SEFSC Caribbean Survey 1995

Description :

 Original provider:
NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC)

Dataset credits:
Keith D. Mullin, NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center

Abstract:
A Caribbean cetacean survey was conducted  in 1995 by NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in U.S. waters, especially in the Caribbean Sea and adjacent North Atlantic. 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 day cruise with 4,274 transect kilometers surveyed, nine cetaceans were identified, including

Humpback whale
Minke whale
Mesoplodon sp.
Ziphiidae
Pilot whale
Bottlenose dolphin
Atlantic spotted dolphin
Pantropical spotted dolphin
Striped dolphin

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, especially in the Caribbean Sea and adjacent North Atlantic, which should meet the responsibility under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Specific objectives of this survey are:

1. Collect line transect data to estimate abundance and define the distributions of cetaceans in the northern Caribbean Sea and adjacent Atlantic Ocean.

2.Collect ichthyoplankton samples in an Atlantic swordfish longline fishing area and throughout the survey area.

3. Collect associated environmental data at designated stations.

4. Obtain biopsy samples of skin and blubber from selected cetacean species in U.S. waters.

5. Collect data on the distribution and abundance of seabirds and other marine life.

Supplemental information:
[2020-09-30] The following invalid species names were corrected according to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).
Bridled Tern: Sterna anaethetus (176897) => Onychoprion anaethetus (824104)
Least Tern: Sterna antillarum (176923) => Sternula antillarum (824127)
Sooty Tern: Sterna fuscata (176894) => Onychoprion fuscatus (824105)

Link GBIF portal : https://www.gbif.org/dataset/44ead6c2-6006-4f45-b785-87fa81c9ecbd

Project :
Title : SEFSC Caribbean Survey 1995
Abstract : 
Funding : NA
Contact : Garrison Lance (OWNER) 

Key words

 No information 

Field

Protocole

 No information 

Geographic extent

Contacts

Publication dates :

First diffusion : 14/03/2023 

Last update : 30/11/2023