SEFSC GoMex Oceanic 1999

Original provider:
NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC)

Dataset credits:
Hubard, C. W. & Mullin, K. D., NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Abstract:
A spring cetacean survey in the northern U.S. Gulf of Mexico was conducted in 1999 by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center and Minerals Management Service to examine cetacean abundances in both oceanic and continental shelf waters.
This survey was conducted in coordination with the spring Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) ichthyoplankton survey.

The dataset contains sightings of not only cetaceans but also other species including sea turtles, fish and shark observed during the ship survey.

During the 36 survey days, at least 18 species were sighted, including

Bryde's whale
Sperm whale
Dwarf/pygmy sperm whale
Cuvier's beaked whale
Striped dolphin
Spinner dolphin
Clymene dolphin
Pantropical spotted dolphin
Atlantic spotted 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.