RESTORE Project: Gulf of Mexico Fish Spawning Aggregation Data

A 2018 project compiled existing biological and fisheries information to design a cooperative, Gulf-wide conservation and monitoring program for fish spawning aggregations. The dataset likely contains compiled records on species known or likely to form spawning aggregations, including biological classifications and habitat use. It serves as a foundational resource for identifying existing monitoring programs and data gaps in the region.

Use Cases

• Designing a regional monitoring program for spawning aggregations based on compiled biological and fisheries information.
• Identifying data gaps and existing monitoring efforts for Gulf of Mexico fish species.
• Informing conservation strategies for species that form spawning aggregations.
• Supporting spatial planning for marine protected areas based on aggregation site data.

Strengths

• Project is sponsored by the RESTORE Act, indicating a formal conservation funding source.
• Cross-platform presence on datagov and NASA EarthData suggests recognized importance for environmental research.
• Compilation effort provides a synthesized view of existing information across the Gulf region.

Limitations

• Critical metadata is missing: column names, row counts, and specific data formats are unknown.
• Conflicting freshness: datagov lists a 2026 update (likely a placeholder), while NASA lists 2018, creating uncertainty about the actual data currency.
• The dataset appears to be a derived compilation or report (PDF), not raw observational data.

Provenance

Source

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce

Collection Method

Compilation and evaluation of existing biological, fisheries, and monitoring program information.

Freshness

2018-08-01 00:00:00

Geography

Gulf of Mexico