Atlantic Protected Species Assessment Aerial Surveys

These data sets include a compilation of aerial line-transect surveys conducted over continental shelf waters of the southeastern U.S. Surveys have been conducted intermittently since 1982. The majority of these surveys are targeted to assess the abundance and spatial distribution of bottlenose dolphins and sea turtles between Florida and New Jersey. Surveys are conducted in high-winged twin engine aircraft flying at altitudes of 600-750 feet. Visual observations of marine mammals, sea turtles, birds, and other species are recorded including species identifications, counts of animals. Surveys are conducted along line transects oriented perpendicular to the shoreline and follow protocols consistent with analysis using "Distance" approaches to estimate detection probability and abundance. These data have been used to provide abundance estimates for target species in annual Marine Mammal Protection Act Stock Assessment Reports.

To assess the abundance and spatial distribution of cetaceans in the surveyed area.

Surveys include: Southeast Turtle Surveys (SETS, 1982-1984), Mid-Atlantic Tursiops Surveys (MATS, 1992, 1994, 1995), Mid-Atlantic Tursiops Surveys (MATS, 2004-2005), and Atlantic Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species Surveys (AMAPPS, 2010-2014).