Dataset Available

Sargassum aerial observations and cruise CTD data collected on the Northern Gulf of Mexico shelf off Alabama, July-September 2011.

Authors: Frank Hernandez
Published On: Oct 26 2015 21:58 UTC
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7266/N7348H8J
UDI: R3.x172.000:0001
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Individual Files

No. of Downloads: 11

No. of Files: 2

File Size: 632.89 KB

File Format(s):
excel files

Project Information

Funded By:
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative

Funding Cycle:
RFP-III

Research Group:
Floating Sargassum Communities of the Gulf of Mexico: Data Collection for the Continued Assessment of Associated Faunal Assemblages, Trophic Interations and Habitat Function in the Wake of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Point of Contact

Frank Hernandez
University of Southern Mississippi / Department of Coastal Sciences
frank.hernandez@usm.edu

Data Collection Period
2011-07-07
to
2011-09-29
Theme keywords

aerial survey, sargassum, CTD

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Abstract:

This data set includes: 1) an Excel spreadsheet with aerial survey way points of Sargassum observations and other identifiable surface targets (e.g., fish schools, sea turtles) and 2) an Excel spreadsheet with CTD profile data from Sargassum collection cruises.

Suggested Citation:

Frank Hernandez. 2015. Sargassum aerial observations and cruise CTD data collected on the Northern Gulf of Mexico shelf off Alabama, July-September 2011.. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/N7348H8J

Publications:

Powers, S. P., Hernandez, F. J., Condon, R. H., Drymon, J. M., & Free, C. M. (2013). Novel Pathways for Injury from Offshore Oil Spills: Direct, Sublethal and Indirect Effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on Pelagic Sargassum Communities. PLoS ONE, 8(9), e74802. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0074802

Purpose:

Time-sensitive data were collected during the peak of the Sargassum occurrence in the northern Gulf of Mexico to address the following objectives: 1) determine the areal extent and distribution of Sargassum in the northcentral Gulf of Mexico during the 2011 summer season; 2) determine the relationship between Sargassum patch size and species richness and density for planktonic and pelagic fish and invertebrates at multiple life stages; and 3) quantify via stable isotopes and diet analysis trophic linkages within the Sargassum food web. This data set includes observations that addressed objective 1 and objective 2 (in part).

Data Parameters and Units:

* Aerial Survey data: Waypoint (a reference point number for the observation) Date (MM/DD/YYYY) Time local (hh:mm:ss AM/PM) Latitude (decimal degrees) Longitude (decimal degrees) Transect (Survey grid transect number; numbered 1-10 running in a north-south direction perpendicular to the coast; numbered from west-to-east) Species observed flora and fauna [Shark, Sea Turtle, Sargassum, Cownose Ray, Jellyfish, Red Drum, Bait Fish] Sargassum Type "Form" of Sargassum feature [line, clump, mat]. * CTD casts (SeaBird reformatted into excel): Scan (count) Depth salt water (meters) Salinity (PSU) Temperature (degrees Celsius) Density (Kg/m^3) flag 2011 [July 7, July 26, August 11, August 18, September 15, September 21, September 23, September 29]

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