IMIS

A spring marine mammals survey in Gulf of Mexico was conducted in 1993 by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center to examine the diversity, distribution and estimate abundance of marine mammals in United States waters. The survey was aimed at meeting the responsibilities under the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The survey followed a winter survey in 1993. 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 39 survey days, 18 marine mammal species were sighted, including: Atlantic spotted dolphin, bowhead whale, Clymene dolphin, Cuvier’s beaked whale, dwarf sperm whale, dwarf/pygmy sperm whale, false killer whale, killer whale, melon-headed whale, pantropical spotted dolphin pygmy killer whale, pygmy sperm whale, Risso’s dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, short/long-finned pilot whale, sperm whale, spinner dolphin, standard bottlenose dolphin, and striped dolphin. Purpose The purpose of this survey is to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in United States waters. Specific objectives of this survey are: 1. Complete a line transect survey of the study area for marine mammals during daylight hours, 2. Collect ichthyoplankton with bongo and double neuston trawl gear for estimates of abundance of eggs, larvae and small juveniles, particularly those of bluefin tuna, 3. Obtain associated environmental and oceanographic data, 4. Record data on marine life, seabirds and debris encountered during line transects, 5. Obtain marine mammal biopsy samples for analysis, and 6. Collect tar samples encountered during neuston sampling SEAMAP stations for analysis.