ML15313A468

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Biological Plan of Study Implementation, Final Report, EPU Baseline Data Report Event 2
ML15313A468
Person / Time
Site: Saint Lucie  NextEra Energy icon.png
Issue date: 12/31/2011
From:
Ecological Associates
To:
Florida Power & Light Co, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
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L-2015-260
Download: ML15313A468 (22)


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Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Baseline Event 2 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company December 2011 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.

Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida

ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During October and November 2011, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the second baseline field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. During this second event, sampling was conducted on nine days between October 12 and November 30. Data collected included general environmental data; water quality data; numbers and sizes of fish and shellfish collected by gill net, trawl, and beach seine; numbers of fish eggs and larvae and commercially or recreationally important decapod crustacean larvae collected by plankton net; and, numbers and sizes of sea turtles observed. Results of the second sampling event are provided in this report. All data should be considered preliminary until quality assurance checks have been completed.

SAMPLING LOCATIONS Sampling was conducted within three separate sampling sites: SL1 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the Ft. Pierce Inlet, SL2 located in the vicinity of the St. Lucie Plant cooling water discharge, and SL3 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the St. Lucie Inlet.

For the purposes of gill netting and trawling, three transects were established within each of the three sampling sites: Transect A was located approximately 600 ft from shore on the beach terrace in water depths of 8-32 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 38-44 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 32-46 ft. Plankton samples were collected concurrently with trawl samples at all three sites but only on Transects A and C.

Three stations were also established within each of the three sampling sites for the purpose of beach seining: Station A was located 0.5 mi. north of the center of the site, Station B was located at the center of the site, and Station C was located 0.5 mi. south of the center of the site.

At all stations, seines were pulled to the beach from a water depth of approximately 4 ft.

For the purpose of boat-based sea turtle surveys, one transect was established in each of the three sampling sites. The transects were located along nearshore hardbottom habitat in each site.

RESULTS Environmental data were recorded at each station during each day of sampling. Data recorded included sea conditions, air temperature, wind speed and direction, and sky conditions.

Environmental data are summarized by day in Table 1. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.

Water quality data were recorded at three locations and three depths along each of the nine transects established for trawl and gill net sampling. Data recorded included conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table

2.

BASELINE EVENT 2 DATA REPORT, ST. LUCIE PLANT EPU BIOLOGICAL STUDY ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA 2

Trawls were towed for 15 minutes along each of the nine transects. The numbers of fish and commercially or recreationally important shellfish collected in each 15-minute tow are presented in Table 3. Because of variations in tow speed, the distances the trawl traveled during a 15-minute tow varied (based on GPS readings). In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per kilometer of bottom sampled were calculated and are presented in Table 4.

The numbers of fish and commercially or recreationally important shellfish collected by gill net on each of the nine transects is given in Table 5. At each transect the gill net began to be retrieved 30 minutes after it was set. However, the total soak time (time from when the net first entered the water until the time it was completely removed from the water) varied among transects because of differences in retrieval times associated with variations in the number of fish present in the net. In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per hour of total soak time were calculated and are given in Table

6.

Beach seines were deployed at each of the nine stations previously described. The numbers of fish and commercially or recreationally important shellfish collected at each station are presented in Table 7.

A maximum of 25 representative specimens of each Representative Important Species (RIS) of fish collected at each transect/station by trawl, gill net, and beach seine were measured (total length) and a batch weight for those specimens was obtained. Average lengths and average weights of each RIS at each station/transect for each gear type are presented in Table 8.

Bongo nets were used to collect fish eggs and larvae as well as commercially or recreationally important decapod crustacean larvae at each of the six transects previously described. Nets were pulled for 15 minutes and the volume of water filtered determined by means of flow meters.

Numbers of individuals per cubic meter of water filtered are given in Table 9.

To quantify the number of sea turtles present in each of the three sampling sites, one one-kilometer-long transect in each sampling site was traversed by boat twice. The numbers of sea turtles sighted during each pass along each transect are presented in Table 10.

Table 1. Environmental Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October-November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.

Sampling Date Sea Conditions Air Temp Wind Speed/Direction Sky Conditions Trawls/

Ichthyoplankton 10/12/2011 1-3 ft swell, light chop 24.1-25.4°C 5-10 mph/S to SE Mostly Cloudy to Overcast, Rain Trawls/

Ichthyoplankton 10/13/2011 1-3 ft swell 22.2-25.6°C 5-10 mph/W to SW Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/13/2011 calm 27.8-28.0°C 0-3 mph/variable Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/14/2011 2-3 ft swell, choppy to 3-5 ft swell, choppy 23.0°C 5-15 mph/NNW Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/20/2011 2-3 ft swell, choppy 13.0°C 10-15 mph/NNW Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/28/2011 2-3 ft swell, choppy 24.0-28.0°C 5-10 mph/ESE Partly to Mostly Cloudy Beach Seines 11/23/2011 1-3 ft swell 21.1-25.6°C 3-5 mph/SW Clear to Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 11/29/2011 3-4 ft swell 21.8-24.4°C 0-10 mph/W to NW Overcast to Clear Beach Seines 11/30/2011 2-3 ft swell 19.3-19.6°C 3-5 mph/W to NW Clear Sea Turtle Transects 11/17/2011 1-3 ft swell 26.7°C 3-8 mph/SW Partly Cloudy

Table 2. Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Trawl SL1 A North Surface 54.2 26.9 35.9 7.92 6.24 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.88 5.48 Bottom 54.3 26.4 36.0 7.89 5.17 Middle Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 7.90 6.40 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.0 7.87 5.77 Bottom 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.87 5.56 South Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 7.86 6.65 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.2 36.1 7.83 5.55 Bottom 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.84 5.44 Trawl SL1 B North Surface 54.2 26.7 35.9 7.95 6.15 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.94 5.13 Bottom 54.4 26.2 36.0 7.95 5.04 Middle Surface 54.2 26.7 35.9 7.93 5.72 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.93 5.34 Bottom 54.3 26.2 36.0 7.94 5.22 South Surface 54.1 26.7 35.8 7.92 6.48 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.91 6.64 Bottom 54.4 26.2 36.0 7.92 5.51 Trawl SL1 C North Surface 54.0 26.7 35.8 8.01 6.25 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.6 36.0 8.00 6.03 Bottom 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.99 6.23 Middle Surface 54.0 26.8 35.8 8.03 5.79 Mid-Depth 54.1 26.7 35.9 8.01 5.66 Bottom 54.3 26.5 36.0 8.00 5.50 South Surface 54.0 26.8 35.8 8.03 5.53 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.6 36.0 8.02 5.35 Bottom 54.3 26.5 36.0 8.01 5.17 Trawl SL2 A North Surface 54.3 26.9 35.9 7.99 5.77 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.97 5.02 Bottom 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.96 4.89 Middle Surface 53.8 26.7 35.1 7.99 5.45 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.97 4.82 Bottom 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.96 4.75 South Surface 54.2 26.8 35.9 8.00 5.32 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 7.97 4.99 Bottom 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.97 4.63

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Trawl SL2 B North Surface 53.7 26.9 35.6 8.04 6.04 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.00 5.27 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 7.99 5.28 Middle Surface 53.6 27.0 35.5 8.04 6.12 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.00 5.34 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.00 5.03 South Surface 53.7 27.1 35.6 8.05 5.77 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.01 5.13 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.01 5.18 Trawl SL2 C North Surface 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.93 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.86 Bottom 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.08 5.76 Middle Surface 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.78 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.08 5.89 Bottom 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.74 South Surface 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.07 6.01 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.07 6.07 Bottom 54.4 27.3 36.1 8.08 5.82 Trawl SL3 A North Surface 54.0 26.7 35.8 8.04 5.82 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.8 36.1 8.02 5.60 Bottom 54.4 26.8 36.1 8.00 5.32 Middle Surface 53.9 26.6 35.7 8.04 5.84 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.8 36.1 8.01 5.58 Bottom 54.4 26.7 36.1 8.00 5.23 South Surface 54.0 26.6 35.8 8.03 5.66 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.8 36.0 8.01 5.55 Bottom 54.3 26.7 36.0 8.00 5.20 Trawl SL3 B North Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 8.06 6.01 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.05 5.82 Bottom 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.05 5.73 Middle Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 8.07 5.84 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.06 5.75 Bottom 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.06 5.72 South Surface 54.2 27.0 35.9 8.07 5.62 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.0 36.0 8.07 5.78 Bottom 54.3 27.0 36.0 8.05 5.67

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Trawl SL3 C North Surface 53.4 27.2 35.4 8.03 6.13 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.03 5.78 Bottom 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.04 5.69 Middle Surface 53.8 27.1 35.7 8.07 5.71 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.48 Bottom 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.46 South Surface 53.6 27.1 35.6 8.08 5.65 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.5 Bottom 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.34 Gill Net SL1 A West Surface 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.97 5.19 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.94 4.66 Bottom 54.4 26.3 36.0 7.94 4.54 Middle Surface 54.3 26.4 36.1 7.97 5.69 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.3 36.1 7.94 4.92 Bottom 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.88 3.59 East Surface 54.3 26.4 36.0 7.95 5.06 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.94 4.85 Bottom 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.93 4.58 Gill Net SL1 B West Surface 54.5 27.1 36.2 8.02 5.49 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.6 36.1 8.00 5.07 Bottom 54.5 26.5 36.1 8.01 4.87 Middle Surface 54.5 27.1 36.2 8.01 5.49 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.5 36.1 8.00 4.99 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.01 4.99 East Surface 54.5 27.1 36.2 7.92 5.60 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 7.95 5.54 Bottom 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.97 5.27 Gill Net SL1 C West Surface 54.4 27.5 36.1 8.05 5.67 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.5 36.1 8.06 5.52 Bottom 54.4 26.5 36.1 8.05 5.03 Middle Surface 54.4 27.5 36.1 8.06 5.88 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.7 36.1 8.06 5.60 Bottom 54.4 26.5 36.1 8.04 5.48 East Surface 54.5 27.5 36.2 7.94 5.78 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.5 36.1 8.00 5.50 Bottom 54.3 26.5 36.1 8.04 5.23

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Gill Net SL2 A West Surface 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.04 5.92 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.03 5.73 Bottom 54.4 26.7 36.1 8.03 5.60 Middle Surface 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.07 6.17 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.69 Bottom 54.4 26.8 36.0 8.05 5.59 East Surface 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.73 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.58 Bottom 54.3 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.53 Gill Net SL2 B West Surface 55.1 25.5 36.5 7.86 6.88 Mid-Depth 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.86 5.99 Bottom 55.3 24.9 36.6 7.84 6.03 Middle Surface 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.91 6.36 Mid-Depth 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.90 5.90 Bottom 55.4 24.8 36.6 7.88 5.73 East Surface 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.91 5.69 Mid-Depth 55.1 25.4 36.5 7.90 5.66 Bottom 55.3 24.8 36.7 7.88 5.43 Gill Net SL2 C West Surface 53.2 24.9 35.1 7.99 6.93 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.5 35.8 7.98 6.72 Bottom 54.4 24.5 35.9 7.98 6.18 Middle Surface 53.2 24.8 35.1 7.98 7.01 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.4 35.8 7.96 6.53 Bottom 54.3 24.5 35.9 7.97 6.14 East Surface 53.2 24.8 35.1 7.92 7.11 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.5 35.8 7.92 6.35 Bottom 54.3 24.5 35.9 7.93 6.32 Gill Net SL3 A West Surface 53.4 24.5 35.1 7.99 7.55 Mid-Depth 53.7 24.4 35.4 7.98 6.16 Bottom 53.9 24.4 35.6 7.97 5.83 Middle Surface 53.4 24.5 35.2 7.98 8.41 Mid-Depth 53.7 24.4 35.4 7.98 6.11 Bottom 54.1 24.5 35.7 7.97 5.88 East Surface 53.3 24.5 35.1 7.97 6.56 Mid-Depth 53.8 24.4 35.5 7.95 6.31 Bottom 54.2 24.5 35.8 7.94 5.91

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Gill Net SL3 B West Surface 53.4 25.3 35.2 8.03 6.56 Mid-Depth 53.8 24.7 35.6 8.02 6.45 Bottom 54.1 24.4 35.7 7.99 5.82 Middle Surface 53.3 25.3 35.3 8.02 6.58 Mid-Depth 53.9 24.4 35.6 8.01 6.23 Bottom 54.2 24.4 35.8 7.98 5.94 East Surface 53.3 25.3 35.3 7.96 6.65 Mid-Depth 53.9 24.7 35.6 7.99 6.17 Bottom 54.2 24.4 35.7 7.98 6.15 Gill Net SL3 C West Surface 53.3 25.6 35.3 8.03 6.47 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.9 35.7 8.01 5.96 Bottom 54.1 24.7 35.7 8.00 5.89 Middle Surface 53.4 25.6 35.2 8.02 6.59 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.9 35.7 7.99 6.42 Bottom 54.1 24.5 35.7 7.99 5.94 East Surface 53.4 25.6 35.3 7.95 7.20 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.2 35.8 7.96 6.57 Bottom 54.1 24.5 35.7 7.96 6.13

Table 3. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Arenaeus cribrarius (speckled swimming crab) 14 7

2 23 Callinectes spp.

3 3

Farfantepenaeus duorarum (pink shrimp) 4 4

Farfantepenaeus spp.

1 5

1 7

Rimapenaeus constrictus (roughneck shrimp) 2 3

2 7

Sicyonia sp.

1 1

Achirus lineatus (lined sole) 1 1

Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy) 1 1

Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 1 1

Caranx crysos (blue runner) 1 1

Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 2 2

Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 10 6

10 17 7

50 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 2 2

2 3

9 Citharichthys spilopterus (bay whiff) 1 1

Corvula sanctaeluciae (stripped croaker) 3 3

Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 1 1

Diplectrum formosum (sand perch) 1 1

Elops saurus (ladyfish) 1 1

Halichoeres caudalis (painted wrasse) 1 1

Table 3 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Lagodon rhomboides (pinfish) 1 1

Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 4 4

Menticirrhus littoralis (gulf kingfish) 1 1

Micropogonias undulatus (Atlantic croaker) 1 7

1 9

Narcine bancroftii (lesser electric ray) 1 1

Ophidion grayi (blotched cusk-eel) 1 6

7 Ophidion spp.

5 12 17 Opistognathus robinsi (spotfin jawfish) 1 1

Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 2 8

3 13 Sciaenidae spp.

1 1

1 3

Scorpaena brasiliensis (barbfish) 1 1

2 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 1 2

1 1

5 Selene vomer (lookdown) 4 4

Serranidae sp.

1 1

Stephanolepis hispida (planehead filefish) 1 1

1 3

Symphurus diomedeanus (spottedfin tonguefish) 1 1

2 Syngnathus fuscus (northern pipefish) 1 1

Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 1 7

8 TOTAL 27 2

28 19 4

0 30 65 26 201

Table 4. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per kilometer for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Arenaeus cribrarius (speckled swimming crab) 29.9 21.5 2.8 4.9 Callinectes spp.

6.4 0.6 Farfantepenaeus duorarum (pink shrimp) 4.9 0.8 Farfantepenaeus spp.

2.1 16.1 1.2 1.5 Rimapenaeus constrictus (roughneck shrimp) 2.8 3.7 2.9 1.5 Sicyonia sp.

1.2 0.2 Achirus lineatus (lined sole) 8.9 0.2 Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy) 2.1 0.2 Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 3.1 0.2 Caranx crysos (blue runner) 1.5 0.2 Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 2.5 0.4 Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 32.3 18.4 14.2 20.9 10.2 10.6 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 6.5 17.9 2.5 4.4 1.9 Citharichthys spilopterus (bay whiff) 3.2 0.2 Corvula sanctaeluciae (stripped croaker) 4.2 0.6 Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 1.5 0.2 Diplectrum formosum (sand perch) 3.2 0.2 Elops saurus (ladyfish) 2.1 0.2 Halichoeres caudalis (painted wrasse) 1.2 0.2

Table 4 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

(Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per kilometer for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Lagodon rhomboides (pinfish) 1.2 0.2 Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 5.7 0.8 Menticirrhus littoralis (gulf kingfish) 3.1 0.2 Micropogonias undulatus (Atlantic croaker) 8.9 8.6 1.5 1.9 Narcine bancroftii (lesser electric ray) 1.4 0.2 Ophidion grayi (blotched cusk-eel) 1.2 8.8 1.5 Ophidion spp.

16.1 14.8 3.6 Opistognathus robinsi (spotfin jawfish) 3.0 0.2 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 6.5 9.9 4.4 2.8 Sciaenidae spp.

3.1 1.4 1.2 0.6 Scorpaena brasiliensis (barbfish) 1.2 1.5 0.4 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 3.0 6.1 1.2 1.5 1.1 Selene vomer (lookdown) 8.5 0.8 Serranidae sp.

1.2 0.2 Stephanolepis hispida (planehead filefish) 2.1 3.2 3.1 0.6 Symphurus diomedeanus (spottedfin tonguefish) 3.2 1.2 0.4 Syngnathus fuscus (northern pipefish) 2.1 0.2 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 2.1 9.9 1.7 TOTAL 57.6 6.0 90.3 58.3 35.7 0.0 42.5 80.0 38.0 42.6

Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 1 1

Archosargus probatocephalus (sheepshead) 6 1

7 Archosargus rhomboidalis (sea bream) 1 1

Bagre marinus (gafftopsail catfish) 1 12 5

6 1

2 1

15 43 Calamus arctifrons (grass porgy) 1 1

Caranx crysos (blue runner) 1 1

1 5

6 14 Caranx hippos (crevalle jack) 1 2

19 3

1 26 Caranx latus (horse-eye jack) 7 6

11 29 3

5 61 Carcharhinus acronotus (blacknose shark) 1 4

5 Carcharhinus brevipinna (spinner shark) 18 6

17 1

42 Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip shark) 1 1

Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 1 1

Chaetodipterus faber (Atlantic spadefish) 1 1

Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 20 11 14 6

55 9

50 26 14 205 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 1 1

Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 12 14 3

29 Cynoscion regalis (weakfish) 1 1

2 Diapterus auratus (Irish pompano) 1 1

Diplodus holbrookii (spottail pinfish) 3 3

Elops saurus (ladyfish) 17 4

2 2

1 2

28 Larimus fasciatus (banded drum) 11 9

1 62 83 Leiostomus xanthurus (spot) 2 6

67 3

9 1

88 Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 1 1

Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 2 2

Table 5 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Menticirrhus saxatilis (northern kingfish) 1 2

3 1

7 Micropogonias undulates (Atlantic croaker) 1 17 7

20 47 20 9

121 Orthopristis chrysoptera (pigfish) 2 1

2 5

Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) 13 12 2

1 5

3 4

40 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 1 1

2 Pseudocaranx dentex (white trevally) 1 1

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Atlantic sharpnose shark) 1 4

1 6

Scomberomorus maculates (Spanish mackerel) 22 3

12 13 9

41 8

1 109 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 7 1

5 1

2 16 Selene vomer (lookdown) 1 1

Sphyrna tiburo (bonnethead) 7 9

16 7

17 1

1 14 8

80 Synodus foetens (inshore lizardfish) 2 1

3 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 1 2

1 1

5 Trichiurus lepturus (Atlantic cutlassfish) 1 4

4 4

5 18 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 7 7

TOTAL 112 116 106 153 200 31 133 171 46 1068

Table 6. Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 0.68 0.08 Archosargus probatocephalus (sheepshead) 4.09 0.77 0.54 Archosargus rhomboidalis (sea bream) 0.68 0.08 Bagre marinus (gafftopsail catfish) 0.68 7.58 3.85 3.33 0.39 2.45 0.97 9.18 3.31 Calamus arctifrons (grass porgy) 0.68 0.08 Caranx crysos (blue runner) 0.77 0.56 1.22 4.84 7.66 1.08 Caranx hippos (crevalle jack) 0.56 0.78 18.39 1.84 1.28 2.00 Caranx latus (horse-eye jack) 4.77 4.62 6.11 11.30 3.67 4.84 4.70 Carcharhinus acronotus (blacknose shark) 0.77 1.56 0.39 Carcharhinus brevipinna (spinner shark) 11.37 4.62 6.62 1.22 3.23 Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip shark) 0.61 0.08 Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 0.61 0.08 Chaetodipterus faber (Atlantic spadefish) 0.68 0.08 Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 13.64 6.95 10.77 3.33 21.43 11.02 48.39 15.92 17.87 15.79 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 0.77 0.08 Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 7.58 10.77 1.67 2.23 Cynoscion regalis (weakfish) 0.56 0.61 0.15 Diapterus auratus (Irish pompano) 0.68 0.08 Diplodus holbrookii (spottail pinfish) 2.05 0.23 Elops saurus (ladyfish) 11.59 2.53 1.54 1.11 0.97 1.22 2.16 Larimus fasciatus (banded drum) 6.95 5.00 0.97 37.96 6.39 Leiostomus xanthurus (spot) 1.26 4.62 37.22 1.17 5.51 1.28 6.78 Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 0.97 0.08 Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 1.36 0.15

Table 6 (continued). Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011),

St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Menticirrhus saxatilis (northern kingfish) 0.63 1.54 1.17 0.61 0.54 Micropogonias undulates (Atlantic croaker) 0.68 10.74 5.38 11.11 18.31 12.24 11.49 9.32 Orthopristis chrysoptera (pigfish) 1.26 0.56 1.22 0.39 Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) 8.86 7.58 1.54 0.56 4.84 1.84 5.11 3.08 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 0.77 0.61 0.15 Pseudocaranx dentex (white trevally) 0.61 0.08 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Atlantic sharpnose shark) 0.39 4.90 1.28 0.46 Scomberomorus maculates (Spanish mackerel) 15.00 2.31 6.67 5.06 11.02 39.68 4.90 1.28 8.40 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 4.77 0.63 3.85 1.22 1.94 1.23 Selene vomer (lookdown) 1.28 0.08 Sphyrna tiburo (bonnethead) 4.77 5.68 12.31 3.89 6.62 1.22 0.97 8.57 10.21 6.16 Synodus foetens (inshore lizardfish) 1.54 0.39 0.23 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 0.56 0.78 0.97 0.61 0.39 Trichiurus lepturus (Atlantic cutlassfish) 0.68 2.53 3.08 2.22 1.95 1.39 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 5.38 0.54 TOTAL 76.36 73.26 81.54 85.00 77.92 37.96 128.71 104.69 58.72 82.26

Table 7. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 7 20 6

1 1

35 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 6 41 1

48 Trachinotus falcatus (permit) 1 1

Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 12 3

2 17 TOTAL 14 73 10 1

3 101

Table 8. Average total length (TL) and average weight (W) of each Representative Important Species Captured by Gill Net, Trawl, and Beach Seine, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October-November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.

TAXON Gill Net Trawl Beach Seine TL (mm)

W (g) n N

TL (mm)

W (g) n N

TL (mm)

W (g) n N

Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy) 50.0 1

1 Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 285.0 234.8 29 29 261.0 174.0 1

1 Leiostomus xanthurus (spot) 215.4 144.3 46 88 Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 378.0 435.0 2

2 84.8 7.7 35 35 Menticirrhus saxatilis (northern kingfish) 309.9 318.6 7

7 Micropogonias undulates (Atlantic croaker) 263.7 227.8 98 121 234.3 158.6 9

9 Orthopristis chrysoptera (pigfish) 231.4 186.0 5

5 Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) 428.2 762.5 40 40 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 181.0 35.0 2

2 147.4 56.8 13 13 Scomberomorus maculates (Spanish mackerel) 491.8 794.9 92 109 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 262.8 262.0 5

5 100.3 16.8 32 48 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 216.4 147.1 7

7 104.1 28.6 7

7 80.2 7.9 17 17

Table 9. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish Eggs and Larvae and Commercially or Recreationally Important Decapod Crustacean Larvae Captured Per Cubic Meter of Water Filtered During One 15-minute Bongo-Net Tow at Each Transect, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all five transects.)

TAXON SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 TOTAL A

C A

C A

C Achirus lineatus (lined sole), post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy), post yolk-sac larvae 0.409 0.032 0.114 0.096 Bathygobius soporator (frillfin goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.020 0.004 Blenniidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.057 0.008 Citharichthys spilopterus (bay whiff), post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Clupeidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.074 0.008 Clupeiformes sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.045 0.008 Cynoscion regalis (weakfish), post yolk-sac larvae 0.114 0.019 Cynoscion sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.048 0.314 0.054 Engraulidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.016 1.023 0.057 0.188 Engraulidae sp., yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Gobiidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.114 0.019 Gobionellus oceanicus (highfin goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Gobiosoma robustum (code goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.068 0.011 Haemulidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.029 0.004 Harengula jaguana (scaled sardine), post yolk-sac larvae 0.020 0.004 Microgobius thalassinus (green goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.159 0.027 Pareques sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.037 0.004 Perciformes sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.037 0.004 Sciaenidae, post yolk-sac larvae 0.068 0.091 0.143 0.148 0.061 Sciaenops ocellatus (red drum), post yolk-sac larvae 0.068 0.057 0.020 0.023 Symphurus sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.045 0.008 Syngnathus sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.020 0.004 Engraulidae sp., eggs 2.000 0.020 0.341 Sciaenidae sp., eggs 0.029 0.004 Unidentified fish eggs 0.613 0.023 0.657 0.041 4.333 0.693

Table 9 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish Eggs and Larvae and Commercially or Recreationally Important Decapod Crustacean Larvae Captured Per Cubic Meter of Water Filtered During One 15-minute Bongo-Net Tow at Each Transect, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all five transects.)

TAXON SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 TOTAL A

C A

C A

C Albunea sp., zoea 0.041 0.008 Callinectes sp., megalops 0.455 0.016 0.045 0.102 0.107 Emerita talpoida (Atlantic sand crab), zoea 0.023 0.004 Emerita talpoida (Atlantic sand crab), juvenile 0.023 0.004 Farfantepenaeus duorarum (pink shrimp), post larvae 0.023 0.004 Farfantepenaeus sp., post larvae 0.614 0.185 0.123 Farfantepenaeus sp., other 0.519 0.054 Lepidopa sp., zoea 0.061 0.011 Menippe mercenaria (Florida stone crab), zoea 0.081 1.409 0.143 0.571 0.111 0.395 Menippe mercenaria (Florida stone crab), megalops 0.023 0.082 0.019 Penaeidae sp., protozoea 0.023 0.016 1.657 0.185 0.249 Penaeidae sp., other 0.023 0.097 0.023 0.171 0.054 Unidentified shrimp, post larvae 0.023 0.004 TOTAL 4.341 0.919 2.818 3.314 1.000 5.630 2.640

Table 10. Number of Individuals of Each Species of Sea Turtle Sighted During Each of Two Passes Along Three One-Kilometer-Long Transects, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

SPECIES SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas (green turtle) 0 1

1 2

0 0

Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Baseline Event 2 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company December 2011 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.

Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida

ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During October and November 2011, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the second baseline field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. During this second event, sampling was conducted on nine days between October 12 and November 30. Data collected included general environmental data; water quality data; numbers and sizes of fish and shellfish collected by gill net, trawl, and beach seine; numbers of fish eggs and larvae and commercially or recreationally important decapod crustacean larvae collected by plankton net; and, numbers and sizes of sea turtles observed. Results of the second sampling event are provided in this report. All data should be considered preliminary until quality assurance checks have been completed.

SAMPLING LOCATIONS Sampling was conducted within three separate sampling sites: SL1 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the Ft. Pierce Inlet, SL2 located in the vicinity of the St. Lucie Plant cooling water discharge, and SL3 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the St. Lucie Inlet.

For the purposes of gill netting and trawling, three transects were established within each of the three sampling sites: Transect A was located approximately 600 ft from shore on the beach terrace in water depths of 8-32 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 38-44 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 32-46 ft. Plankton samples were collected concurrently with trawl samples at all three sites but only on Transects A and C.

Three stations were also established within each of the three sampling sites for the purpose of beach seining: Station A was located 0.5 mi. north of the center of the site, Station B was located at the center of the site, and Station C was located 0.5 mi. south of the center of the site.

At all stations, seines were pulled to the beach from a water depth of approximately 4 ft.

For the purpose of boat-based sea turtle surveys, one transect was established in each of the three sampling sites. The transects were located along nearshore hardbottom habitat in each site.

RESULTS Environmental data were recorded at each station during each day of sampling. Data recorded included sea conditions, air temperature, wind speed and direction, and sky conditions.

Environmental data are summarized by day in Table 1. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.

Water quality data were recorded at three locations and three depths along each of the nine transects established for trawl and gill net sampling. Data recorded included conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table

2.

BASELINE EVENT 2 DATA REPORT, ST. LUCIE PLANT EPU BIOLOGICAL STUDY ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA 2

Trawls were towed for 15 minutes along each of the nine transects. The numbers of fish and commercially or recreationally important shellfish collected in each 15-minute tow are presented in Table 3. Because of variations in tow speed, the distances the trawl traveled during a 15-minute tow varied (based on GPS readings). In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per kilometer of bottom sampled were calculated and are presented in Table 4.

The numbers of fish and commercially or recreationally important shellfish collected by gill net on each of the nine transects is given in Table 5. At each transect the gill net began to be retrieved 30 minutes after it was set. However, the total soak time (time from when the net first entered the water until the time it was completely removed from the water) varied among transects because of differences in retrieval times associated with variations in the number of fish present in the net. In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per hour of total soak time were calculated and are given in Table

6.

Beach seines were deployed at each of the nine stations previously described. The numbers of fish and commercially or recreationally important shellfish collected at each station are presented in Table 7.

A maximum of 25 representative specimens of each Representative Important Species (RIS) of fish collected at each transect/station by trawl, gill net, and beach seine were measured (total length) and a batch weight for those specimens was obtained. Average lengths and average weights of each RIS at each station/transect for each gear type are presented in Table 8.

Bongo nets were used to collect fish eggs and larvae as well as commercially or recreationally important decapod crustacean larvae at each of the six transects previously described. Nets were pulled for 15 minutes and the volume of water filtered determined by means of flow meters.

Numbers of individuals per cubic meter of water filtered are given in Table 9.

To quantify the number of sea turtles present in each of the three sampling sites, one one-kilometer-long transect in each sampling site was traversed by boat twice. The numbers of sea turtles sighted during each pass along each transect are presented in Table 10.

Table 1. Environmental Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October-November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.

Sampling Date Sea Conditions Air Temp Wind Speed/Direction Sky Conditions Trawls/

Ichthyoplankton 10/12/2011 1-3 ft swell, light chop 24.1-25.4°C 5-10 mph/S to SE Mostly Cloudy to Overcast, Rain Trawls/

Ichthyoplankton 10/13/2011 1-3 ft swell 22.2-25.6°C 5-10 mph/W to SW Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/13/2011 calm 27.8-28.0°C 0-3 mph/variable Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/14/2011 2-3 ft swell, choppy to 3-5 ft swell, choppy 23.0°C 5-15 mph/NNW Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/20/2011 2-3 ft swell, choppy 13.0°C 10-15 mph/NNW Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 10/28/2011 2-3 ft swell, choppy 24.0-28.0°C 5-10 mph/ESE Partly to Mostly Cloudy Beach Seines 11/23/2011 1-3 ft swell 21.1-25.6°C 3-5 mph/SW Clear to Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 11/29/2011 3-4 ft swell 21.8-24.4°C 0-10 mph/W to NW Overcast to Clear Beach Seines 11/30/2011 2-3 ft swell 19.3-19.6°C 3-5 mph/W to NW Clear Sea Turtle Transects 11/17/2011 1-3 ft swell 26.7°C 3-8 mph/SW Partly Cloudy

Table 2. Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Trawl SL1 A North Surface 54.2 26.9 35.9 7.92 6.24 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.88 5.48 Bottom 54.3 26.4 36.0 7.89 5.17 Middle Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 7.90 6.40 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.0 7.87 5.77 Bottom 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.87 5.56 South Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 7.86 6.65 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.2 36.1 7.83 5.55 Bottom 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.84 5.44 Trawl SL1 B North Surface 54.2 26.7 35.9 7.95 6.15 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.94 5.13 Bottom 54.4 26.2 36.0 7.95 5.04 Middle Surface 54.2 26.7 35.9 7.93 5.72 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.93 5.34 Bottom 54.3 26.2 36.0 7.94 5.22 South Surface 54.1 26.7 35.8 7.92 6.48 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.91 6.64 Bottom 54.4 26.2 36.0 7.92 5.51 Trawl SL1 C North Surface 54.0 26.7 35.8 8.01 6.25 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.6 36.0 8.00 6.03 Bottom 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.99 6.23 Middle Surface 54.0 26.8 35.8 8.03 5.79 Mid-Depth 54.1 26.7 35.9 8.01 5.66 Bottom 54.3 26.5 36.0 8.00 5.50 South Surface 54.0 26.8 35.8 8.03 5.53 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.6 36.0 8.02 5.35 Bottom 54.3 26.5 36.0 8.01 5.17 Trawl SL2 A North Surface 54.3 26.9 35.9 7.99 5.77 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.97 5.02 Bottom 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.96 4.89 Middle Surface 53.8 26.7 35.1 7.99 5.45 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.97 4.82 Bottom 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.96 4.75 South Surface 54.2 26.8 35.9 8.00 5.32 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 7.97 4.99 Bottom 54.5 26.3 36.1 7.97 4.63

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Trawl SL2 B North Surface 53.7 26.9 35.6 8.04 6.04 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.00 5.27 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 7.99 5.28 Middle Surface 53.6 27.0 35.5 8.04 6.12 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.00 5.34 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.00 5.03 South Surface 53.7 27.1 35.6 8.05 5.77 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.01 5.13 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.01 5.18 Trawl SL2 C North Surface 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.93 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.86 Bottom 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.08 5.76 Middle Surface 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.78 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.08 5.89 Bottom 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.09 5.74 South Surface 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.07 6.01 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.4 36.1 8.07 6.07 Bottom 54.4 27.3 36.1 8.08 5.82 Trawl SL3 A North Surface 54.0 26.7 35.8 8.04 5.82 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.8 36.1 8.02 5.60 Bottom 54.4 26.8 36.1 8.00 5.32 Middle Surface 53.9 26.6 35.7 8.04 5.84 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.8 36.1 8.01 5.58 Bottom 54.4 26.7 36.1 8.00 5.23 South Surface 54.0 26.6 35.8 8.03 5.66 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.8 36.0 8.01 5.55 Bottom 54.3 26.7 36.0 8.00 5.20 Trawl SL3 B North Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 8.06 6.01 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.05 5.82 Bottom 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.05 5.73 Middle Surface 54.1 27.0 35.9 8.07 5.84 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.06 5.75 Bottom 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.06 5.72 South Surface 54.2 27.0 35.9 8.07 5.62 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.0 36.0 8.07 5.78 Bottom 54.3 27.0 36.0 8.05 5.67

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Trawl SL3 C North Surface 53.4 27.2 35.4 8.03 6.13 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.03 5.78 Bottom 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.04 5.69 Middle Surface 53.8 27.1 35.7 8.07 5.71 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.48 Bottom 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.46 South Surface 53.6 27.1 35.6 8.08 5.65 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.5 Bottom 54.3 27.2 36.0 8.06 5.34 Gill Net SL1 A West Surface 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.97 5.19 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.94 4.66 Bottom 54.4 26.3 36.0 7.94 4.54 Middle Surface 54.3 26.4 36.1 7.97 5.69 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.3 36.1 7.94 4.92 Bottom 54.3 26.3 36.0 7.88 3.59 East Surface 54.3 26.4 36.0 7.95 5.06 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.94 4.85 Bottom 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.93 4.58 Gill Net SL1 B West Surface 54.5 27.1 36.2 8.02 5.49 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.6 36.1 8.00 5.07 Bottom 54.5 26.5 36.1 8.01 4.87 Middle Surface 54.5 27.1 36.2 8.01 5.49 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.5 36.1 8.00 4.99 Bottom 54.5 26.4 36.1 8.01 4.99 East Surface 54.5 27.1 36.2 7.92 5.60 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.4 36.1 7.95 5.54 Bottom 54.4 26.4 36.1 7.97 5.27 Gill Net SL1 C West Surface 54.4 27.5 36.1 8.05 5.67 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.5 36.1 8.06 5.52 Bottom 54.4 26.5 36.1 8.05 5.03 Middle Surface 54.4 27.5 36.1 8.06 5.88 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.7 36.1 8.06 5.60 Bottom 54.4 26.5 36.1 8.04 5.48 East Surface 54.5 27.5 36.2 7.94 5.78 Mid-Depth 54.5 26.5 36.1 8.00 5.50 Bottom 54.3 26.5 36.1 8.04 5.23

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Gill Net SL2 A West Surface 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.04 5.92 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.03 5.73 Bottom 54.4 26.7 36.1 8.03 5.60 Middle Surface 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.07 6.17 Mid-Depth 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.69 Bottom 54.4 26.8 36.0 8.05 5.59 East Surface 54.4 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.73 Mid-Depth 54.3 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.58 Bottom 54.3 26.9 36.1 8.06 5.53 Gill Net SL2 B West Surface 55.1 25.5 36.5 7.86 6.88 Mid-Depth 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.86 5.99 Bottom 55.3 24.9 36.6 7.84 6.03 Middle Surface 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.91 6.36 Mid-Depth 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.90 5.90 Bottom 55.4 24.8 36.6 7.88 5.73 East Surface 55.0 25.5 36.5 7.91 5.69 Mid-Depth 55.1 25.4 36.5 7.90 5.66 Bottom 55.3 24.8 36.7 7.88 5.43 Gill Net SL2 C West Surface 53.2 24.9 35.1 7.99 6.93 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.5 35.8 7.98 6.72 Bottom 54.4 24.5 35.9 7.98 6.18 Middle Surface 53.2 24.8 35.1 7.98 7.01 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.4 35.8 7.96 6.53 Bottom 54.3 24.5 35.9 7.97 6.14 East Surface 53.2 24.8 35.1 7.92 7.11 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.5 35.8 7.92 6.35 Bottom 54.3 24.5 35.9 7.93 6.32 Gill Net SL3 A West Surface 53.4 24.5 35.1 7.99 7.55 Mid-Depth 53.7 24.4 35.4 7.98 6.16 Bottom 53.9 24.4 35.6 7.97 5.83 Middle Surface 53.4 24.5 35.2 7.98 8.41 Mid-Depth 53.7 24.4 35.4 7.98 6.11 Bottom 54.1 24.5 35.7 7.97 5.88 East Surface 53.3 24.5 35.1 7.97 6.56 Mid-Depth 53.8 24.4 35.5 7.95 6.31 Bottom 54.2 24.5 35.8 7.94 5.91

Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St.

Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Transect Station Depth Conductivity (mS/cm)

Water Temp (°C)

Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)

Gill Net SL3 B West Surface 53.4 25.3 35.2 8.03 6.56 Mid-Depth 53.8 24.7 35.6 8.02 6.45 Bottom 54.1 24.4 35.7 7.99 5.82 Middle Surface 53.3 25.3 35.3 8.02 6.58 Mid-Depth 53.9 24.4 35.6 8.01 6.23 Bottom 54.2 24.4 35.8 7.98 5.94 East Surface 53.3 25.3 35.3 7.96 6.65 Mid-Depth 53.9 24.7 35.6 7.99 6.17 Bottom 54.2 24.4 35.7 7.98 6.15 Gill Net SL3 C West Surface 53.3 25.6 35.3 8.03 6.47 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.9 35.7 8.01 5.96 Bottom 54.1 24.7 35.7 8.00 5.89 Middle Surface 53.4 25.6 35.2 8.02 6.59 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.9 35.7 7.99 6.42 Bottom 54.1 24.5 35.7 7.99 5.94 East Surface 53.4 25.6 35.3 7.95 7.20 Mid-Depth 54.1 24.2 35.8 7.96 6.57 Bottom 54.1 24.5 35.7 7.96 6.13

Table 3. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Arenaeus cribrarius (speckled swimming crab) 14 7

2 23 Callinectes spp.

3 3

Farfantepenaeus duorarum (pink shrimp) 4 4

Farfantepenaeus spp.

1 5

1 7

Rimapenaeus constrictus (roughneck shrimp) 2 3

2 7

Sicyonia sp.

1 1

Achirus lineatus (lined sole) 1 1

Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy) 1 1

Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 1 1

Caranx crysos (blue runner) 1 1

Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 2 2

Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 10 6

10 17 7

50 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 2 2

2 3

9 Citharichthys spilopterus (bay whiff) 1 1

Corvula sanctaeluciae (stripped croaker) 3 3

Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 1 1

Diplectrum formosum (sand perch) 1 1

Elops saurus (ladyfish) 1 1

Halichoeres caudalis (painted wrasse) 1 1

Table 3 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Lagodon rhomboides (pinfish) 1 1

Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 4 4

Menticirrhus littoralis (gulf kingfish) 1 1

Micropogonias undulatus (Atlantic croaker) 1 7

1 9

Narcine bancroftii (lesser electric ray) 1 1

Ophidion grayi (blotched cusk-eel) 1 6

7 Ophidion spp.

5 12 17 Opistognathus robinsi (spotfin jawfish) 1 1

Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 2 8

3 13 Sciaenidae spp.

1 1

1 3

Scorpaena brasiliensis (barbfish) 1 1

2 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 1 2

1 1

5 Selene vomer (lookdown) 4 4

Serranidae sp.

1 1

Stephanolepis hispida (planehead filefish) 1 1

1 3

Symphurus diomedeanus (spottedfin tonguefish) 1 1

2 Syngnathus fuscus (northern pipefish) 1 1

Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 1 7

8 TOTAL 27 2

28 19 4

0 30 65 26 201

Table 4. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per kilometer for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Arenaeus cribrarius (speckled swimming crab) 29.9 21.5 2.8 4.9 Callinectes spp.

6.4 0.6 Farfantepenaeus duorarum (pink shrimp) 4.9 0.8 Farfantepenaeus spp.

2.1 16.1 1.2 1.5 Rimapenaeus constrictus (roughneck shrimp) 2.8 3.7 2.9 1.5 Sicyonia sp.

1.2 0.2 Achirus lineatus (lined sole) 8.9 0.2 Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy) 2.1 0.2 Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 3.1 0.2 Caranx crysos (blue runner) 1.5 0.2 Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 2.5 0.4 Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 32.3 18.4 14.2 20.9 10.2 10.6 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 6.5 17.9 2.5 4.4 1.9 Citharichthys spilopterus (bay whiff) 3.2 0.2 Corvula sanctaeluciae (stripped croaker) 4.2 0.6 Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 1.5 0.2 Diplectrum formosum (sand perch) 3.2 0.2 Elops saurus (ladyfish) 2.1 0.2 Halichoeres caudalis (painted wrasse) 1.2 0.2

Table 4 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

(Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per kilometer for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Lagodon rhomboides (pinfish) 1.2 0.2 Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 5.7 0.8 Menticirrhus littoralis (gulf kingfish) 3.1 0.2 Micropogonias undulatus (Atlantic croaker) 8.9 8.6 1.5 1.9 Narcine bancroftii (lesser electric ray) 1.4 0.2 Ophidion grayi (blotched cusk-eel) 1.2 8.8 1.5 Ophidion spp.

16.1 14.8 3.6 Opistognathus robinsi (spotfin jawfish) 3.0 0.2 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 6.5 9.9 4.4 2.8 Sciaenidae spp.

3.1 1.4 1.2 0.6 Scorpaena brasiliensis (barbfish) 1.2 1.5 0.4 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 3.0 6.1 1.2 1.5 1.1 Selene vomer (lookdown) 8.5 0.8 Serranidae sp.

1.2 0.2 Stephanolepis hispida (planehead filefish) 2.1 3.2 3.1 0.6 Symphurus diomedeanus (spottedfin tonguefish) 3.2 1.2 0.4 Syngnathus fuscus (northern pipefish) 2.1 0.2 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 2.1 9.9 1.7 TOTAL 57.6 6.0 90.3 58.3 35.7 0.0 42.5 80.0 38.0 42.6

Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 1 1

Archosargus probatocephalus (sheepshead) 6 1

7 Archosargus rhomboidalis (sea bream) 1 1

Bagre marinus (gafftopsail catfish) 1 12 5

6 1

2 1

15 43 Calamus arctifrons (grass porgy) 1 1

Caranx crysos (blue runner) 1 1

1 5

6 14 Caranx hippos (crevalle jack) 1 2

19 3

1 26 Caranx latus (horse-eye jack) 7 6

11 29 3

5 61 Carcharhinus acronotus (blacknose shark) 1 4

5 Carcharhinus brevipinna (spinner shark) 18 6

17 1

42 Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip shark) 1 1

Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 1 1

Chaetodipterus faber (Atlantic spadefish) 1 1

Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 20 11 14 6

55 9

50 26 14 205 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 1 1

Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 12 14 3

29 Cynoscion regalis (weakfish) 1 1

2 Diapterus auratus (Irish pompano) 1 1

Diplodus holbrookii (spottail pinfish) 3 3

Elops saurus (ladyfish) 17 4

2 2

1 2

28 Larimus fasciatus (banded drum) 11 9

1 62 83 Leiostomus xanthurus (spot) 2 6

67 3

9 1

88 Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 1 1

Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 2 2

Table 5 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Menticirrhus saxatilis (northern kingfish) 1 2

3 1

7 Micropogonias undulates (Atlantic croaker) 1 17 7

20 47 20 9

121 Orthopristis chrysoptera (pigfish) 2 1

2 5

Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) 13 12 2

1 5

3 4

40 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 1 1

2 Pseudocaranx dentex (white trevally) 1 1

Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Atlantic sharpnose shark) 1 4

1 6

Scomberomorus maculates (Spanish mackerel) 22 3

12 13 9

41 8

1 109 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 7 1

5 1

2 16 Selene vomer (lookdown) 1 1

Sphyrna tiburo (bonnethead) 7 9

16 7

17 1

1 14 8

80 Synodus foetens (inshore lizardfish) 2 1

3 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 1 2

1 1

5 Trichiurus lepturus (Atlantic cutlassfish) 1 4

4 4

5 18 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 7 7

TOTAL 112 116 106 153 200 31 133 171 46 1068

Table 6. Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Anisotremus virginicus (porkfish) 0.68 0.08 Archosargus probatocephalus (sheepshead) 4.09 0.77 0.54 Archosargus rhomboidalis (sea bream) 0.68 0.08 Bagre marinus (gafftopsail catfish) 0.68 7.58 3.85 3.33 0.39 2.45 0.97 9.18 3.31 Calamus arctifrons (grass porgy) 0.68 0.08 Caranx crysos (blue runner) 0.77 0.56 1.22 4.84 7.66 1.08 Caranx hippos (crevalle jack) 0.56 0.78 18.39 1.84 1.28 2.00 Caranx latus (horse-eye jack) 4.77 4.62 6.11 11.30 3.67 4.84 4.70 Carcharhinus acronotus (blacknose shark) 0.77 1.56 0.39 Carcharhinus brevipinna (spinner shark) 11.37 4.62 6.62 1.22 3.23 Carcharhinus limbatus (blacktip shark) 0.61 0.08 Centropristis striata (black sea bass) 0.61 0.08 Chaetodipterus faber (Atlantic spadefish) 0.68 0.08 Chloroscombrus chrysurus (Atlantic bumper) 13.64 6.95 10.77 3.33 21.43 11.02 48.39 15.92 17.87 15.79 Citharichthys macrops (spotted whiff) 0.77 0.08 Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 7.58 10.77 1.67 2.23 Cynoscion regalis (weakfish) 0.56 0.61 0.15 Diapterus auratus (Irish pompano) 0.68 0.08 Diplodus holbrookii (spottail pinfish) 2.05 0.23 Elops saurus (ladyfish) 11.59 2.53 1.54 1.11 0.97 1.22 2.16 Larimus fasciatus (banded drum) 6.95 5.00 0.97 37.96 6.39 Leiostomus xanthurus (spot) 1.26 4.62 37.22 1.17 5.51 1.28 6.78 Lutjanus synagris (lane snapper) 0.97 0.08 Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 1.36 0.15

Table 6 (continued). Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011),

St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects.)

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Menticirrhus saxatilis (northern kingfish) 0.63 1.54 1.17 0.61 0.54 Micropogonias undulates (Atlantic croaker) 0.68 10.74 5.38 11.11 18.31 12.24 11.49 9.32 Orthopristis chrysoptera (pigfish) 1.26 0.56 1.22 0.39 Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) 8.86 7.58 1.54 0.56 4.84 1.84 5.11 3.08 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 0.77 0.61 0.15 Pseudocaranx dentex (white trevally) 0.61 0.08 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae (Atlantic sharpnose shark) 0.39 4.90 1.28 0.46 Scomberomorus maculates (Spanish mackerel) 15.00 2.31 6.67 5.06 11.02 39.68 4.90 1.28 8.40 Selene setapinnis (Atlantic moonfish) 4.77 0.63 3.85 1.22 1.94 1.23 Selene vomer (lookdown) 1.28 0.08 Sphyrna tiburo (bonnethead) 4.77 5.68 12.31 3.89 6.62 1.22 0.97 8.57 10.21 6.16 Synodus foetens (inshore lizardfish) 1.54 0.39 0.23 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 0.56 0.78 0.97 0.61 0.39 Trichiurus lepturus (Atlantic cutlassfish) 0.68 2.53 3.08 2.22 1.95 1.39 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 5.38 0.54 TOTAL 76.36 73.26 81.54 85.00 77.92 37.96 128.71 104.69 58.72 82.26

Table 7. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Commercially or Recreationally Important Shellfish Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

TAXON SL1 SL2 SL3 TOTAL A

B C

A B

C A

B C

Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 7 20 6

1 1

35 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 6 41 1

48 Trachinotus falcatus (permit) 1 1

Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 12 3

2 17 TOTAL 14 73 10 1

3 101

Table 8. Average total length (TL) and average weight (W) of each Representative Important Species Captured by Gill Net, Trawl, and Beach Seine, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October-November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.

TAXON Gill Net Trawl Beach Seine TL (mm)

W (g) n N

TL (mm)

W (g) n N

TL (mm)

W (g) n N

Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy) 50.0 1

1 Cynoscion nothus (silver seatrout) 285.0 234.8 29 29 261.0 174.0 1

1 Leiostomus xanthurus (spot) 215.4 144.3 46 88 Menticirrhus littoralis (Gulf kingfish) 378.0 435.0 2

2 84.8 7.7 35 35 Menticirrhus saxatilis (northern kingfish) 309.9 318.6 7

7 Micropogonias undulates (Atlantic croaker) 263.7 227.8 98 121 234.3 158.6 9

9 Orthopristis chrysoptera (pigfish) 231.4 186.0 5

5 Pomatomus saltatrix (bluefish) 428.2 762.5 40 40 Prionotus scitulus (leopard searobin) 181.0 35.0 2

2 147.4 56.8 13 13 Scomberomorus maculates (Spanish mackerel) 491.8 794.9 92 109 Trachinotus carolinus (Florida pompano) 262.8 262.0 5

5 100.3 16.8 32 48 Umbrina coroides (sand drum) 216.4 147.1 7

7 104.1 28.6 7

7 80.2 7.9 17 17

Table 9. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish Eggs and Larvae and Commercially or Recreationally Important Decapod Crustacean Larvae Captured Per Cubic Meter of Water Filtered During One 15-minute Bongo-Net Tow at Each Transect, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all five transects.)

TAXON SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 TOTAL A

C A

C A

C Achirus lineatus (lined sole), post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Anchoa mitchilli (bay anchovy), post yolk-sac larvae 0.409 0.032 0.114 0.096 Bathygobius soporator (frillfin goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.020 0.004 Blenniidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.057 0.008 Citharichthys spilopterus (bay whiff), post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Clupeidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.074 0.008 Clupeiformes sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.045 0.008 Cynoscion regalis (weakfish), post yolk-sac larvae 0.114 0.019 Cynoscion sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.048 0.314 0.054 Engraulidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.016 1.023 0.057 0.188 Engraulidae sp., yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Gobiidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.114 0.019 Gobionellus oceanicus (highfin goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.023 0.004 Gobiosoma robustum (code goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.068 0.011 Haemulidae sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.029 0.004 Harengula jaguana (scaled sardine), post yolk-sac larvae 0.020 0.004 Microgobius thalassinus (green goby), post yolk-sac larvae 0.159 0.027 Pareques sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.037 0.004 Perciformes sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.037 0.004 Sciaenidae, post yolk-sac larvae 0.068 0.091 0.143 0.148 0.061 Sciaenops ocellatus (red drum), post yolk-sac larvae 0.068 0.057 0.020 0.023 Symphurus sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.045 0.008 Syngnathus sp., post yolk-sac larvae 0.020 0.004 Engraulidae sp., eggs 2.000 0.020 0.341 Sciaenidae sp., eggs 0.029 0.004 Unidentified fish eggs 0.613 0.023 0.657 0.041 4.333 0.693

Table 9 (continued). Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish Eggs and Larvae and Commercially or Recreationally Important Decapod Crustacean Larvae Captured Per Cubic Meter of Water Filtered During One 15-minute Bongo-Net Tow at Each Transect, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (October 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all five transects.)

TAXON SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 TOTAL A

C A

C A

C Albunea sp., zoea 0.041 0.008 Callinectes sp., megalops 0.455 0.016 0.045 0.102 0.107 Emerita talpoida (Atlantic sand crab), zoea 0.023 0.004 Emerita talpoida (Atlantic sand crab), juvenile 0.023 0.004 Farfantepenaeus duorarum (pink shrimp), post larvae 0.023 0.004 Farfantepenaeus sp., post larvae 0.614 0.185 0.123 Farfantepenaeus sp., other 0.519 0.054 Lepidopa sp., zoea 0.061 0.011 Menippe mercenaria (Florida stone crab), zoea 0.081 1.409 0.143 0.571 0.111 0.395 Menippe mercenaria (Florida stone crab), megalops 0.023 0.082 0.019 Penaeidae sp., protozoea 0.023 0.016 1.657 0.185 0.249 Penaeidae sp., other 0.023 0.097 0.023 0.171 0.054 Unidentified shrimp, post larvae 0.023 0.004 TOTAL 4.341 0.919 2.818 3.314 1.000 5.630 2.640

Table 10. Number of Individuals of Each Species of Sea Turtle Sighted During Each of Two Passes Along Three One-Kilometer-Long Transects, Baseline Sampling Event 2 (November 2011), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

SPECIES SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas (green turtle) 0 1

1 2

0 0