This dataset includes microplastic concentration and ingestion information from samples of sargassum and open water habitats collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico during four cruises across three years (2017-2019). Microplastic concentration data includes samples from both Sargassum and open water habitats collected in May and July of 2018. Microplastic ingestion data includes sargassum-associated juvenile fish samples from sargassum habitats collected in July 2017, May 2018, July 2018, and May 2019.

This project compiled and evaluated existing information on fish spawning aggregations in the Gulf of Mexico as the basis to design a cooperative, Gulf-wide conservation and monitoring program focused on fish spawning aggregations. The investigators compiled existing biological and fisheries information for Gulf of Mexico species known or likely to form spawning aggregations and identified existing datasets and monitoring programs in the Gulf of Mexico that could inform regional monitoring of spawning aggregations.

This dataset presents results from surface-tethered drifting sediment traps deployed in the open ocean Gulf of Mexico during cruises of the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, May 10-30, 2017 (NF17), and May 5-19, 2018 (NF18). Sediment trap results include particulate organic carbon flux, particulate nitrogen flux, carbon isotope ratio of sinking organic matter (13C/12C), nitrogen isotopes of sinking material (15N/14N), chlorophyll a flux, and phaeopigment flux.

This dataset presents results from flow cytometry samples collected in the euphotic zone in the open ocean Gulf of Mexico during cruises of the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, May 10-30, 2017 (NF17), and May 5-19, 2018 (NF18). Flow cytometry results include abundances of phytoplankton taxa (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, Photosynthetic Eukaryotes) and non-pigmented bacteria (HBACT).

This dataset presents results from zooplankton net tows taken in the open ocean Gulf of Mexico during cruises of the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, May 10-30, 2017 (NF17), and May 5-19, 2018 (NF18). Mesozooplankton results include separate files for: 1) wet weight, dry weight, carbon and nitrogen biomass estimates for total zooplankton and five size fractions; 2) carbon and nitrogen percent dry weight, stable carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) isotope ratios of five size fractions; and 3) size-fractioned chlorophyll and phaeopigment gut pigment contents, pigment-based estimates of mesozooplankton grazing on phytoplankton in the euphotic zone (grazing m-2 h-1) and biomass-specific rates of grazing relative to zooplankton dry weight and carbon.

This dataset presents results from surface-tethered drifting sediment traps, zooplankton net tows, dissolved inorganic nutrient concentration analyses made on water column samples, and flow cytometry samples collected in the euphotic zone, from the open ocean Gulf of Mexico during cruises of the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, May 10-30, 2017 (NF17), and May 5-19, 2018 (NF18). Sediment trap results include particulate organic carbon flux, particulate nitrogen flux, carbon isotope ratio of sinking organic matter (13C/12C), nitrogen isotopes of sinking material (15N/14N), chlorophyll a flux, and phaeopigment flux. Mesozooplankton results include separate files for: 1) wet weight, dry weight, carbon and nitrogen biomass estimates for total zooplankton and five size fractions; 2) carbon and nitrogen percent dry weight, stable carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N) isotope ratios of five size fractions; and 3) size-fractionated chlorophyll and phaeopigment gut pigment contents, pigment-based estimates of mesozooplankton grazing on phytoplankton in the euphotic zone (grazing m-2 h-1) and biomass-specific rates of grazing relative to zooplankton dry weight and carbon. Dissolved inorganic nutrient concentration measurements include nitrate+nitrite (NO3-+NO2-), ammonium (NH4+), and soluble reactive phosphorus (PO43-). Flow cytometry results include abundances of phytoplankton taxa (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, Photosynthetic Eukaryotes) and non-pigmented bacteria (HBACT).

This dataset presents results of dissolved inorganic nutrient concentration analyses made on water column samples collected in the open ocean Gulf of Mexico during cruises of the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster, May 10-30, 2017 (NF17), and May 5-19, 2018 (NF18). Dissolved inorganic nutrient concentration measurements include nitrate+nitrite (NO3-+NO2-), ammonium (NH4+), and soluble reactive phosphorus (PO43-).

The Multnomah Channel Wetland Restoration Monitoring Project characterizes wetlands use by juvenile salmonids and other fishes in the Multnomah Channel Marsh Natural Area (MCMNA) and nearby habitats of the Columbia River estuary. The project is a collaborative program by federal, state, and municipal organizations evaluating the ecological effectiveness of floodplain restoration actions at the MCMNA on behalf of at-risk juvenile salmonids. The project uses a wide range of sampling methods to document fish, invertebrate prey, vegetation, and physical habitat conditions and to experimentally assess salmon performance. Sampling methods include: PIT arrays and remote detection systems to monitor salmon access, residency, and movements to and from the wetland; experimental net pens to compare salmon food and relative growth potential within different vegetation types; beach seines, traps, PIT detectors, electro-shockers, and other gear to monitor fish abundance and salmon stock composition; and benthic cores, insect fallout traps, emergent traps, and neuston nets to determine invertebrate prey composition, abundance, and transport from the wetland site. Fish samples are also collected along the main-stem estuary, Multnomah Channel, and other wetlands to investigate the effects of river flow and water elevation on fish access to the MCMNA. Invertebrate and fish stomach samples are analyzed at the main campus of Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR) and at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Corvallis Research Laboratory. Other activities, vessels, and sampling equipment are staged from the Pt. Adams Research Station in Hammond, OR. Species abundance, length, weight, residence time data for juvenile salmon in main stem Columbia R, Multnomah Channel. Mark and recapture data.

This project will integrate information on ecosystem stressors and predator-prey interactions into the fisheries assessment and management process in the Gulf of Mexico.

This project will evaluate the importance of Sargassum as a nursery habitat for fish in the northern Gulf of Mexico.