Samples of skin and other tissues are collected from marine mammals along the North-Central Gulf of Mexico from live animals through remote biopsy or live-capture or stranded animals during 2010-2014. DNA is extracted from these samples, sequenced, and analyzed using a variety of methods to support phylogenetic studies, stock delineation studies, and a variety of other analyses related to cetacean genetics associated with the Natural Resources Damage Assessment associated with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These data sets include the sequence and other genetic data collected from these samples along with analytical results. These data support stock delineation studies and a variety of other analyses related to cetacean genetics and are incorporated into the Deepwater Horizon Damage Assessment and Restoration Plan.

This database archives genetic tissue samples from marine mammals collected in the North-Central Gulf of Mexico from 2010-2015. The collection includes samples from field sampling programs and stranding data. Data includes field identification numbers, location and date information, collection information, and disposition of samples. These data support stock delineation studies and a variety of other analyses related to cetacean genetics in the Gulf of Mexico related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

NEFSC holds a sample inventory of marine mammal parts collected from stranded and bycaught animals as well as from our field research activities. The database holds the metadata for our sample holdings and records transactions of transfer of samples to other labs and researchers.

Small vessel surveys are conducted within estuarine and nearshore coastal waters to collect tissue biopsy samples from bottlenose dolphins. Visual surveys are conducted to find bottlenose dolphin groups, and then close approaches are made to collect tissue samples using specialized darts that are deployed using either air rifles or crossbow. Photographs are collected during the encounter to identify individuals and document the response to the sample collection. The skin and blubber samples collected support genetics, stable isotope, and contaminant analyses. These data have been used to delineate different stocks of bottlenose dolphins in estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico.

The Hook and Line Survey will collect species-specific aggregate weight and abundance, as well as individual lengths and biological characteristics (e.g., age, maturity, genetics, diet, energetics). Tagging will also be conducted opportunistically and by request. In addition to deploying hook and line gear, the survey will deploy a benthic stereo camera system to collect additional information on fish density, abundance, and demographics. A suite of environmental data will be collected via conductivity, temperature, and depth (CTD) deployments at each survey station. Habitat data will be collected using seafloor imaging (still or video) techniques. Finally, operational and gear deployment data will be collected for every gear set. The Hook and Line Survey is a new survey, so all data uses are prospective. Once the survey is mature, the data will be used in stock assessments for a variety of commercially and recreationally important species and for analyses that support management actions. This will encompass species covered by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC), and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), including but not limited to Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), pollock (Pollachius pollachius), white hake (Urophycis tenuis), red hake (Urophycis chuss), summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), scup (Stenotomus chrysops), black sea bass (Centropristis striata), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), spiny dogfish (Pomatomus saltatrix), Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias undulatus), and skates. At least 5 years of Hook and Line Survey data will be required before abundance indices from the survey are integrated into stock assessments, but habitat and biological data could be used immediately to supplement existing data streams. Beyond stock assessments and management, the data from the Hook and Line Survey will also be used in research to understand the cumulative impacts of offshore wind on resource species and their habitats. Note that the Hook and Line Survey is a new survey and is still in planning and review. The exact geographic extent and survey strata are still under review. The geographic extent displayed here is tentative.

Data set consists of port samples of gulf and Atlantic menhaden from the reduction purse-seine fisheries: data include specimen fork length, weight and age (yrs), as well as date and location of catch.

During the period 1987-2009 the Southwest Region (now West Coast Region) collected beach seine fish samples in the San Diego area in conjunction with eelgrass restoration projects. Data collected included location, species, length and number.

During the period 1987-2009 the Southwest Region (now West Coast Region) collected beach seine fish samples in the San Diego area in conjunction with eelgrass restoration projects. Data collected included location, species, length and number.

Data on marine mammal strandings are collected by the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Basic data on the location, species identification, animal condition, and disposition (Level A data) are contributed by network members to the NOAA National Marine Mammal Stranding Database. Historical data collected prior to 2001 in the Southeast US and Caribbean and associated paper records are maintained in local databases. These data document the occurrence of stranded marine mammals throughout the southeastern United States.