Cetacean visual observations using line-transect survey methods onboard the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter in the Gulf of Mexico, January through March 2018, GoMMAPPS survey (GU1801)

Files must either be downloaded individually or bulk downloaded via an ftp protocol as NCEI tar file is not available due to its large size

Underway meteorological, navigational, optical, physical, profile and time series data collected aboard NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter in the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic Ocean from 2018-01-14 to 2018-03-16 (NCEI Accession 0171616)

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide, temperature, salinity and other variables collected from the coastal surface underway observations from NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter in the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic Ocean during 2018 (NCEI Accession 0172376

U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Fisheries Science Center. April 2018. Cruise Report - NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter Cruise GU18-01, January-March-2018, GoMMAPPS Winter 2018 Research Cruise, 20 p.

Parameter or Variable: CETACEANS, VISUAL OBSERVATIONS (measured); Units: NA; Observation Category: In Situ/Laboratory Instruments, SPECIES DISTRIBUTION MODELS, POPULATION ABUNDANCE; Sampling Instrument: SHIPS, LINE-TRANSECT SURVEY, DISTANCE SAMPLING, BIG EYE BINOCULAR; Sampling and Analyzing Method: The goal of the research was to conduct line-transect surveys using the Distance sampling approach to estimate the abundance and spatial distribution of marine mammals in the oceanic waters of the U.S. Gulf of Mexico. A two-team independent observer approach using pedestal-mounted 25x150 mm “big eye” binoculars was used to correct for perception bias in resulting abundance estimates. Survey tracklines were oriented perpendicular to bathymetry lines and followed a “sawtooth” pattern from approximately the 100m-isobath to the Exclusive Economic Zone. https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/environmental-stewardship/Environmental-Studies/GOMR/Oceanography/GoMAPPS/NOAA-Ship-Survey-January-March-2018.pdf; Data Quality Method: Data auditing consisted of making corrections based on error log notes from the field, plotting trackline points to identify errors made when recording effort status, and verifying sighting data based on data sheets from the field.

Parameter or Variable: CONDUCTIVITY, OCEAN TEMPERATURE, WATER DEPTH, SALINITY/DENSITY, OXYGEN, FLUORESCENCE, ACOUSTIC VELOCITY (measured); Units: See below in Method; Observation Category: In Situ/Laboratory Instruments, SPECIES/POPULATION INTERACTIONS; Sampling Instrument: SHIPS, CTD; Sampling and Analyzing Method: Environmental data were collected at predetermined stations using a conductivity, temperature and depth sensor (CTD) unit. CTD casts recorded vertical profiles of salinity, temperature, and oxygen content to a maximum depth of 500 m. CTD casts were made daily, typically at the end of the mammal survey day. https://www.boem.gov/sites/default/files/environmental-stewardship/Environmental-Studies/GOMR/Oceanography/GoMAPPS/NOAA-Ship-Survey-January-March-2018.pdf Units: Temperature [ITS-90, deg C]; Fluorescence, WET Labs WETstar [mg/m^3]; Beam Transmission, WET Labs C-Star [%]; Sound Velocity [Chen-Millero, m/s]; Oxygen, SBE 43 [mg/l]; Oxygen, SBE 43 [% saturation]; Depth [salt water, m]; Salinity, Practical [PSU]; Density [density, kg/m^3].; Data Quality Method: None.

25x150 mm

The NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter primarily serves the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), assisting NMFS in accomplishing its responsibilities for conserving and managing our Nation's living marine resources. The ship's homeport is located at the NMFS Pascagoula Laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi. The Gordon Gunter operates primarily in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic Ocean, and Caribbean Sea. The ship conducts scientific surveys of the health and abundance of fishery resources and marine mammals. The vessel is operated by NOAA Marine and Aviation Operations.