Presence/absence and density data for epipelagic tows from 47 stations collected aboard R/V Pelican cruise PE18-01 (LF2017A) in the northern Gulf of Mexico from 2017-07-01 to 2017-07-04

This dataset contains sampling and identification of larval fishes from epipelagic tows, and environmental data (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen) from 47 stations collected aboard R/V Pelican cruise PE18-01 (LF2017A) in the northern Gulf of Mexico from 2017-07-01 to 2017-07-04. Larvae were collected with paired 61-cm bongo nets with 333 and 500-micron mesh. Oblique tows to ca. 100 m were made with the paired bongo nets. General Oceanics flow meters (Model 2030R, Miami, FL), were placed within net frames to determine the surface area sampled by each net. Fish larvae and early juveniles collected with net gear were preserved onboard in 95% ethanol; a subsample of the catch was placed on dry ice in the field for subsequent RNA:DNA analysis. Overall fish biomass was measured in the laboratory and samples were initially sorted to lowest possible taxonomic level using a Leica MZ stereomicroscope. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with specific primers, PCR products were examined using 1% agarose gels containing ethidium bromide, and identification was made using gel banding patterns. The dataset also includes the location (longitude and latitude) and dates of sample collection.