IMIS

A spring cetacean survey in the northern U.S. Gulf of Mexico was conducted in 2001 by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Minerals Management Service to examine cetacean abundances in both oceanic and continental shelf waters. This survey was conducted in coordination with the spring Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) ichthyoplankton survey. The dataset contains sightings of not only cetaceans but also other species including sea turtles, fish and shark observed during the ship survey. During the 40 survey days, at least 17 species were sighted, including Bryde's whale Sperm whale Kogia spp. Cuvier's beaked whale Striped dolphin Spinner dolphin Clymene dolphin Pantropical spotted dolphin Atlantic spotted dolphin Bottlenose dolphin Rough-toothed dolphin Risso's dolphin False killer whale Killer whale Pilot whale Pygmy killer 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 ichthyoplankton samples for estimates of the abundance and distribution of Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae. 2. Collect data to estimate the abundance and distribution of cetaceans in the oceanic northern Gulf of Mexico. 3. collect associated environmental data at all designated ichthyoplankton stations and marine mammal sightings. 4. Collect data on the distribution of sea turtles, seabirds and other marine life. 5. Obtain biopsy samples of skin and blubber from selected cetacean species for genetic stock structure and contaminant analyses. 6. Obtain photographs of selected cetacean species for photo-identification studies. 7. Collect data on distribution and type of marine debris encountered during the survey.