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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 December 2011
The dependence of commercial marine species upon the type of bottom topography is well known. This factor has always been taken into consideration in fishing, and adequate knowledge of it has often contributed to the success of fishing operations. Experience shows that fisheries development requires more complete information on bottom topography and sediments, not only for navigational needs (met mainly by the hydrographic service) but also for finding areas rich in fish and other commercial organisms, which are suitable for conducting fishing operations. Without knowledge of the sea-bed topography it is impossible to give a full oceanographic description of a water body, or to understand the characteristic features of the distribution of commercial species and the organisms on which they feed, or to estimate commercial resources correctly and to exploit them systematically.