Cetacean visual observations using line-transect survey methods onboard the NOAA Ship PISCES in the Gulf of Mexico from 2018-08-12 to 2018-10-05 (NCEI Accession 0244002)

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

Title : GoMMAPPS Summer/Fall 2018 Research Cruise Report PC18-05

Personal Author(s) : Rappucci, G.;Martinez, A.;Litz, J.;Aichinger Dias, L.;Soldevilla, M.;Ternus, K.;Garrison, L.P.;Mullin, K.D.;

Corporate Authors(s) : Southeast Fisheries Science Center (U.S.)

Published Date : 2019

Series : Southeast Fisheries Science Center reference document PRBD ; 2019-07

Underway meteorological, navigational, optical, physical, profile and time series data collected aboard NOAA Ship Pisces in the Gulf of Mexico and North Atlantic Ocean from 2018-08-05 to 2018-10-06 (NCEI Accession 01764036)

NCEI Accession 0176436

Scientific Computer System (SCS) Data

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.