Gulf of Mexico Marine Mammal Vessel Surveys - NRDA

Large vessel surveys were conducted during June-August and Oct-Nov, 2010 in the north central Gulf of Mexico to collect data on marine mammal spatial distribution and abundance in the region of the Deepwater horizon oil spill. . Visual survey data ere collected following standard protocols and are intended for analysis using the line-transect Distance method to provide estimates of abundance for marine mammal stocks within the survey area. Each survey includes a collection of data sets including visual survey data (survey effort and sightings of marine mammals and other species), passive and active acoustics data, sample collection information, and physical oceanographic data. These data have been used to support assessments of injury to marine mammals associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.