A Satellite Imagery, Ecosystem-Based GIS Study of Bluefin Tuna and Right Whale Distribution and Movements in the Gulf of Marine and NW Atlantic

Abstract

The goals of this research were to develop a GIS workstation to examine the distribution, relative abundance, and behavior of Atlantic bluefin tuna and the Northern right whale in relation to their environment and prey. We used integrated data from NOAA remote sensing and oceanographic databases. We also developed models of bluefin aggregation, leading to assessment of population size, and forecasting of distribution and abundance, and also for predicting the seasonal and spatial distribution of right whales from oceanographic precursors. Portions of this ecosystem-oriented GIS database were formatted for exchange and distribution via an interactive website (www.marinegis.org).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2002
Accession Number
ADA401256

Entities

People

  • Molly Lutcavage
  • Scott D. Kraus

Organizations

  • New England Aquarium

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Biology
  • Data Sets
  • Databases
  • Delphi Method
  • Ecosystems
  • Environment
  • Fish
  • Geography
  • Images
  • Remote Sensing
  • Satellite Imaging
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • Spatial Distribution
  • Statistical Tests
  • Surface Temperature
  • Surveys
  • Temperature Gradients

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Marine Mammal Biology

Technology Areas

  • Space