IMIS

A spring marine mammals survey in Gulf of Mexico was conducted in 1994 by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center to examine the diversity, distribution and estimate abundance of marine mammals in United States waters. The survey was aimed at meeting the responsibilities under the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The survey was taken place along with Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP). In addition, it was conducted in coordination with the Japanese vessel Shoyo Maru and a larval transport survey in the Florida Keys. Specific objectives of this survey are: 1. Complete a line transect survey of the study area for marine mammals during daylight hours, 2. Collect ichthyoplankton with bongo and double neuston trawl gear for estimates of abundance of eggs, larvae and small juveniles, particularly those of bluefin tuna, 3. Obtain associated environmental and oceanographic data, 4. Record data on marine life, seabirds and debris encountered during line transects, 5. Obtain marine mammal biopsy samples for analysis, and 6. Collect tar samples encountered during neuston sampling SEAMAP stations for analysis.