Plankton surveys are completed to obtain samples for estimating the abundance and distribution of fish larvae, including Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae. This survey is conducted on the Oregon II and other NOAA vessels in the northern Gulf of Mexico out to the the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) boundary. The area of the northern Gulf with depths greater than 200 meters is sampled in the Spring, while the shallow area is sampled during the Fall. Plankton stations are conducted at every 30 minute interval of latitude and longitude. Each station consists of a CTD, Bongo Tow, and Neuston Tow. During the daytime transits for this project, Marine Mammal operations are typically conducted.
