The oceanographic conditions that obtained during the period of study are described. The study area is characterized by surface temperatures near 20°C and a sharp thermocline at a depth of 40 m. The temperature below 1000 m is less than 5°C. An episode of upwelling occurred during the period of study. The upwelled water was displaced by water characteristic of that found north of the Equatorial Front. The approximate position of the Equatorial Front during the study period was 00° 15′ S latitude.