IMIS

The first of two spring vessel surveys of the GulfCet II Program was conducted in 1996 in oceanic and upper continental slope waters of U.S. Gulf of Mexico by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in U.S. 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 the 44 survey days, at least 16 species were sighted, including Bryde's whale Sperm whale Pygmy sperm whale Dwarf sperm whale Cuvier's beaked whale Striped dolphin Spinner dolphin Clymene dolphin Pantropical spotted dolphin Atlantic spotted dolphin Bottlenose dolphin Risso's dolphin Killer whale Pilot whale Melon-headed whale The dataset is accompanied by transect data which is provided as a separate file. Purpose The purpose of this survey is to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in U.S. waters. Specific objectives of this survey are: 1. Collect line-transect data to estimate abundances and define the distributions of cetacean species in oceanic and selected continental shelf waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. 2. Obtain biopsy samples of skin from selected cetacean species for genetic analysis in order to study the stock structure of Gulf of Mexico cetaceans. 3. collect associated environmental data at designated stations in order to define cetacean habitats. 4. Collect data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds and other marine life. 5. Collect data on species identity, distribution and abundance, and stock structure of flyingfish.