South Coast Demersal Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 111, April 1993

The South Coast Biomass Survey on the Africana Voyage 111 was conducted from 15 April 1993 to May 12 1993. The main objectives of the cruise were to conduct a stratified bottom trawl survey to assess the biomass, abundance and distribution of hake, sole, horse mackerel, squid and other trawl species on the Agulhas Bank; to investigate the hydrology and current profiles of the South Coast and to relate this to the distribution of the major demersal trawl species. This included five transects extending from specified points approximately perpendicular to the coastline out towards the shelf edge; a 'mini' CTD ransèct grid in the Cape St Francis area was also completed. To estimate the sex ratios of both hake species and the frequency of gill parasites; to do a selected number of deep bottom trawls (mid-water optional), to investigate the distribution and abundance of deep-water fauna. To conduct routine biological and length frequency sampling of demersal fish species and to sample squid intensively to establish their distribution and abundance on the South Coast. A collection of squid gonads for histological work, to sample for squid and other fish eggs and larvae using bongo nets, collection of rare fish samples and fish identification, to sample skates and other chondrichthyan species. A collection of the following specific material for land-based research: snoek gut contents, white stumpnose, rocks, sharks & rays, crabs and any other unusual specimens and to deploy concrete block anchors in Cape St Francis Bay.