Estimates of Abundance of Cetaceans in Offshore Waters of the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico, 1992-1993

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1996
Authors:Jefferson, TA
Journal:The Southwestern Naturalist
Volume:41
Pagination:279-287
Date Published:1996
ISBN Number:00384909
Keywords:Physeter catodon, Stenella attenuata, Tursiops truncatus
Abstract:

In order to estimate cetacean abundance, seven vessel-based surveys were conducted in outer continental shelf and continental slope waters of the northwestern Gulf of Mexico from 1992 to 1993. Sixteen species were identified, and estimates of abundance were made using line transect methods for the most commonly seen species: sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), 442 (CV = 35.7%); bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), 451 (CV = 36.5%) over the continental shelf, and 520 (CV = 56.3%) over the continental slope; pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata), 5,876 (CV = 42.3%); and Clymene dolphins (Stenella clymene), 2,285 (CV = 60.8%). Most line transect assumptions were satisfied, or were dealt with in the analyses. The major remaining bias is the probable underestimation of sperm whale abundance, due to missed animals on and near the transect line.

URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/30055125
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