This document provides a review of practically all the surveys carried out with the research vessel DR. FRIDTJOF NANSEN from 1975 to mid-1993 in the Indian, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Complete lists of all surveys carried out by this research vessel, of reports produced and of scientific staff participating in the surveys are provided as annexes. The document includes an overview of survey methodology and also a description of the development in the acoustic equipment used and associated problems. Particular emphasis is placed on the surveys carried out in the Arabian Sea, supplemented by a review of surveys carried out by the sister ship RASTRELLIGER off southwestern India. The results of the first surveys of the DR. FRIDTJOF NANSEN are revised on the basis of the latest knowledge of acoustic equipment and properties and, consequently, many estimates of abundance obtained from the earlier surveys have been sized down.