Mesopelagic fish off Mozambique

Abstract

The mesopelagic fauna off Mozambique was studied on five cruises of R.V. "Dr. Fridtjof Nansen" during 1977 and 1978. It primarily consisted of Myctophids. At most stations, Benthosema fibulatum or Diaphus spp. were dominant. The abundance was estimated using a 38 kHz echo sounder and electronic integrators. In a zone from the shore to about 200 nautical miles (n. miles) about 5 to 9 million tonnes of mesopelagic fish were estimated to be present. No seasonal variation in abundance was observed. Catch rates were generally low.