Spatial and Temporal Variability of Plankton Stocks on the Basis of Acoustic Backscatter Intensity and Direct Measurements in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico Page: 4 of 134

                                
DISCLAIMER

This report was prepared under contract between the Minerals Management Service
(MMS) and the Texas A&M Research Foundation. This report has been technically
reviewed by the MMS, and it has been approved for publication. 'Approval does not
signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the MMS, nor does
the mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement or
recommendation for use. It is, however, exempt from review and compliance with the
MMS editorial standards.
REPORT AVAILABILITY
Extra copies of the report may be obtained from the Public Information Office (Mail Stop
5034) at the following address:
U.S. Department of the Interior
Minerals Management Service
Gulf of Mexico OCS Region
Public Information Office (MS 5034)
1201 Elmwood Park Boulevard
New Orleans, Louisiana 70123-2394
Telephone: (504) 736-2519 or
1-800-200-GULF
CITATION
Suggested citation:
Scott, R.L., D.C. Biggs, and S.F. DiMarco. 2001. Spatial and Temporal Variability of
Plankton Stocks on the Basis of Acoustic Backscatter Intensity and Direct
Measurements in the Northeastern Gulf of Mexico. OCS Study MMS 2001-063,
U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS
Region, New Orleans, LA. 117 pp.
ABOUT THE COVER
The cover figure depicts a two-week time series of unfiltered acoustic backscatter
intensity (ABI) from near-surface water at mooring A1. The saw tooth alternation of
ABI is a consequence of the diel vertical migration of zooplankton out of the near-surface
water (day) and back into near-surface water (night). The record runs from full moon
(February 12, 1998) to new moon (February 27, 1998).

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