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GulfCet II-Cetaceans, Sea Turtles and Seabirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Distribution, Abundance and Habitat Associations

Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) Metadata:

Identification_Information
Data_Quality_Information
Spatial_Reference_Information
Distribution_Information
Metadata_Reference_Information

Identification_Information:

Citation:

Citation_Information:

Originator: Davis, R.W., E.W. Evans, and B. Wursig, eds.

Publication_Date: 1999

Title: GulfCet II-Cetaceans, Sea Turtles and Seabirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Distribution, Abundance and Habitat Associations

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Series_Information:

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Publication_Information:

Publication_Place: Galveston, Texas 77843
Publisher: USGS, BRD by the GulfCet Program, Dept. of Marine Biology, Texas A&M U

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Online_Linkage: http://www.gomr.boemre.gov/homepg/whatsnew/techann/000002.html

Description:

Abstract:: The Gulf of Mexico is a semi-enclosed, intercontinental sea with a total area of about 1.5 square kilometers. As a large marine ecosystem, it has a unique bathymetry, hydrography and productivity. Cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds are upper trophic level predators that play an important role in the pelagic marine ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico. These are highly valued taxa, protected by national laws and international agreements, and knowledge of their distribution, abundance and ecology is vital to their protection. GulfCet II was planned to helpl resolve issues concerning the potential impacts of various oil and gas activities on cetaceans, sea turtles and seabirds that inhabit the northern and eastern regions of the Gulf of Mexico, emphasizing the continental slope where water depths range from 100 to 2,000 m. The objectives of the GulfCet II field studies (1996-97) were to: 1) expand the geographical coverage of ship and aerial surveys that were conducted previously during GulfCet I (10992-94), which surveyed the north-central and northwestern Gulf of Mexico, 2) estimate the minimum abundances of cetaceans and sea turtles in areas surveyed during 1996-97), 3) collect simultaneous hydrographic data and biological samples during the ship surveys to better define the habitat associations of cetaceans and seabirds, and 4) collect acoustic data on cetacean sounds and identify and record other natural and man-made underwater sounds to provide additional insights into cetacean distribution and behavior, particularly in relation to noise from seismic exploration vessels. An integrated methodology was used that included visual surveys from ships and aircraft, and acoustic recordings and hydrographic collections from ships. Near real-time sea surface altimetry from the TOPEX/POSEIDON and ERSsatellites was used during ship surveys to determine the location of hydrographic features (e.g., cyclones, anticylcones and confluence zones). Archival satellite sea surface altimetry data were used to retrospectively determine the location of hydrographic features for analysis with cetacean sightings collected during GulfCet I. Zoolplankton and micronekton biomass derived from both net and acoustic sampling were measured to indicate the amount of potential food available for higher level foraging by cetaceans and seabirds. Information for this metadata was taken from the report Cetaceans, Sea Turtles and Seabirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Distribution, Abundance and Habitat Associations. Editors Randall W. Davis, William E. Evans and Bernd Wursig. Prepared under the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division by the GulfCet Program, Department of Marine Biology, Texas A & M University at Galveston, Galveston, Texas.
Purpose:: Not Available
Supplemental_Information:: REFERENCE: Eds. Davis, R.W., W.E. Evans, and B. Wursig, eds. 1999, Cetaceans, Sea Turtles and Seabirds in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Distribution, Abundance and Habitat Associations. Galveston, Texas. Prepared under U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division by the GulfCet Program, Department of Marine Biology Texas A&M University at Galveston. In cooperation with the U.S. Department of Interior, Minerals Management Service. Prepared under U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division Contract Number 1445-CT09-96-0004 and 1445-IA09-96-0009. This report was prepared under contract between the U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division (BRD), Texas A&M University, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. This report has been technically reviewed by the BRD and the Minerals Management Service (MMS), and has been approved for publication. Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the BRD or MMS, nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. It is, however, exempt from review and compliance with the MMS editorial standards. Copies of the report may be obtained from the Public Information Office at U.S. Department of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS Region, Public Information Office (MS 5034), 1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70123-2394, Telephone (504) 736-2519 or (800) 200-GULF.

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Range_of_Dates/Times:

Beginning_Date: 19960417
Ending_Date: 19960731