IMIS

This dataset includes visual tracking data of sperm whales conducted in PHOTO-ID/Mesoscale Population Study Cruises 2004 and 2005. Sightings of other cetaceans are found in BOEM Sperm Whale Seismic Study (SWSS) MPS cetacean sightings 2004-2005 Since the vessels often tracked the sighted sperm whales for further surveys, many sightings in this dataset represent the same animals. The objectives of SWSS were to (1) establish baseline information on the biology and behavior of sperm whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico, (2) characterize sperm whale habitat use in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and (3) determine possible changes in behavior of sperm whales when subjected to manmade noise, particularly from seismic airgun arrays used for offshore oil and gas exploration and geological monitoring.