IMIS

The purpose of this survey is to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in United States waters. This dataset contains sightings of not only cetaceans but also other species including sea turtles, fish and shark observed during the ship survey. During 16 survey days, 85 cetacean groups were sighted, including: Atlantic spotted dolphin, bBottlenose dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, and sperm whale. Specific objectives of this survey are: 1. Collect line-transect data to estimate abundance and define distribution of cetacean species in continental shelf waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico, 2. Obtain biopsy samples of skin and blubber from selected cetacean species for genetic and contaminant analysis in order to study the stock structure of Gulf of Mexico cetaceans, 3. Collect ichthyoplankton samples with bongo and neuston gear for the purpose of estimating abundance and defining the distribution of eggs, larvae, and small juveniles of Gulf of Mexico fishes, particularly king and Spanish mackerel, clupeids, lutjanids and sciaenids, 4. Obtain station associated environmental and oceanographic data throughout the survey area using the SBE 911 plus CTD and the SBE 19 Seacat Profiler, and 5. Collect data on the distribution and abundance of sea turtles, seabirds and other marine life and marine debris encountered during the survey.