Report of the fifth meeting of the Planning Group for the Coordination of Acoustic Surveys off Northwest Africa : Dakar, Senegal, 29-30 October 2006

All of the local research vessels had carried out acoustic surveys since the 2005 meeting of the Planning group. The analysis of the results of the coordinated parallel survey carried out in the fourth quarter of 2005 had shown that the variability of the allocation of recorded acoustic energy between the local vessels and the R/V DR FRIDTJOF NANSEN had been within acceptable limits. One coordinated survey was also carried out between the R/V ITAF DEME of Senegal and the R/V AL AWAM of Mauritania however no common report had been produced. The importance of doing so in the future was stressed. The countries are still working to find solutions with respect to problems related to noise levels and trawling as well as to ensure adequate funding for vessel operations. A plan to conduct a coordinated regional survey in October-December to continue the time series started with the R/V DR. FRIDTJOF NANSEN was made. - Tous les navires de recherche locaux ont conduit des campagnes acoustiques depuis la reunion du Groupe de planification de 2005. L'analyse des resultats de la campagne coordonnee parallele qui a ete conduite pendant le quatrieme trimestre de l'annee 2005 a montre que la variabilite dans l'allocation des energies acoustiques enregistrees entre les bateaux locaux et le N/R DR. FRIDTJOF NANSEN est restee dans des limites acceptables. Une campagne coordonnee a aussi ete conduite entre le N/R ITAF DEME du Senegal et le N/R AL AWAM de Mauritanie, cependant aucun rapport n'a ete produit. L'importance de le faire dans le futur a ete soulignee. Les pays travaillent toujours pour trouver des solutions aux problemes lies aux niveaux de bruit et chalutage ainsi que pour assurer des fonds adequats pour les operations des navires. Un plan de conduite de coordination de la campagne regionale d'octobre-decembre pour continuer la serie commencee avec le N/R DR. FRIDTJOF NANSEN a ete mis en oeuvre"