https://cdn.earthdata.nasa.gov/conduit/upload/5182/KeywordsCommunityGuide_Baseline_v1_SIGNED_FINAL.pdf 23.7 2026-04-15T10:53:30.610Z https://gcmd.earthdata.nasa.gov/KeywordViewer/scheme/projects/cd92fffd-dd54-46b0-a257-e59bcad391f0 GULFCET II While GulfCet I provided important information, it was not designed toaddress fully the question: 'What habitats do these animals prefer?'GulfCet II (1996-1997) - the extension study - was sponsored andadministered by the Biological Resources Division of theU.S. Geological Survey to meet information needs of the MMS. One needwas to determine the distribution and abundance of whales and dolphinsin the eastern Gulf, an area of potential future oil and gasexploration and production. GulfCet II also continued surveys in thewestern and central Gulf to monitor the abundance and distribution ofcetaceans. Another component of GulfCet II was to conduct focalstudies specifically designed to address whale and dolphinassociations with habitats (physical environment and available prey).These studies used satellite altimeter data to plan transect lines tosurvey through cyclonic and anticyclonic gyres and determine cetaceanand seabird abundance within various hydrographic features. GulfCetII 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 othercetaceans, are found in conjunction with area of upwelling andnutrient enrichment that enhance productivity and prey abundance.Cetaceans in the northern Gulf of Mexico concentrate along thecontinental slope in or near cyclones (upwelled waters) and theconfluence of cyclone-anticyclone eddy pairs. Cyclones also had thegreatest diversity of seabird species, although habitat use variedamong species. High numbers of zooplankton, lanternfish, and squidwere found inside cyclone and confluence areas. While whales anddolphins do not occur randomly in the gulf, it is important toremember the dynamic nature of the hydrographic features with whichthey associate. As the features move and change, prey distributionchanges and moves, and so will the presence and movements of whalesand dolphins.For more information, link to'http://www.gomr.mms.gov/homepg/regulate/environ/marmam/gulfcet2.html'