IMIS

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. 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. Collect line-transect data to estimate abundances and define the distribution of each cetacean species in oceanic and selected continental shelf waters of the northern Gulf of Mexico. 2. Obtain biopsy samples of skin and blubber from selected cetacean species for genetic and contaminant analysis in order to study the stock structure of Gulf of Mexico cetaceans. 3. collect associated environmental data at designated stations in order to define cetacean habitats. 4. Collect data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds and other marine life. 5. Obtain photographs of selected cetacean species for photo-identification studies. 6. Make recordings of cetacean vocalizations.