SEFSC GoMex Oceanic 1994

Original provider:NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC)Dataset credits:Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAAAbstract: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, includingAtlantic spotted dolphinClymene dolphinCuvier’s beaked whaleDwarf sperm whaleDwarf/pygmy sperm whaleFalse killer whaleHumpback whaleKiller whaleMelon-headed whaleNorthern right whalePantropical spotted dolphinPygmy sperm whaleRisso's dolphinRough-toothed dolphinShort/Long-finned pilot whaleSperm whaleSpinner dolphinStandard Bottlenose dolphinStriped dolphinThe dataset is accompanied by transect data which is provided as a separate file.