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.
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.
CURRENTNESS REFERENCE: ground condition
SPATIAL DATA ORGANIZATION INFORMATION
Direct Spatial Reference: Vector
SDTS Point and Vector Object Type: Entity point
Point and Vector Object Count: 2129
SPATIAL REFERENCE INFORMATION - GEODETIC MODEL
Horizontal Datum Name: D_WGS_1984
Ellipsoid Name: WGS_1984
Semi-major Axis: 6378137.000000
Denominator of Flattening Ratio: 298.257224
NATIVE: Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.0 (Build 2195) Service Pack 4; ESRI
ArcCatalog 8.3.0.800
Purpose:
Not Available
Supplemental_Information:
REFERENCE:
Keith D. Mullin and Carol L. Roden. Report of a Cetacean Survey of Oceanic and
Selected Continental Shelf Waters of the Northern Gulf of Mexico aboard NOAA
Ship Oregon II (Cruise 225). 1997. NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Place_Keyword: OCEAN > ATLANTIC OCEAN > NORTH ATLANTIC OCEAN > GULF OF MEXICO
Place_Keyword: CONTINENT > NORTH AMERICA > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > ALABAMA
Place_Keyword: CONTINENT > NORTH AMERICA > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > FLORIDA
Place_Keyword: CONTINENT > NORTH AMERICA > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > LOUISIANA
Place_Keyword: CONTINENT > NORTH AMERICA > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > MISSISSIPPI
Place_Keyword: CONTINENT > NORTH AMERICA > UNITED STATES OF AMERICA > TEXAS
Access_Constraints:
ACCESS CONSTRAINTS: Open public unless otherwise noted.
DISTRIBUTION LIABILITY: Not to hold OBIS-SEAMAP liable for errors in the data.
While we have made every effort to ensure the quality of the database, we
cannot guarantee the accuracy of these datasets. Also please refer to Use
Constraints.
Use_Constraints:
The datasets should be used with the corresponding transects dataset. Not to
use data contained in OBIS-SEAMAP in any publication, product, or commercial
application without prior written consent of the original data provider. To
cite both the data provider and OBIS-SEAMAP appropriately after approval of use
is obtained. Also please refer to Distribution Liability.
