IMIS

The purpose of this survey is to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in United States waters, especially in the Caribbean Sea and adjacent North Atlantic, which should meet the responsibility under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. This dataset contains sightings of not only cetaceans but also other species including sea turtles, fish and shark observed during the ship survey. During the 44 day cruise with 4,274 transect kilometers surveyed, nine cetaceans were identified, including: humpback whale, minke whale, Mesoplodon sp., Ziphiidae, pilot whale, bottlenose dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin, pantropical spotted dolphin, and striped dolphin. Specific objectives of this survey are: 1. Collect line transect data to estimate abundance and define the distributions of cetaceans in the northern Caribbean Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean, 2. Collect ichthyoplankton samples in an Atlantic swordfish longline fishing area and throughout the survey area, 3. Collect associated environmental data at designated stations, 4. Obtain biopsy samples of skin and blubber from selected cetacean species in United States waters, and 5. Collect data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds and other marine life.