INIP’s new standard hydrographical profiles for collection of temperature, salinity and oxygen, water nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton.
20114 04
Environment monitoring Ghana
19 April – 7 May
(19)
Ghana
Waiting for final report
20114 05
Marine Environmental Survey of bottom fauna, selected physical and chemical compounds and fisheries survey in the JDZ between Nigeria and São Tomé & Principe
9 May – 27 May
(19)
São Tomé and Principe,
Nigeria
JDA, São Tomé and Nigeria
Uni Research AS, Norway
University of Bergen, Norway
Establish what fisheries and sediment resources exist in the JDZ and their commercial value
Perform environmental monitoring of the areas of the JDZ where petroleum activities have occurred with incidences recorded
Conduct an assessment of fish, zooplankton and phytoplankton biodiversity in the JDZ
Carry out an oceanographic and bathymetric mapping to improve knowledge and achieve date for map production: as well as an assessment of fish biodiversity in the JDZ
20114 06
CCLME Ecosystem Survey
4 – 18 June
(16)
Cape Verde
Instituto Nacional De Desenvolvimento Das Pescas, Cape Verde
Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Spain
Old Dominion University, USA
National Institute of Fisheries Research, Morocco
Universidade de Cabo Verde
IMR, Norway
CCLME
To determine the distribution and abundance of small pelagic fish resources along the coast of Cape Verde using acoustics methods and a systematic grid survey strategy.
Obtain information on demersal fish abundance and biodiversity by demersal trawling where bottom-trawlable conditions exist.
To use regular midwater and bottom trawls on target fish aggregations for species composition, biological information and genetic material of selected small pelagic fishes for fisheries resource assessment purposes.
To establish as far as possible the distribution, abundance and composition of other organisms at a number of trophic levels along the shelf. (Phytoplankton, zooplankton, cetaceans and sea birds, and benthos biodiversity).
Capacity building of CCLME and Cape Verdean trainees and young scientists.
20114 07
Survey of the pelagic fish resources off North West Africa. Senegal – The Gambia – Guinea Bissau – Guinea
22 June – 7 July
(17)
Senegal
The Gambia
Guinea Bissau
Guinea
Centre de Recherches Océanographiques de Dakar-Thiaroye (CRODT), Senegal
Department of Fisheries (FD), The Gambia
Centro de Investigacao Pesqueira Aplicada (CIPA), Guinea Bissau
Centre National des Sciences Halieutique de Boussoura (CNSHB), Guinea
Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway
To map the distribution and estimate the biomass for the main small pelagic fish using hydro-acoustic methods. The species of interest were: sardinellas (Sardinella aurita) and (Sardinella maderensis), horse mackerel (T. trecae), false scad (Decapterus rhonchus), and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus).
To identify and describe the size distribution of the target fish populations by midwater and bottom trawl sampling and process the catches by recording weight and number by species.
Collect biological data of the main target species, especially Sardinella aurita, S. maderensis and T. trecae.
To sample standard hydrographical transects for temperature, salinity and oxygen.
To train local participants in acoustic survey methodology including fish identification and sampling, scrutinizing of echograms, hydrographic sampling and abundance estimation.
20114 08
Survey of the small pelagic resources of Angola and Namibia
18 July – 28 August
(30+12)
Angola
Namibia
Report in Luanda for Revision
20114 09
2011 BCC Survey, Survey to determine spawning of the deep water hake M. paradoxus in the Northern Benguela Region off Namibia
26 September – 8 October
(13)
Namibia
BCRE, South Africa
NatMIRC, Namibia
IMR, Norway
ZMT Bremen, Germany
to conduct bottom trawling between 400 and 1000 m depth, largely based on positions trawled on during the annual hake survey
to sample the adult population of M. paradoxus and inspect maturity stages in order to identify spawning fish and locate potential spawning locations geographically
to conduct multisampler stations at < 500 m bottom depth in order to collect hake eggs and
larvae and identify potential spawning areas geographically
to collect gonad samples of M. paradoxus for later histological analysis
to collect environmental and hydroacoustic data to improve our understanding of the link between the environment and the distribution of the hakes, and the fish community structure in the distribution areas of the hake.
20114 10
Regional Ecosystem baseline survey from Guinea to Morocco
20 October – 21 December
(63 days)
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Senegal
The Gambia
Mauritania
Morocco
Report in preparation
]]>
Download the 2010 cruise report overview (PDF)
Survey No
Title
(No of days)
20104 01
BCC Survey No.1
Transboundary Survey Between Namibia and South Africa with Focus on the Shares Stocks of Deep Water Hake
7 January – 28 February
(53)
South Africa, Namibia
MCM, IMR, Bergen, Norway
To plan and conduct a transboundary survey from Port Alfred to Orange River to produce distribution maps and abundance estimates of the two species of hake to be later merged with similar data from a co-occurring Namibian national demersal survey, to enable complete mapping and assessment of shared stocks, thus providing a measure of the degree of sharing of the stocks at the time of the survey.
To collect data on the maturity stages of the hakes to check for possible spawning activity.
To collect other relevant data to better understand the environment impact on the distribution of hakes, and the fish community structure in the distribution areas of the hake.
20104 02
Survey of the Fish Resources of Angola (Survey of demersal resources)
1-31 March 2010
(31)
Angola
INIP, Angola,
IMR, Bergen, Norway
To survey, map and describe the distribution, composition and abundance of the main demersal species, with special emphasis on seabreams (Sparidae), croakers(Sciaenidae), grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae), hakes (Merlucciidae) and shrimps (Parapenaeus longirostris and Aristeus varidens) on the Angolan shelf and slope (down to 800 m), from Cunene River (17°14'S) to Tombua* (15°40'S), and from Benguela (12°35'S) to Congo River (06°00'S) using bottom trawl and the swept-area method.
To collect biological data such as length, weight, sex and maturity stage of Dentex macrophthalmus, D. angolensis, Pagellus bellottii, Pseudotolithus senegalensis,Umbrina canariensis, Merluccius polli, Brachydeuterus auritus, A. varidens, P.longirostris, Chaceon maritae, Panulirus regius and Cephalopods.
To collect stomach contents for some species such as D. angolensis, P. bellottii, P.senegalensis, U. canariensis and B. auritus, for subsequent analyses at INIP.
To monitor the general hydrographical conditions using CTD-Sonde on each trawl station and map the temperature, salinity and oxygen.
To carry out four monitoring lines (Namibe, Lobito, Palmerinhas and Congo River mouth) using INIP's new standard hydrographical profiles for collection of temperature, salinity and oxygen, water nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton.
20104 03
Marine Environmental Survey of bottom sediments in Ghana
6 April – 27 April
(22)
Ghana
EPA, Ghana
UCC, Ghana
Survey Department, Ghana
University of Ghana,
Legon
Uni Research As, SAM-Marin, Norway
IMR, Bergen, Norway
Tullow Oil
The survey aims to contribute with essential information especially on the benthic communities and levels of contamination by hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the sediments to establish a baseline.
The objective is to provide relevant environmental monitoring, provide elements towards an environmental monitoring plan covering the areas of concern. This will help to understand the local and remote forcing conditions in order to apply appropriate measure to deal with an eventual oil spill.
20104 04
Survey of the Demersal Fish Resources of the outer shelf and slope off Ghana
29 April – 7 May
(8)
Ghana
IMR, Bergen, Norway
Marine Fisheries Research Division, Tema, Ghana
California Academy of Science, USA
To describe the distribution, composition and estimate the abundance of the main demersal species on the outer shelf and slope from 100 – 1000 m depth by a swept-area trawl programme
To collect zooplankton samples for distribution and abundance estimation
To map the general hydrographic regime along the survey transect
To provide on-the-job training to local participants in relation to the main survey routines
20104 05
Survey of the Fish Resources of São Tomé & Principe
(Survey of the demersal resources)
7 May – 20 May
(14)
São Tomé & Principe
Direcção das Pescas, São Tomé and Príncipe
IMR, Bergen, Norway
California Academy of Sciences, USA
Describe the distribution, composition and estimate the abundance of the main demersal fish species on the shelf by a swept-area trawl programme
Map the general hydrographic regime by using a CTD to monitor the temperature, salinity and oxygen at bottom trawl stations and on hydrographical transects
Specially watch out for observed dead fish of the genus Lagocephalus
On-the-job training covering main survey routines
20104 06
Survey of the Pelagic Fish Resources of Gabon, Congo, DRC, Angola and Namibia
Part I: Gabon and Congo
18 June – 11 August
(12 days for the Part I – 55 days in total )
Gabon
Congo
GCLME and BCC Area
IMR, Bergen, Norway
Direction Générale des Pêches et de l’Aquaculture, Gabon.
Direction Générale de la Pêche Maritime, Congo
Department of Biology, University of Kinshasa and ISP-Gombe, R.D. Congo. Department of Biology, UPN, Kinshasa, R.D. Congo.
Direcçaò das Pescas, São Tomé e Príncipe.
Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos.
Department of Oceanography and Fisheries, University of Ghana.
UNIDO/GCLME, RCU, Ghana.
Instituto Nacional de Investigação das Pescas (INIP), Angola
Estimate the abundance and to map the distribution of the main commercially important pelagic and semi-pelagic fish species in the region, including the two sardinella species Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis, the Cunene horse mackerel Trachurus trecae and other pelagic species.
Collect stomach contents and gonads of important pelagic fish species in the region to increase knowledge on feeding and reproductive pattern
Map the general meteorological, hydrographical and biological conditions in the survey area by means of continuous recordings of weather data, CTD-casts (Temperature, Salinity and Oxygen), ADCP measurements (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) and plankton sampling along acoustical and hydrographical transect lines.
Collect bottom sediment samples.
On-the-job training for the local and regional participants on the main survey routines.
20104 07
Survey of the demersal resources on the western slope of St. Brandon and Nazareth Bank, Mauritius
16 – 25 September
(10)
Mauritius
Ministry of Fisheries and Rodriguez, Mauritius
IMR, Bergen, Norway
Describe the distribution, composition and estimate the abundance of the main demersal fish species on the shelf and slope by acoustic surveying and fish identification from fish traps and trawls
Map the general hydrographic regime by using a CTD to monitor the temperature, salinity and oxygen at bottom trawl stations and on hydrographical transects along the shelf
On-the-job training covering main survey routines
20104 08
Pakistan Pelagic Resources
11 – 31 October
(21)
Pakistan
Report not available
20104 09
Pakistan Demersal Resources
1– 21 November
(21)
Pakistan
Report not available
20104 10
SWIOFP / FAO 2010 Cruise 1
( Mauritius and Southern Mascarene: Pelagic Ecosystem Survey)
7 – 21 December
(16)
Mauritius and Southern Mascarene Plateau
Ministry of Fisheries & Rodriguez, Mauritius
Seychelles Fishing Authority, Seychelles
Mauritius
Oceanography Institute, Mauritius
Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute, Kenya
Tanzania Fisheries Research Institute, Tanzania
Oceanographic Research Institute, Durban, South Africa and South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Project
IMR, Bergen, Norway
To determine the distribution and abundance of small pelagic fish resources along the coast of Mauritius and the in the continental shelf waters of Southern Mascarene using acoustics methods and a systematic grid survey strategy.
To use regular midwater trawls on target fish aggregations for species composition, biological information and genetic material of selected small pelagic fishes for fisheries resource assessment purposes.
To establish the distribution, abundance and composition of other organisms at a number of trophic levels along the shelf. (Phytoplankton, zooplankton, cetaceans and sea birds)
To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, biodiversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem.
To investigate mesopelagic and, where bottom-trawlable conditions exist, spot check demersal fish species diversity and abundance.
Where possible, link various sources of energy and nutrition to different food-web compartments.
Capacity building of SWIOFP and ASCLME trainees and young scientists.
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| 2009 | ||||
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Dowload the KML file for view in Google Earth Dowload the 2009 cruise report overview (PDF)
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|
Survey No |
Start/End dates (No of days) |
Countries | Partners | Survey objectives |
|
20094 01 BCC Survey N.1 |
7 January 20 February (43)
|
South Africa Namibia |
MCM, South Africa, IMR; Institute of Marine Research, Norway, |
To plan and conduct a transboundary survey from Cape Agulhas to Orange River to produce distribution maps and abundance estimates of the two species of hake to be later merged with similar data from a co-occurring Namibian national demersal survey, to enable complete mapping and assessment of shared stocks, thus providing a measure of the degree of sharing of the stocks at the time of the survey. To collect data on the maturity stages of the hakes to check for possible spawning activity. To do an acoustic mini-survey off Hondeklip Bay to map aggregations of pelagic juvenile hake. To collect other relevant data to better understand the environment impact on the distribution of hakes, and the fish community structure in the distribution areas of the hake |
|
20094 02 BCC Survey N.2 |
21 February 5 March (13)
|
Namibia, South Africa, Orange Banks Area |
MCM, NatMIRC, IMR; Institute of Marine Research, Norway, |
To survey, map and describe the distribution, composition and abundance of the main demersal species, with special emphasis on seabreams (Sparidae), croakers (Sciaenidae), grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae), hakes (Merlucciidae) and shrimps (Parapenaeus longirostris and Aristeus varidens) on the Angolan shelf and slope (down to 800 m), from Cunene River (17°14‟S) to Tombua (15°40‟S), and from Benguela (12°35‟S) to Congo River (06°00‟S) using bottom trawl and the swept-area method. To collect biological data as length, weight, sex and maturity of Dentex macrophthalmus, D. angolensis, Pagellus bellottii, Pseudotolithus typus, Merluccius polli, A. varidens, P. longirostris, Chaceon maritae and Panulirus regius, and to collect the stomach contents and gonads for some species such as Dentex angolensis, Pagellus bellottii, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Umbrina canariensis and Brachydeuterus auritus, for future analyses in the INIP Lab. To monitor the general hydrographic conditions using a CTD-sonde on each trawl station and map the temperature, salinity and oxygen along standard INIP hydrographic profiles. |
| 20094 03
Angola Demersal |
11 March 7 April (27) |
Namibia, Angola |
NIP, Angola IMR; Institute of Marine Research, Norway, |
The objectives of the cruise had been previously discussed and agreed upon by the responsible of the Demersal Programme of the Instituto Nacional de Investigação das Pescas (INIP), of Angola, and the responsible from the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), Norway, for the Angolan Demersal Programme, and were the following: 1. To survey, map and describe the distribution, composition and abundance of the main demersal species, with special emphasis on seabreams (Sparidae), croakers (Sciaenidae), grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae), hakes (Merlucciidae) and shrimps (Parapenaeus longirostris and Aristeus varidens) on the Angolan shelf and slope (down to 800 m), from Cunene River (17°14’S) to Tombua* (15°40’S), and from Benguela (12°35’S) to Congo River (06°00’S) using bottom trawl and the swept-area method. 2. To collect biological data as length, weight, sex and maturity of Dentex macrophthalmus, D. angolensis, Pagellus bellottii, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Umbrina canariensis, Merluccius polli, Brachydeuterus auritus, A. varidens, P. longirostris, Chaceon maritae, Panulirus regius and Cephalopods. 4. To monitor the general hydrographical conditions using CTD-Sonde on each trawl station and map the temperature, salinity and oxygen. 5. To realize four monitoring lines (Namibe, Lobito, Palmerinhas and Congo River mouth) using new standard INIP hydrographical profiles for collection of temperature, salinity and oxygen, water nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton and sediments (Congo River only). |
|
20094 04 Angola Environment |
14 April 28 April
|
Angola |
UNIP, UNIFOB AS, IMR; Institute of Marine Research, Norway, |
The monitoring survey will hopefully enhanced the understanding of the nature and extend the knowledge of how the offshore oil activities can affect the marine ecosystem. This first survey will hopefully contribute with valuable information especially on the benthic communities and levels of contamination by hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the sediments. The Angolan Multisectoral Group of Experts has divided activities in two phases: 1) The first phase is to Elaboration the Angolan Environmental legislation for Monitoring of offshore oil activities. The Ministry of the Urbanism and Environment coordinates this activity with assistance from the Ministry of Petroleum and Ministry of the Fisheries. 2) The second phase is the Monitoring Strategies which is coordinated by the Ministry of Fisheries (National Institute of Fisheries Research). |
|
20094 05 Ghana Environment |
3 May 16 May (6) |
Ghana |
IMR, UNIFOB AS, EPA, University of Ghana, University of Cape West, Tullow Oil, Survey Department, Ghana, SAM, Norway |
The survey aims to contribute with essential information especially on the benthic communities and levels of contamination by hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the sediments to establish a baseline. The objective is to provide relevant environmental monitoring, provide elements towards an environmental monitoring plan covering the areas of concern. This will help to understand the local and remote forcing conditions in order to apply appropriate measure to deal with an eventual oil spill. |
|
20094 06 Gabon-N Namibia Pelagic |
24 May 4 July |
Gabon, Namibia |
|
|
|
20094 07 Noth Monzambique |
6 August 20 August (15) |
Mozambique |
ASCLME, SWIOFI |
To carry out a multi-disciplinary cruise that investigates the physic-chemical processes along the Mozambican Shelf. To establish the distribution and composition of organisms at a number of trophic levels along the shelf. To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, diversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem. To survey for bottom suitable for demersal trawling and investigate the demersal fish biodiversity from bottom trawl samples. To establish the role of the shelf region and terrestrial input in linking coastal and pelagic biomes (coupling). To investigate the role of coastal currents as dispersal agents. To investigate mesopelagic fish species diversity and abundance. To link various sources of energy and nutrition to different food-web compartments. Capacity building of ASCLME and SWIOFP trainees & young scientists. |
|
20094 08 Western Madagascar |
26 August 3 October (40) |
West Madagascar |
ASCLME, SWIOFI, IMR |
To carry out a multi-disciplinary cruise that investigates the physico-chemical processes and fisheries potential of small pelagic fishes along the southern and west Madagascar Shelf.
To use regular midwater trawls on target fish aggregations for species composition, biological information and genetic material of selected small pelagic fishes for fisheries resource assessment purposes. To establish the distribution, abundance and composition of organisms at a number of trophic levels along the shelf. To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, biodiversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem. To establish the role of the shelf region and terrestrial input in linking coastal and pelagic biomes (coupling). To investigate the role of coastal currents as dispersal agents. To investigate mesopelagic and, if trawlable conditions exist, demersal fish species diversity and abundance To link various sources of energy and nutrition to different food-web compartments. Capacity building of ASCLME and SWIOFP trainees and young scientists. |
|
20094 09 Comores |
5 October 3 November (29) |
Comores |
ASCLME, SWIOFI, IMR |
To carry out a multi-disciplinary cruise that investigates the physico-chemical processes and fisheries potential of small pelagic fishes in the Comoros Basin. To establish the distribution, abundance and composition of organisms at a number of trophic levels in the Comoros Basin. To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, diversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem. To establish the role of the island shelf region and terrestrial input in linking coastal and pelagic biomes (coupling). To investigate the role of the Comoros Gyre as a dispersal agent. To investigate mesopelagic and, if trawlable conditions exist, demersal fish species diversity and abundance. To determine the distribution and abundance of small pelagic fish shoals around the islands of the Union of Comoros and Mayotte using acoustics methods and a systematic grid survey strategy. To use regular surface and midwater trawls on target fish aggregations for species composition, biological information and genetic material of selected small pelagic fishes for fisheries resource assessment purposes. To link various sources of energy and nutrition to different food-web compartments. Capacity building of ASCLME and SWIOFP trainees & young scientists. |
|
20094 10 Southern Seamounts |
IUCN, ASCLME |
The cruise was aimed at • Collect physical and biological observations and samples along the South West Indian Ocean Ridge, targeting five seamounts, two of which were SIODFA voluntary benthic protected areas, the others of which had been previously targeted by fishing. • Analyse the physical structure and changes in phytoplankton communities • Analyse the structure of the water column • Observe the influence of tides on the water masses immediately around each seamount • Analyse the relative biomass and movements of the deep-scattering layers and fish shoals on and off seamounts • Analyse samples of chlorophyll, phytoplankton and micro- and mesozooplankton taken with phytoplankton, bongo and multinets • Establish the boundaries of the Agulhas-Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem (ASCLME) |
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Dowload the KML file for view in Google Earth
Dowload the 2008 cruise report overview (PDF)
Survey No
Title
(No of days)
20084 01
Regional Hake
“Transboundary survey between Namibia and South Africa with focus on the shared stocks of deep water hake”
7 January
26 February
(49)
South Africa
Namibia
MCM, South Africa,
NATMIRC, Namibia,
IMR, Norway
To plan and conduct a transboundary survey from Cape Agulhas to Orange River to produce distribution maps and abundance estimates of the two species of hake to be later merged with similar data from a co-occurring Namibian national demersal survey, to enable complete mapping and assessment of shared stocks, thus providing a measure of the degree of sharing of the stocks at the time of the survey.
To do plankton sampling at transects off Hondeklip Bay and between Orange River and Lüderitz to check for retentions areas for eggs and larvae and local spawning of hake respectively.
To collect data on the maturity stages of the hakes to check for possible spawning activity.
To do an acoustic mini-survey of Hondeklip Bay to map aggregations of pelagic juvenile hake.
To collect other relevant data to better understand the environment impact on the distribution of hakes, and the fish community structure in the distribution areas of the hake. The environment data will be analysed later
20084 02
Survey of the demersal resources of Angola
10 March
13 April
(34)
INIP, Angola
IMR, Norway
To survey, map and describe the distribution, composition and abundance of the main demersal species, with special emphasis on seabreams (Sparidae), croakers (Sciaenidae), grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae), hakes (Merlucciidae) and shrimps (Parapenaeus longirostris and Aristeus varidens) on the Angolan shelf and slope (down to 800 m), from Cunene River (17°14‟S) to Tombua (15°40‟S), and from Benguela (12°35‟S) to Congo River (06°00‟S) using bottom trawl and the swept-area method.
To collect biological data as length, weight, sex and maturity of Dentex macrophthalmus, D. angolensis, Pagellus bellottii, Pseudotolithus typus, Merluccius polli, A. varidens, P. longirostris, Chaceon maritae and Panulirus regius, and to collect the stomach contents and gonads for some species such as Dentex angolensis, Pagellus bellottii, Pseudotolithus senegalensis, Umbrina canariensis and Brachydeuterus auritus, for future analyses in the INIP Lab.
To monitor the general hydrographic conditions using a CTD-sonde on each trawl station and map the temperature, salinity and oxygen along standard INIP hydrographic profiles.
20084 03
Environmental survey Angola
IMR, Norway
UiB, Norway
INIP, Angola
MinPet Angola
MinUeA, Angola
Agostinho Neto University, Angola,
BCLME,
GCLME,
Chevron.
20084 04
Pelagic Gabon-Namibia
3 May
13 May
(10)
Direction Générale de la pêche et l’Aquaculture, Gabon,
Direction Générale de la Pêche et de l’Aquaculture, Congo,
Direction des pêches. Ministère de l’agriculture et developpement rural, R.D. Congo,
IMR, Bergen, University of Bergen, Norway.
To estimate the abundance and to map the distribution of the main commercially important pelagic and semi-pelagic fish species in the region waters, including the two sardinella species Sardinella aurita and S. maderensis, the Cunene horse mackerel Trachurus trecae and other pelagic species.
To map the general meteorological, hydrographical and biological conditions in the survey area by means of continuous recordings of weather data, CTD-casts (Temperature, Salinity and Oxygen), ADCP measurements (Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler) and plankton sampling along acoustical and hydrographical transect lines.
To collect bottom sediment samples to map the benthic biodiversity in the region.
On-the-job training for the local and regional participants on the main survey routines, including using the Nansis and Hydrobase software, scrutinizing acoustical data with the latest Norwegian post-processing system, Large Scale Survey System (LSSS), and producing acoustical biomass estimates.
20084 05
ASCLME Madagascar
24 August
1 October
(38)
ASCLME; Agulas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems project,
CNRO; Centre National de Recherches Océanographiques,
IHSM; Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines,
IMR; Institute of Marine Research, Norway,
ORI; Oceanographic Research Institute, South Africa
RU; Rhodes University, South Africa,
UCT; University of Cape Town,
UWC; University of Western Cape
To carry out the first multi-disciplinary, quasi-synoptic cruise that encompasses the whole of the East Madagascar Current and the adjacent shelf.
To establish the distribution of organisms on a number of trophic levels and how these are affected by the prevailing current system.
To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, biodiversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem.
To determine the nature of the South Equatorial Current as a driving force for the marine ecosystem east of Madagascar and its interaction with the northern branch of the East Madagascar Current.
To determine the nature of the termination of the southern branch of the East Madagascar Current south of Madagascar.
To undertake preliminary investigations of species diversity in the demersal fish fauna.
To fulfil the data management agreement contained in Annex V.
20084 06
ASCLME Mauritius
4 October
7 October
(4)
ACEP; African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme,
ASCLME; Agulas and Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystems project,
IMR; Institute of Marine Research, Norway,
MA-RE: Marine Research Institute, UCT,
OMI: Mauritius Oceanographic Institute,
SAEON: South African Environmental Observation Network,
SCMRT: Seychelles Centre for Marine Research & Technology, UCT;
University of Cape Town,
UWC; University of Western Cape.
To determine the nature of the South Equatorial Current as a driving force for the marine ecosystem by establishing the physical/chemical environment of Mauritius that will affect the nature and motion over the continental shelf of the island.
To determine the on- and offshore distribution of organisms on a number of trophic levels and how these are affected by the reigning current system.
To determine the biodiversity of the island’s marine ecosystem and its surroundings.
To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, biodiversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem.
To do preliminary investigations on species diversity on the demersal fish fauna over the Mascarene Plateau section.
To fulfil the data management agreement contained in Appendix IV.
20084 07
ASCLME Mascarene and Seychelles- Pemba
8 October,
27 November
(40)
ACEP: African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme,
ASCLME,
IMR,
ISAM: Iziko-South African Museum,
MA-RE: Marine Research Institute, UCT,
NOAA: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
OMI: Mauritius Oceanographic Institute,
RU: Rhodes University,
SAEON: South African Environmental Observation Network,
SAIAB: South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity,
SCMRT: Seychelles Centre for Marine Research & Technology,
SFA: Seychelles Fishing Authority,
UCT: University of Cape Town,
UM: University of Mauritius,
UWC: University of the Western Cape
To carry out the first multi-disciplinary cruise that encompasses the whole of the Mascarene Plateau and the adjacent basin.
To establish the distribution of organisms on a number of trophic levels and how these are affected by the reigning current system.
To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, biodiversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem.
To establish the interaction of the local currents and the ecosystem over the Mascarene Plateau.
To determine the nature of the South Equatorial Current as a driving force for the marine ecosystem of the Mascarene Plateau.
To investigate demersal fish species diversity.
To fulfil the data management agreement contained in Appendix A.
To deploy two ATLAS (Autonomous Temperature Line Acquisition System) moorings at 8°S; 55°E and 12°S; 55°E.
20084 08
ASCLME MozChann
28 November
17 December
(20)
ASCLME: Agulhas Somali Current Large Marine Ecosystem
BCRE: Bayworld Center for Research and Education
IHSM: Institut Halieutique et des Sciences Marines
IIP: Instituto de Investigacao Pesqueira
IMR: Institute of Marine Research, Norway
IRD: Institut de recherche pour le développement, France,
MCM: Marine and Coastal Management
NMMU: Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, SA
RU: Rhodes University,
SAIAB: South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
UB: Universitetet i Bergen, Norway,
UCT: University of Cape Town.
To carry out a multi-disciplinary cruise that investigates the physico-chemical processes that result in eddies subsidising the regional “Life-support System”.
To establish the distribution and composition of organisms at a number of trophic levels relative to eddies positions.
To establish, as far as possible, the productivity, diversity and biomass of the pelagic ecosystem.
To establish the role of eddies in linking coastal and pelagic biomes (coupling).
To define the physical and chemical nature of mesoscale anomalies.
To investigate the role of eddies as dispersal agents.
To investigate mesopelagic fish species diversity and abundance.
To link various sources of energy and nutrition to different food-web compartments.
Capacity building of ASCLME and SWIOPF trainees & young scientists.
To fulfil the data management agreement contained in Appendix A.
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Dowload the 2007 cruise report overview (PDF)
Survey No
Title
(No of days)
20074 01
BENEFIT Survey N.1 (Regional Hake)
10 January
5 February
(27)
South Africa,
Namibia
MCM,
UCT,
IMR,
Univ of Bremen,
BCLME,
Norad
Plan and conduct a transboundary survey from Cape Agulhas to Orange River to produce distribution maps and abundance estimates of the two species of hake
Do plankton sampling eggs and larvae
Collect data on the maturity stages of the hakes
20074 02
BENEFIT Survey N.2 (Hypoxic)
7 February
23 February
(17)
Namibia,
Angola
MCM, South Africa,
NatMIRC, Namibia,
INIP, Angola,
ZMT, Germany,
AWI – Germany,
MarZoo, Germany, and
IMR, Norway
Hydrographic Investigations
Zooplankton Studies
Distributional and physiological studies on Euphausiids
20074 03
BENEFIT survey N.3 Angola Demersal
24 February
25 March
(33)
Namibia,
Angola
INIP, Angola,
IMR, Norway
MCM, South Africa
To survey, map and describe the distribution, composition and abundance of the main demersal species
To collect biological data of the main demersal species for future analysis
To monitor the general hydrographic conditions using a CTD-sonde on each trawl stations and map the temperature, salinity and oxygen along standard INIP hydrographic profiles.
20074 04
BENEFIT SURVEY N. 4 (Hake early life)
30 March
16 April
(18)
Namibia
South Africa
Institute of Marine Research IMR, Norway,
MCM, South Africa University of Cape Town, South Africa
To plan and conduct a transboundary survey to produce Biology maps of eggs and larvae from M. capensis and M. paradoxus.
To sample the adult population of M. paradoxus.
To check the gonadosomatic index of a representative sample of the females.
To collect relevant environment data to better understand the environmental impact on the distribution of hakes and on the drift lanes for eggs and larvae.
To collect genetic samples of the two species of hake at adult and juvenile stage
Collect benthic samples to study the effects of trawling on the species
20074 05a
1)SURVEYS of the fish resources of the WESTERN GULF OF GUINEA
5 May
29 May
(24)
Institute of Marine Research (IMR) Norway,
CIPA, Guinea Bissau,
CNSHB, Guinea,
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Sierra Leone,
Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Liberia,
University of Ghana.
To map the distribution and estimate the acoustic abundance of the main pelagic species / groups in the region
To describe the distribution, composition and estimate the abundance of the main demersal species on the shelf by a swept-area trawl programme • to collect bottom sediment samples to map the benthic biodiversity in the region.
To collect zooplankton samples for distribution and species identification
To map the general hydrographic regime by using a CTD-sonde to monitor the temperature, salinity and oxygen at bottom trawl stations
on-the-job training on the main survey routines
20074 05b
2)SURVEYS of the fish resources of the EASTERN GULF OF GUINEA
3 June
6 July
(33)
University of Ghana,
Centre de Recherches Océanologiques, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire,
Ministry of Fisheries, Ghana,
Division des Pêches et de l’Aquaculture, Lomé,
Centre de Recherches Halieutiques et Oceanologiques du Bénin,
Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research,
Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal industry, Cameroon,
SRHOL, Cameroon,
Ministerio de Pesca y Medio Ambiente, Equatorial Guinea,
Direction Générale de la Pêche et de l’Aquaculture, Gabon,
Direction Générale de la Pêche et de l’Aquaculture, Congo,
University of Bergen, Norway,
IMR, Norway
To map the distribution and estimate the acoustic abundance of the main pelagic fish species / groups in the region
To describe the distribution, composition and estimate the abundance of the main demersal fish species on the shelf by a swept-area trawl programme
To collect stomach samples of commercial important fish species to increase knowledge on food and feeding habits
To collect bottom sediment samples to map the benthic biodiversity in the region.
To collect phytoplankton and zooplankton samples for distribution and species identification
To map the general hydrographic regime by using a CTD to monitor the temperature, salinity and oxygen at bottom trawl stations and on hydrographical transects
on-the-job training of local participants covering main survey routines
20074 06
Survey of the fish resources of Angola
7 July
10 august
(33)
Instituto Nacional de Investigação Pesqueira, Luanda, Angola,
IMR, Norway
To estimate the abundance and to map the distribution of the main commercially important pelagic and semi-pelagic fish species in Angolan waters.
To collect gonads, stomachs and otoliths from both horse mackerel and sardinella species, and to collect depth stratified samples of zoo and phytoplankton in order to continue the studies on feeding biology, relating stomach contents to estimated zooplankton compositions and densities.
To map the general meteorological, hydrographical and biological conditions in the survey area.
On-the-job training for the local and regional participants on the main survey routines.
20074 07
Hake Multidisciplinary SA
14 September
21 September
(8)
MCM, South Africa
NATMIRC, Namibia
IMR, Norway
This is a short survey to compensate for loss of time due to technical fault during survey 2007404. The results are included in the report of survey 2007404
20074 08
Survey of the Living Marine Resources of Mozambique
27 September
21 December
(84)
IIP, Mozambique
IMR, Norway
Ecosystem survey • to map the distribution and estimate the acoustic abundance of the main pelagic species / groups in Mozambique. • to describe the distribution, composition and estimate the abundance of the main demersal species on the shelf by the swept-area trawl method. • to collect bottom sediment samples to record the benthic biodiversity at specific locations. • to collect zooplankton samples for distribution and species identification. • to map the general hydrographic regime by using a CTD and a surface salinograph to monitor the temperature, salinity, oxygen and fluorescence at bottom trawl stations and on specific hydrographical transects. • on-the-job training on the main survey routines Special studies • Special studies in areas off Quirimbas and Bazaruto national parks (including detailed 3D bottom topography mapping, benthos and sediment sampling, UW photography/video). • Baseline pollution assessments based on the above mentioned studies (sediment analyses) • More detailed survey of the St. Lazarus Bank and other banks /sea mounts in the Mozambican channel (during return to Maputo at the end of the cruise). Additional priorities, after internal discussions at IIP with commercial stakeholders and other partners, included also current measurements around the Saint Lazarus Bank. It was also stressed from Mozambique that the whole survey should have a broad focus on public outreach and on international cooperation.
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Dowload the 2005-2006 cruise report overview (PDF)
Survey No
Title
(No of days)
2006401
10 January
22 January
(13)
2006402
Benefit
SA West Coast – Hake
27 January
26 February
(30)
2006403
Demersal Resources
28 March
31 March
(4)
Angola Investigate on demersal resources
2006404
Oil Fish Impact Training
1 April
19 April
(19)
2006405
Fish Resources
28 April
16 May
(19)
Guinea Bissau,
Liberia
2006406
Fish Resources
18 May
7 June
(20)
Côte d’Ivoire, Benin
2006407
Fish Resources
9 June
20 July
(42)
Nigeria, Congo
2006408
Pelagic Resources
21 July
21 August
(31)
Angola
2005409
Efficiency Bottom Trawl
28 August
17 September
(21)
2005410
Orange River
26 September
17 October
(23)
BCLME
2005411
Pelagic Resources
30 October
20 December
(52)
North West Africa