IMIS

The purpose of this survey is to examine the distribution and estimate abundance of cetaceans in U.S. waters.The primary area of operation was in the Blake Plateau area of the Atlantic Ocean between 28 degree and 35 degree North latitude and from the coastal boundary to the Exclusive Economic Zone. During 28 survey days, at least 10 cetacean species were sighted, including: 1) Atlantic spotted dolphin 2) Cuvier's beaked whale 3) Dwarf sperm whale 4) False killer whale 5) Pantropical spotted dolphin 6) Pygmy killer whale 7) Globicephala sp. 8) Sperm whale 9) Spinner dolphin 10) Standard Bottlenose dolphin The dataset is accompanied by transect data which is provided as a separate file. Specific objectives of this survey are: 1. Complete a line-transect survey of the study area for marine mammals during the daylight hours, following prescribed course transects. 2. Deploy longline fishing gear during the evening hours for the propose of catching and sampling pelagic apex predators (primarily swordfish, other billfish, tunas, and sharks). 3. Collect associated oceanographic data.