Trophic Interactions and Habitat Requirements of Gulf of Mexico Bryde's Whales
Implementing Organization
US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Southeast Fisheries Science Center
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$2,312,275
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Funding Program
The RESTORE Act Funds Bucket 4: NOAA RESTORE Act Science Program
Details
Project Category
Science
Project Actions
Monitoring and Observations
Targeted Resources
Marine Mammals
Project Description
The Gulf of Mexico Bryde's whale population occurs in a small region along the shelf-break near the De Soto Canyon in the northeastern Gulf and is estimated to include 33 individuals with very low levels of genetic diversity. As a result, this population is currently proposed for listing as ‘Endangered’ under the Endangered Species Act, and is a priority species for recovery management and restoration. This project will develop a comprehensive ecological understanding of Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whales, including the physical, oceanographic, and biological features defining critical habitat and their ecological role in Gulf of Mexico marine food webs. Using visual and acoustic monitoring, environmental measurements, collection of tissues from free-swimming whales, studies of prey distribution and composition, and deployment of animal-borne telemetry tags, the investigators will develop models and conduct analyses that provide information to managers and inform restoration and population recovery activities. The project results will contribute directly to the development of restoration plans, recovery plans, and environmental impact assessments that are key to the effective conservation of Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whales
Contact
Lance P. Garrison305-361-4488
lance.garrison@noaa.gov
Project Website
NOAA
None