A transboundary study of the pelagic fish stocks of southern

Abstract

The main objectives of the survey were the following: • To map the distribution and estimate the abundance of the most commercially important pelagic species in the Namibia-Angola transboundary area (15°50-19°00’), following the survey design utilized in Angolan waters (6 n.mi spacing between transect lines), with special emphasis on the two horse mackerel Cunene horse mackerel (Trachurus trecae) and Cape horse mackerel (Trachurus capensis), sardine “Pilchard” (Sardinops sagax) and other small pelagic species, including anchovy (Engraulis capensis) and round herring (Etrumeus whiteheadi). • To map the distributions and estimate the abundance of the same species in central Namibia south to Dune Point (20°15’ S), following the established survey design with 10 n.mi spacing between the transect lines. • To study and analyse the biological state of the main species, including length frequencies, length-weight relationships, reproductive stages and length-at-maturity. • To map the meteorological and hydrographical conditions in the survey area by means of continuous recordings of weather data such as Sea-surface temperature (SST), Seasurface salinity (SSS), wind