SEFSC GoMex Oceanic 1994

Original provider: NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Dataset credits: Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Abstract: A spring marine mammals survey in Gulf of Mexico was conducted in 1994 by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center to examine the diversity, distribution and estimate abundance of marine mammals in U.S. waters. The survey was aimed at meeting the responsibilities under the provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The survey was taken place along with Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP). In addition, it was conducted in coordination with the Japanese vessel SHOYO MARU and a larval transport survey in the Florida Keys. 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 survey, at least 18 species were sighted, including Atlantic spotted dolphin Clymene dolphin Cuvier’s beaked whale Dwarf sperm whale Dwarf/pygmy sperm whale False killer whale Humpback whale Killer whale Melon-headed whale Northern right whale Pantropical spotted dolphin Pygmy sperm whale Risso's dolphin Rough-toothed dolphin Short/Long-finned pilot whale Sperm whale Spinner dolphin Standard Bottlenose dolphin Striped dolphin 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. 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. 6. Collect tar samples encountered during neuston sampling SEAMAP stations for analysis. Supplemental information: [2020-09-30] The following invalid species names were corrected according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS). Bonaparte's Gull: Larus philadelphia (176839) => Chroicocephalus philadelphia (824040) Bridled Tern: Sterna anaethetus (176897) => Onychoprion anaethetus (824104) Gull-billed Tern: Sterna nilotica (176926) => Gelochelidon nilotica (176882) Laughing Gull: Larus atricilla (176837) => Leucophaeus atricilla (824079) Least Tern: Sterna antillarum (176923) => Sternula antillarum (824127) Royal Tern: Sterna maxima (176922) => Thalasseus maximus (824142) Sandwich Tern: Sterna sandvicensis (176927) => Thalasseus sandvicensis (176932) Sooty Tern: Sterna fuscata (176894) => Onychoprion fuscatus (824105)