SEFSC GoMex Oceanic 1997

Original provider:
NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC)

Dataset credits:
Mullin, K. D. & Roden, C. L., NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Abstract:
The second of two spring vessel surveys of the GulfCet II Program was conducted in 1997 in oceanic and upper continental slope waters of U.S. Gulf of Mexico by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in U.S. waters. 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 44 survey days, at least 18 species were sighted, including

Bryde's whale
Sperm whale
Dwarf/pygmy sperm whale
Cuvier's beaked whale
Blainville's beaked whale
Striped dolphin
Spinner dolphin
Clymene dolphin
Pantropical spotted dolphin
Atlantic spotted dolphin
Fraser's dolphin
Bottlenose dolphin
Rough-toothed dolphin
Risso's dolphin
Killer whale
False killer whale
Pilot whale
Pygmy killer whale
Melon-headed whale

The dataset is accompanied by transect data which is provided as a separate file.