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[[underlined]]INTRODUCTION[[/underlined]]

    From March to August 1948, I was the guest of the Arabian American Oil Company, better known as ARAMCO, at Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The purpose of my visit was to aid in a fish survey of the waters of the Persian Gulf adjacent to Ras Tanura. As a member of the staff of the Smithsonian Institution part of my work consisted of collecting fishes and other marine animals and plants for the U. S. National Museum.
    ARAMCO was interested in the local fish supply in order to supplement the food of company employees. An experienced fisherman was hired by the company to direct the survey, and the cooperation of regular employees was voluntarily offered. 

Practical results of the survey were as follows: 

1. The const[[strikethrough]]ur[[/strikethrough]]^[[ru]]ction of a fish pier and fresh fish processing plant at Ras Tanura Point.

2. Contacts with Arab fishermen to sell their produce to the Company.

3. A brief biological survey to determine the kinds and numbers of fish available. 
   An Arab launch, "Palestine" was used as the survey vessel with a rowboat. Another boat, the "Tarut" was used for part of the survey to obtain records on fish caught by trolling. 

    In addition to the generous hospitality of ARAMCO during my stay in Arabia, I wish to express appreciation to all the people who helped me directly or indirectly in my work, not only in the line of duty but often far beyond the call of duty. Without the help of these friends both Arab and American my trip could not have been a success.