IMIS

An eastern Gulf of Mexico cetacean survey was conducted in 1994 by the NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center. The purpose of this survey is to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in United States waters, which should meet the responsibility under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. Specific objectives of this survey are: 1. Collect data to estimate abundances and define the distributions of marine mammals in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, 2. Collect associated environmental data at designated stations, 3. Obtain biopsy samples of skin and blubber from selected cetacean species, 4. Conduct a shallow water (10 to 20 fathoms) experiment on dolphin attraction to a vessel, 5. Collect data on the distribution and abundance of sea turtles, seabirds and other marine life, and 6. Collect data on the distribution and type of marine debris encountered during the survey.