ML15314A316
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Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 2 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company June 2013 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During March through May 2013, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the first post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study.
Sampling was conducted on six days between March 20 and May 10, 2013. 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 post-uprate 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 34-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 31-47 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 specific conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table 2.
POST-UPRATE 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 scientific and common names of all specimens captured by all gear types are listed in Table 3. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected in each 15-minute tow are presented in Table 4. 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 5.
The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected by gill net on each of the nine transects is given in Table 6. 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 7.
Beach seines were deployed at each of the nine stations previously described. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected at each station are presented in Table 8.
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 9.
Bongo nets were used to collect fish eggs and larvae as well as commercially or recreationally important invertebrate 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 10.
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 11.
Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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 4/2/13 1-2 ft swell 23.2-23.9°C 7-10 mph/ESE to NNE Clear Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 4/3/12 1-3 ft swell 23.1-24.7°C 10-15 mph/E to S Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 4/2/13 2-3 ft swell, light chop 24.0-27.2°C 3-10 mph/N to NE Clear Gill Nets 4/3/13 3-4 ft swell, light chop 24.8-26.2°C 10-15 mph/E to ESE Clear to Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 3/20/13 1-2 ft swell, light chop 22.5-29.2°C 0-6 mph/N to S Mostly Cloudy to Overcast Sea Turtle Transects 5/10/13 2-3 ft swell 26.3-26.8°C 5-7 mph/SE Partly Cloudy
Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Trawl SL1 A North Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.5 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.7 Middle Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 South Surface 55.0 23.0 36.3 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.0 36.3 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 23.0 36.3 8.2 7.0 Trawl SL1 B North Surface 54.9 22.8 36.2 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.2 8.2 6.7 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.9 Middle Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 South Surface 54.9 22.8 36.3 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.1 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.1 6.8 Trawl SL1 C North Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.9 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.7 Middle Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.6 36.2 8.1 6.8 South Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.1 6.8 Trawl SL2 A North Surface 54.9 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.3 Bottom 55.0 32.3 36.3 8.1 6.4 Middle Surface 54.9 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.4 Bottom 55.0 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.5 South Surface 55.1 23.6 36.4 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.6 36.4 8.1 6.7 Bottom 55.0 23.4 36.3 8.1 6.6
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Trawl SL2 B North Surface 54.9 23.5 36.3 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.0 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 21.8 36.2 8.2 7.2 Middle Surface 54.9 23.4 36.3 8.2 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.3 8.2 7.1 Bottom 55.0 21.9 36.2 8.2 7.4 South Surface 55.4 23.4 36.6 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.1 23.1 36.4 8.3 7.2 Bottom 55.1 23.0 36.4 8.2 7.1 Trawl SL2 C North Surface 55.5 23.1 36.6 8.0 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.1 23.0 36.4 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.1 21.8 36.3 8.2 7.5 Middle Surface 54.9 23.0 36.2 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.9 21.9 36.2 8.2 7.2 South Surface 54.9 23.0 36.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 21.8 36.2 8.2 7.1 Trawl SL3 A North Surface 54.8 23.5 36.3 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.9 Bottom 54.9 23.4 36.3 8.1 7.0 Middle Surface 54.8 23.7 36.3 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.7 36.2 8.1 6.8 Bottom 54.8 23.7 36.3 8.1 6.8 South Surface 54.9 24.2 36.3 8.0 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 24.2 36.3 8.0 6.7 Bottom 54.9 24.1 36.3 8.0 6.9 Trawl SL3 B North Surface 54.9 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 23.2 36.3 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.5 36.2 8.1 7.2 Middle Surface 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.2 36.2 8.1 7.0 Bottom 54.9 22.4 36.1 8.1 7.4 South Surface 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.8 22.5 36.2 8.1 7.3
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Trawl SL3 C North Surface 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.2 36.2 8.1 6.5 Bottom 54.8 22.5 36.2 8.1 6.8 Middle Surface 54.8 23.5 36.2 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.3 36.2 8.1 6.6 Bottom 54.9 22.5 36.2 8.1 6.9 South Surface 54.8 23.5 36.2 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.2 36.2 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.8 22.5 36.2 8.1 6.9 Gill Net SL1 A West Surface 54.9 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.6 36.3 8.3 6.7 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.2 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.3 36.4 8.3 7.0 East Surface 55.4 22.8 36.5 8.3 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.3 22.8 36.5 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.1 22.7 36.4 8.3 6.7 Gill Net SL1 B West Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.5 Bottom 54.9 22.4 36.3 8.3 6.5 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.6 36.3 8.3 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.3 6.6 East Surface 55.3 22.8 36.5 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.1 22.7 36.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.5 36.4 8.3 6.7 Gill Net SL1 C West Surface 55.0 22.9 36.3 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.7 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.6 East Surface 55.4 22.9 36.5 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.7 36.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.1 33.7 36.4 8.3 6.7
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Gill Net SL2 A West Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.2 6.6 Middle Surface 55.1 22.6 36.3 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.6 East Surface 55.2 22.7 36.4 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.6 36.4 8.1 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.5 36.4 8.1 6.7 Gill Net SL2 B West Surface 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.0 36.3 8.2 6.5 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 55.0 22.1 36.3 8.2 6.7 East Surface 55.3 22.7 36.5 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.7 36.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.1 36.4 8.2 6.7 Gill Net SL2 C West Surface 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.3 6.6 Bottom 55.1 22.0 36.3 8.3 6.4 Middle Surface 55.0 22.6 36.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.0 36.3 8.2 6.6 East Surface 55.3 22.6 36.4 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.5 36.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.2 22.0 36.4 8.3 6.6 Gill Net SL3 A West Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.8 Middle Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 East Surface 54.8 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.8 22.8 36.2 8.2 6.8
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Gill Net SL3 B West Surface 54.9 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.3 8.2 7.0 Bottom 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 7.0 Middle Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.8 East Surface 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Gill Net SL3 C West Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.8 Bottom 54.9 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.8 Middle Surface 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.8 East Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Bottom 55.0 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.8
Scientific Name Common Name Cephalopods Loliginidae squid Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius*
speckled swimming crab Calappa flammea flame box crab Callinectes sapidus*
blue crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Emerita sp.*
mole crab Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus sp.*
penaeid shrimp Lepidopa sp.*
mole crab Leptochela carinata carinate glass shrimp Melita sp.
sand dollar Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Rimapenaeus sp.*
roughneck shrimp Echinoderms Encope sp.
sand dollar Lytechinus variegatus green sea urchin Melita sp.
sand dollar Fish and Eggs Astrapogon puncticulatus blackfin cardinalfish Bairdiella chrysoura silver perch Balistidae triggerfish Bathygobius soporator frillfin goby Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Blenniidae combtooth blennies Bothidae Lefteyed flounders Brevoortia tyrannus**
Atlantic menhaden Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx hippos crevalle jack Centropristis striata black sea bass Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys spilopterus bay whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Ctenogobius boleosoma darter goby Cynoscion sp.
seatrouts Diogenichthys atlanticus lanternfish Eleotridae sleepers Eleotris pisonis Spinycheek sleeper Elops saurus ladyfish Engraulidae**
anchovies Etrumeus teres**
round herring Eucinostomus sp.
mojarra Gerreidae mojarra Gobiidae gobies Gobiosoma robustum code goby Haemulidae grunts Haemulon macrostomum spanish grunt Larimus fasciatus banded drum Lutjanidae snappers Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus americanus**
southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Microgobius thalassinus green goby Mugil curema silver mullet Myctophidae lanternfishes
Scientific Name Common Name Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Ostraciidae boxfishes/truckfishes Paralichthyidae sand flounders Perciformes perch-like fishes Polydactylus virginicus barbu Prionotus scitulus**
leopard searobin Prionotus sp.
North American searobins Rachycentron canadum cobia Rhinobatos lentiginosus Atlantic guitarfish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Scarus sp.
Parrotfish Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scomberomorus maculatus**
Atlantic spanish mackerel Selene vomer lookdown Serranidae sea basses and groupers Sparisoma sp.
Parrotfish Sphoeroides sp.
puffer Syngnathus louisianae chain pipefish Tetraodontidae puffers Trachinotus falcatus permit Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified fish unidentified fish Unidentified fragment unidentified fragment Uranoscopidae stargazers Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas**
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus sp.*
11 2
6 19 Portunus gibbesii 5
8 3
2 18 Paguroidea 5
1 1
7 Melita sp.
1 1
1 3
Arenaeus cribrarius*
2 2
Portunus sp.
2 2
Calappa flammea 1
1 Leptochela carinata 1
1 Echinoderms Encope sp.
2 2
4 Lytechinus variegatus 1
1 Fish Umbrina coroides**
8 1
4 13 Haemulon macrostomum 1
1 Total 26 10 3
21 5
4 1
2 0
72
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Table 4. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Invertebrates Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Taxon
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus sp.*
14.41 2.20 0.00 7.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.62 Portunus gibbesii 0.00 5.49 0.00 9.84 3.40 2.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.48 Paguroidea 6.55 0.00 0.00 1.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.06 0.00 0.96 Melita sp.
0.00 1.10 1.16 0.00 1.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.41 Arenaeus cribrarius*
0.00 0.00 0.00 2.46 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 Portunus sp.
2.62 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 Calappa flammea 0.00 1.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 Leptochela carinata 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.06 0.00 0.14 Echinoderms Encope sp.
0.00 0.00 2.33 0.00 0.00 2.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.55 Lytechinus variegatus 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 Fish Umbrina coroides**
10.48 1.10 0.00 4.92 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.79 Haemulon macrostomum 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.14 Total 34.07 10.98 3.49 25.84 5.66 4.42 2.50 2.13 0.00 9.92
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Invertebrates Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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 Scomberomorus maculatus*
1 1
4 1
7 Caranx crysos 1
2 1
4 Lutjanus synagris 2
2 Prionotus scitulus*
1 1
2 Rachycentron canadum 2
2 Centropristis striata 1
1 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Rhinobatos lentiginosus 1
1 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 1
1 Total 6
4 4
4 0
1 1
0 1
21
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Taxon Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Scomberomorus maculatus*
0.97 1.36 0.00 6.32 0.00 0.00 1.58 0.00 0.00 1.09 Caranx crysos 0.97 2.73 1.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.62 Lutjanus synagris 1.94 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31 Prionotus scitulus*
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.50 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.31 Rachycentron canadum 0.00 0.00 2.55 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31 Centropristis striata 0.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 0.00 1.36 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Rhinobatos lentiginosus 0.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 0.00 0.00 1.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Total 5.81 5.45 5.11 6.32 0.00 1.50 1.58 0.00 0.02 3.26
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Total Table 7. Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Taxon of Fish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Emerita sp.*
1 1
Fish Menticirrhus littoralis**
2 53 55 Umbrina coroides**
1 7
15 1
24 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 9
1 10 Selene vomer 1
1 4
6 Trachinotus falcatus 2
4 6
Menticirrhus americanus**
3 3
Elops saurus 2
2 Caranx crysos 1
1 Caranx hippos 1
1 Mugil curema 1
1 Polydactylus virginicus 1
1 Total 0
4 75 3
0 0
5 23 1
111
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Invertebrates Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Taxa
A C
A C
A C
Cephalopods Loliginidae Juvenile 0.015 0.003 Crustaceans Callinectes sapidus Megalops 1.029 0.103 2.468 0.217 0.877 0.743 Albunea sp.
Zoea 0.400 0.077 0.043 0.130 0.800 0.441 0.357 Emerita talpoida Zoea 0.065 0.846 0.265 0.253 Callinectes sp.
Zoea 0.029 1.179 0.106 0.196 0.015 0.029 0.213 Farfantepenaeus duorarum Post Larvae 0.057 0.051 0.702 0.215 0.170 Menippe mercenaria Zoea 0.029 0.103 0.022 0.431 0.118 0.140 Farfantepenaeus aztecus Post Larvae 0.086 0.026 0.170 0.043 0.123 0.073 Farfantepenaeus sp.
Post Larvae 0.064 0.092 0.030 Lepidopa sp.
Zoea 0.057 0.046 0.017 Rimapenaeus constrictus Mysis 0.026 0.015 0.007 Callinectes sp.
Megalops 0.022 0.003 Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 11.086 2.846 0.872 2.022 7.154 8.279 5.537 Engraulidae Egg 0.486 0.057 Clupeidae Egg 0.085 0.013 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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa
A C
A C
A C
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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa Fish Clupeidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 6.857 0.103 0.015 0.817 Etrumeus teres Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.872 0.692 0.287 Unidentified fragment Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.154 0.681 0.154 0.059 0.173 Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.057 0.077 0.128 0.031 0.015 0.047 Citharichthys spilopterus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.128 0.046 0.030 Ctenogobius boleosoma Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.143 0.085 0.030 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.077 0.043 0.015 0.029 0.027 Bathygobius soporator Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.057 0.062 0.020 Myctophidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.128 0.015 0.020 Eleotridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.077 0.017 Cynoscion sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.103 0.013 Labridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.064 0.015 0.013 Perciformes Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.057 0.031 0.013 Prionotus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.062 0.013 Scarus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.062 0.013 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.026 0.065 0.013 Tetraodontidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.046 0.015 0.013 Balistidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.046 0.010
A C
A C
A C
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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa Paralichthyidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.015 0.015 0.010 Bairdiella chrysoura Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.031 0.007 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.022 0.007 Brevoortia tyrannus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.043 0.007 Larimus fasciatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.051 0.007 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.051 0.007 Sparisoma sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.031 0.007 Astrapogon puncticulatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.003 Bothidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.022 0.003 Diogenichthys atlanticus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.026 0.003 Eleotris pisonis Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Eucinostomus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Gerreidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.021 0.003 Gobiosoma robustum Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Haemulidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Microgobius thalassinus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Ostraciidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Sphoeroides sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.003 Syngnathus louisianae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003
A C
A C
A C
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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa Umbrina coroides Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.003 Unidentified fish Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.022 0.003 Uranoscopidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.026 0.003 20.571 5.231 6.574 2.848 12.138 9.309 9.287 Total
TL (mm)
W (g) n N
TL (mm)
W (g) n N
TL (mm)
W (g) n N
Fish Menticirrhus littoralis 92.4 1.1 5
55 Umbrina coroides 38.9 0.8 13 13 69.8 7.3 24 24 Scomberomorus maculatus 499.4 555.7 7
7 Menticirrhus americanus 71.0 5.2 3
3 Prionotus scitulus 190.0 60.0 2
2 Trawl Table 10. Average total length (TL) and average weight (Wt) of each Representative Important Species Captured by Gill Net, Trawl, and Beach Seine, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.
Taxa Beach Seine Gill Net
Table 11. Number of Individuals of Each Species of Sea Turtle Sighted During Each of Two Passes Along Three One-Kilometer-Long Transects, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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 3
3 0
2 0
0
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 2 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company June 2013 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During March through May 2013, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the first post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study.
Sampling was conducted on six days between March 20 and May 10, 2013. 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 post-uprate 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 34-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 31-47 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 specific conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table 2.
POST-UPRATE 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 scientific and common names of all specimens captured by all gear types are listed in Table 3. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected in each 15-minute tow are presented in Table 4. 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 5.
The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected by gill net on each of the nine transects is given in Table 6. 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 7.
Beach seines were deployed at each of the nine stations previously described. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected at each station are presented in Table 8.
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 9.
Bongo nets were used to collect fish eggs and larvae as well as commercially or recreationally important invertebrate 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 10.
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 11.
Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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 4/2/13 1-2 ft swell 23.2-23.9°C 7-10 mph/ESE to NNE Clear Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 4/3/12 1-3 ft swell 23.1-24.7°C 10-15 mph/E to S Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 4/2/13 2-3 ft swell, light chop 24.0-27.2°C 3-10 mph/N to NE Clear Gill Nets 4/3/13 3-4 ft swell, light chop 24.8-26.2°C 10-15 mph/E to ESE Clear to Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 3/20/13 1-2 ft swell, light chop 22.5-29.2°C 0-6 mph/N to S Mostly Cloudy to Overcast Sea Turtle Transects 5/10/13 2-3 ft swell 26.3-26.8°C 5-7 mph/SE Partly Cloudy
Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Trawl SL1 A North Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.5 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.7 Middle Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 South Surface 55.0 23.0 36.3 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.0 36.3 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 23.0 36.3 8.2 7.0 Trawl SL1 B North Surface 54.9 22.8 36.2 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.2 8.2 6.7 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.9 Middle Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 South Surface 54.9 22.8 36.3 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.1 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.1 6.8 Trawl SL1 C North Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.9 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.7 Middle Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.6 36.2 8.1 6.8 South Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.1 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.1 6.8 Trawl SL2 A North Surface 54.9 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.3 Bottom 55.0 32.3 36.3 8.1 6.4 Middle Surface 54.9 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.4 Bottom 55.0 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.5 South Surface 55.1 23.6 36.4 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.6 36.4 8.1 6.7 Bottom 55.0 23.4 36.3 8.1 6.6
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Trawl SL2 B North Surface 54.9 23.5 36.3 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.0 23.0 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 21.8 36.2 8.2 7.2 Middle Surface 54.9 23.4 36.3 8.2 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.3 8.2 7.1 Bottom 55.0 21.9 36.2 8.2 7.4 South Surface 55.4 23.4 36.6 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.1 23.1 36.4 8.3 7.2 Bottom 55.1 23.0 36.4 8.2 7.1 Trawl SL2 C North Surface 55.5 23.1 36.6 8.0 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.1 23.0 36.4 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.1 21.8 36.3 8.2 7.5 Middle Surface 54.9 23.0 36.2 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.9 21.9 36.2 8.2 7.2 South Surface 54.9 23.0 36.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 21.8 36.2 8.2 7.1 Trawl SL3 A North Surface 54.8 23.5 36.3 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.9 Bottom 54.9 23.4 36.3 8.1 7.0 Middle Surface 54.8 23.7 36.3 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.7 36.2 8.1 6.8 Bottom 54.8 23.7 36.3 8.1 6.8 South Surface 54.9 24.2 36.3 8.0 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 24.2 36.3 8.0 6.7 Bottom 54.9 24.1 36.3 8.0 6.9 Trawl SL3 B North Surface 54.9 23.3 36.3 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 23.2 36.3 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.5 36.2 8.1 7.2 Middle Surface 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.2 36.2 8.1 7.0 Bottom 54.9 22.4 36.1 8.1 7.4 South Surface 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.8 22.5 36.2 8.1 7.3
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Trawl SL3 C North Surface 54.8 23.4 36.2 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.2 36.2 8.1 6.5 Bottom 54.8 22.5 36.2 8.1 6.8 Middle Surface 54.8 23.5 36.2 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.3 36.2 8.1 6.6 Bottom 54.9 22.5 36.2 8.1 6.9 South Surface 54.8 23.5 36.2 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.8 23.2 36.2 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.8 22.5 36.2 8.1 6.9 Gill Net SL1 A West Surface 54.9 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.6 36.3 8.3 6.7 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.2 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.3 36.4 8.3 7.0 East Surface 55.4 22.8 36.5 8.3 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.3 22.8 36.5 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.1 22.7 36.4 8.3 6.7 Gill Net SL1 B West Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.5 Bottom 54.9 22.4 36.3 8.3 6.5 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.6 36.3 8.3 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.3 6.6 East Surface 55.3 22.8 36.5 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.1 22.7 36.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.5 36.4 8.3 6.7 Gill Net SL1 C West Surface 55.0 22.9 36.3 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.7 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.6 East Surface 55.4 22.9 36.5 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.7 36.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.1 33.7 36.4 8.3 6.7
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Gill Net SL2 A West Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.2 6.6 Middle Surface 55.1 22.6 36.3 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 6.6 East Surface 55.2 22.7 36.4 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.6 36.4 8.1 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.5 36.4 8.1 6.7 Gill Net SL2 B West Surface 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 55.0 22.0 36.3 8.2 6.5 Middle Surface 55.0 22.8 36.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 55.0 22.1 36.3 8.2 6.7 East Surface 55.3 22.7 36.5 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.7 36.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.1 36.4 8.2 6.7 Gill Net SL2 C West Surface 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.3 6.6 Bottom 55.1 22.0 36.3 8.3 6.4 Middle Surface 55.0 22.6 36.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.1 22.0 36.3 8.2 6.6 East Surface 55.3 22.6 36.4 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 55.2 22.5 36.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 55.2 22.0 36.4 8.3 6.6 Gill Net SL3 A West Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.3 8.2 6.8 Middle Surface 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 East Surface 54.8 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.9 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.8 22.8 36.2 8.2 6.8
Table 2 (Continued). Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013),
St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp (°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Gill Net SL3 B West Surface 54.9 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.3 8.2 7.0 Bottom 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 7.0 Middle Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.8 East Surface 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.2 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.2 6.8 Gill Net SL3 C West Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.3 8.3 6.8 Bottom 54.9 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.8 Middle Surface 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.8 Bottom 55.0 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.8 East Surface 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Mid-Depth 54.9 22.7 36.2 8.3 6.9 Bottom 55.0 22.6 36.2 8.3 6.8
Scientific Name Common Name Cephalopods Loliginidae squid Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius*
speckled swimming crab Calappa flammea flame box crab Callinectes sapidus*
blue crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Emerita sp.*
mole crab Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus sp.*
penaeid shrimp Lepidopa sp.*
mole crab Leptochela carinata carinate glass shrimp Melita sp.
sand dollar Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Rimapenaeus sp.*
roughneck shrimp Echinoderms Encope sp.
sand dollar Lytechinus variegatus green sea urchin Melita sp.
sand dollar Fish and Eggs Astrapogon puncticulatus blackfin cardinalfish Bairdiella chrysoura silver perch Balistidae triggerfish Bathygobius soporator frillfin goby Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Blenniidae combtooth blennies Bothidae Lefteyed flounders Brevoortia tyrannus**
Atlantic menhaden Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx hippos crevalle jack Centropristis striata black sea bass Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys spilopterus bay whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Ctenogobius boleosoma darter goby Cynoscion sp.
seatrouts Diogenichthys atlanticus lanternfish Eleotridae sleepers Eleotris pisonis Spinycheek sleeper Elops saurus ladyfish Engraulidae**
anchovies Etrumeus teres**
round herring Eucinostomus sp.
mojarra Gerreidae mojarra Gobiidae gobies Gobiosoma robustum code goby Haemulidae grunts Haemulon macrostomum spanish grunt Larimus fasciatus banded drum Lutjanidae snappers Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus americanus**
southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Microgobius thalassinus green goby Mugil curema silver mullet Myctophidae lanternfishes
Scientific Name Common Name Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Ostraciidae boxfishes/truckfishes Paralichthyidae sand flounders Perciformes perch-like fishes Polydactylus virginicus barbu Prionotus scitulus**
leopard searobin Prionotus sp.
North American searobins Rachycentron canadum cobia Rhinobatos lentiginosus Atlantic guitarfish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Scarus sp.
Parrotfish Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scomberomorus maculatus**
Atlantic spanish mackerel Selene vomer lookdown Serranidae sea basses and groupers Sparisoma sp.
Parrotfish Sphoeroides sp.
puffer Syngnathus louisianae chain pipefish Tetraodontidae puffers Trachinotus falcatus permit Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified fish unidentified fish Unidentified fragment unidentified fragment Uranoscopidae stargazers Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas**
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus sp.*
11 2
6 19 Portunus gibbesii 5
8 3
2 18 Paguroidea 5
1 1
7 Melita sp.
1 1
1 3
Arenaeus cribrarius*
2 2
Portunus sp.
2 2
Calappa flammea 1
1 Leptochela carinata 1
1 Echinoderms Encope sp.
2 2
4 Lytechinus variegatus 1
1 Fish Umbrina coroides**
8 1
4 13 Haemulon macrostomum 1
1 Total 26 10 3
21 5
4 1
2 0
72
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Table 4. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Invertebrates Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Taxon
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus sp.*
14.41 2.20 0.00 7.38 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.62 Portunus gibbesii 0.00 5.49 0.00 9.84 3.40 2.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.48 Paguroidea 6.55 0.00 0.00 1.23 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.06 0.00 0.96 Melita sp.
0.00 1.10 1.16 0.00 1.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.41 Arenaeus cribrarius*
0.00 0.00 0.00 2.46 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 Portunus sp.
2.62 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.28 Calappa flammea 0.00 1.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 Leptochela carinata 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.06 0.00 0.14 Echinoderms Encope sp.
0.00 0.00 2.33 0.00 0.00 2.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.55 Lytechinus variegatus 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 Fish Umbrina coroides**
10.48 1.10 0.00 4.92 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.79 Haemulon macrostomum 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 2.50 0.00 0.00 0.14 Total 34.07 10.98 3.49 25.84 5.66 4.42 2.50 2.13 0.00 9.92
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Invertebrates Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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 Scomberomorus maculatus*
1 1
4 1
7 Caranx crysos 1
2 1
4 Lutjanus synagris 2
2 Prionotus scitulus*
1 1
2 Rachycentron canadum 2
2 Centropristis striata 1
1 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Rhinobatos lentiginosus 1
1 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 1
1 Total 6
4 4
4 0
1 1
0 1
21
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Taxon Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Scomberomorus maculatus*
0.97 1.36 0.00 6.32 0.00 0.00 1.58 0.00 0.00 1.09 Caranx crysos 0.97 2.73 1.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.62 Lutjanus synagris 1.94 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31 Prionotus scitulus*
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.50 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.31 Rachycentron canadum 0.00 0.00 2.55 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.31 Centropristis striata 0.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 0.00 1.36 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Rhinobatos lentiginosus 0.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 0.00 0.00 1.28 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.16 Total 5.81 5.45 5.11 6.32 0.00 1.50 1.58 0.00 0.02 3.26
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Total Table 7. Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Taxon of Fish Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Emerita sp.*
1 1
Fish Menticirrhus littoralis**
2 53 55 Umbrina coroides**
1 7
15 1
24 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 9
1 10 Selene vomer 1
1 4
6 Trachinotus falcatus 2
4 6
Menticirrhus americanus**
3 3
Elops saurus 2
2 Caranx crysos 1
1 Caranx hippos 1
1 Mugil curema 1
1 Polydactylus virginicus 1
1 Total 0
4 75 3
0 0
5 23 1
111
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Taxon of Fish and Invertebrates Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Taxa
A C
A C
A C
Cephalopods Loliginidae Juvenile 0.015 0.003 Crustaceans Callinectes sapidus Megalops 1.029 0.103 2.468 0.217 0.877 0.743 Albunea sp.
Zoea 0.400 0.077 0.043 0.130 0.800 0.441 0.357 Emerita talpoida Zoea 0.065 0.846 0.265 0.253 Callinectes sp.
Zoea 0.029 1.179 0.106 0.196 0.015 0.029 0.213 Farfantepenaeus duorarum Post Larvae 0.057 0.051 0.702 0.215 0.170 Menippe mercenaria Zoea 0.029 0.103 0.022 0.431 0.118 0.140 Farfantepenaeus aztecus Post Larvae 0.086 0.026 0.170 0.043 0.123 0.073 Farfantepenaeus sp.
Post Larvae 0.064 0.092 0.030 Lepidopa sp.
Zoea 0.057 0.046 0.017 Rimapenaeus constrictus Mysis 0.026 0.015 0.007 Callinectes sp.
Megalops 0.022 0.003 Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 11.086 2.846 0.872 2.022 7.154 8.279 5.537 Engraulidae Egg 0.486 0.057 Clupeidae Egg 0.085 0.013 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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa
A C
A C
A C
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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa Fish Clupeidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 6.857 0.103 0.015 0.817 Etrumeus teres Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.872 0.692 0.287 Unidentified fragment Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.154 0.681 0.154 0.059 0.173 Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.057 0.077 0.128 0.031 0.015 0.047 Citharichthys spilopterus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.128 0.046 0.030 Ctenogobius boleosoma Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.143 0.085 0.030 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.077 0.043 0.015 0.029 0.027 Bathygobius soporator Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.057 0.062 0.020 Myctophidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.128 0.015 0.020 Eleotridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.077 0.017 Cynoscion sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.103 0.013 Labridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.064 0.015 0.013 Perciformes Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.057 0.031 0.013 Prionotus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.062 0.013 Scarus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.062 0.013 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.026 0.065 0.013 Tetraodontidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.046 0.015 0.013 Balistidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.046 0.010
A C
A C
A C
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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa Paralichthyidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.015 0.015 0.010 Bairdiella chrysoura Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.031 0.007 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.022 0.007 Brevoortia tyrannus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.043 0.007 Larimus fasciatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.051 0.007 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.051 0.007 Sparisoma sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.031 0.007 Astrapogon puncticulatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.003 Bothidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.022 0.003 Diogenichthys atlanticus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.026 0.003 Eleotris pisonis Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Eucinostomus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Gerreidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.021 0.003 Gobiosoma robustum Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Haemulidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Microgobius thalassinus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Ostraciidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003 Sphoeroides sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.003 Syngnathus louisianae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.015 0.003
A C
A C
A C
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, Post Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent numbers captured per cubic meter of water filtered at all six transects.)
SL1 SL2 SL3 Total LifeStage Taxa Umbrina coroides Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.029 0.003 Unidentified fish Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.022 0.003 Uranoscopidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.026 0.003 20.571 5.231 6.574 2.848 12.138 9.309 9.287 Total
TL (mm)
W (g) n N
TL (mm)
W (g) n N
TL (mm)
W (g) n N
Fish Menticirrhus littoralis 92.4 1.1 5
55 Umbrina coroides 38.9 0.8 13 13 69.8 7.3 24 24 Scomberomorus maculatus 499.4 555.7 7
7 Menticirrhus americanus 71.0 5.2 3
3 Prionotus scitulus 190.0 60.0 2
2 Trawl Table 10. Average total length (TL) and average weight (Wt) of each Representative Important Species Captured by Gill Net, Trawl, and Beach Seine, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.
Taxa Beach Seine Gill Net
Table 11. Number of Individuals of Each Species of Sea Turtle Sighted During Each of Two Passes Along Three One-Kilometer-Long Transects, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 2 (March/May, 2013), 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 3
3 0
2 0
0