Concept information
Preferred term
GULFCET II
Definition
- While GulfCet I provided important information, it was not designed to address fully the question: "What habitats do these animals prefer?" GulfCet II (1996-1997) - the extension study - was sponsored and administered by the Biological Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey to meet information needs of the MMS. One need was to determine the distribution and abundance of whales and dolphins in the eastern Gulf, an area of potential future oil and gas exploration and production. GulfCet II also continued surveys in the western and central Gulf to monitor the abundance and distribution of cetaceans. Another component of GulfCet II was to conduct focal studies specifically designed to address whale and dolphin associations with habitats (physical environment and available prey). These studies used satellite altimeter data to plan transect lines to survey through cyclonic and anticyclonic gyres and determine cetacean and seabird abundance within various hydrographic features. GulfCet II was the only marine mammal study that used an ecosystem approach, integrating visual and acoustic surveys with satellite imaging, hydrographic collections, and trawl samples. The GulfCet II Study has shown us that sperm whales, and other cetaceans, are found in conjunction with area of upwelling and nutrient enrichment that enhance productivity and prey abundance. Cetaceans in the northern Gulf of Mexico concentrate along the continental slope in or near cyclones (upwelled waters) and the confluence of cyclone-anticyclone eddy pairs. Cyclones also had the greatest diversity of seabird species, although habitat use varied among species. High numbers of zooplankton, lanternfish, and squid were found inside cyclone and confluence areas. While whales and dolphins do not occur randomly in the gulf, it is important to remember the dynamic nature of the hydrographic features with which they associate. As the features move and change, prey distribution changes and moves, and so will the presence and movements of whales and dolphins. For more information, link to "http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/marmam/gulfcet2.html" (en)
Broader concept
- G - I (en)
URI
https://gcmd.earthdata.nasa.gov/kms/concept/cd92fffd-dd54-46b0-a257-e59bcad391f0
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