ML15314A343
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Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 10 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company December 2014 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During August 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the tenth post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on six days between August 7, 2014 and August 14, 2014. 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 ninth 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 10 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 30 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.
Sampling Date Sea Conditions Air Temp Wind Speed and Direction Sky Conditions Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 8/11/2014 1-3' Swells 29.3-29.4°C 5-10 mph, SE to NW Partly to Mostly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 8/12/2014 Calm to 3' Swells 28.2-31.3°C 0-10 mph, SE Partly to Mostly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 8/13/2014 1-2' Swells 28.1-28.8°C 5-10 mph, SE Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 8/13/2014 1-2' Swells 32.1-34.2°C 3-7 mph, S to SE Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 8/14/2014 1-2' Swells 27.9-33.4°C 1-5 mph, SW Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 8/7/2014 1-2' Swells 26.6-35.4°C 0-18 mph, SE to SSW Clear to Overcast Beach Seines 8/8/2014 1-2' Swells 30.7-31.6°C 2-5 mph, E to NNE Partly Cloudy Sea Turtle Transects 8/11/2014 Calm 28.0-28.2°C 0-5 mph, W Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.3 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.3 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.1 Bottom 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 5.9 Surface 53.3 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.3 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.0 Bottom 53.3 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.1 Surface 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.6 28.5 35.5 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 28.5 35.5 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 28.5 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.6 28.7 35.6 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.6 28.6 35.6 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.6 28.5 35.6 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.8 28.8 35.7 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.7 28.7 35.7 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.7 28.7 35.7 8.2 6.6 Surface 53.3 28.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.2 28.6 35.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.2 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.2 28.5 35.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.2 28.5 35.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.2 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 53.2 28.5 35.3 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.2 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.2 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.3 28.0 36.1 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.2 28.0 35.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 27.9 35.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.1 28.1 35.9 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.0 28.1 35.9 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.0 28.0 35.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.9 28.1 35.8 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.9 28.1 35.8 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.9 28.1 35.8 8.2 6.5 Trawl SL1 C North Middle South Trawl SL2 A North Middle South Trawl SL1 B North Middle South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Trawl SL1 A North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.9 28.4 35.7 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.8 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.8 27.5 35.6 8.2 6.5 Surface 53.8 28.3 35.7 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.8 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.8 27.4 35.7 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.9 28.4 35.8 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.9 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.9 27.3 35.7 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.3 27.5 35.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.3 27.1 35.4 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.4 26.5 35.3 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.3 27.4 35.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.5 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.3 27.3 35.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.8 Surface 54.4 27.7 36.1 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.5 27.2 36.2 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.5 26.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Surface 54.5 27.6 36.2 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 27.2 36.2 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.5 27.0 36.1 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.5 27.9 36.2 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.6 27.2 36.3 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.6 27.1 36.2 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.5 28.4 36.2 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.5 36.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.7 26.3 36.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.4 28.4 36.2 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 26.4 36.4 8.2 6.5 Bottom 54.7 26.3 36.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.4 28.4 36.2 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 26.4 36.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.6 26.3 36.3 8.2 6.6 Trawl SL3 A North Middle South Trawl SL3 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 C North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.1 28.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.9 36.1 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.6 26.1 36.2 8.2 6.6 Surface 54.1 28.4 35.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.7 36.1 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.6 26.1 36.2 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.2 28.5 36.0 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.5 28.0 36.1 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.7 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.4 27.9 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.5 27.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.5 27.8 35.4 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 27.3 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 27.0 35.4 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.9 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.5 27.5 35.4 8.3 6.5 Bottom 53.5 27.2 35.4 8.3 6.6 Surface 53.3 27.9 35.4 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.3 27.9 35.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.4 28.1 35.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.5 27.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.8 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.8 34.4 8.2 6.9 Bottom 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.8 35.4 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.8 Bottom 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Gill Net SL1 B East Middle West Gill Net SL1 C East Middle West Trawl SL3 C North Middle South Gill Net SL1 A East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.5 27.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.1 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.6 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.4 27.5 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.5 27.8 35.5 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.5 8.1 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.5 35.9 8.1 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.8 35.5 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.5 35.4 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.4 28.0 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.8 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 26.5 35.4 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.6 27.0 35.5 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.1 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 28.0 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.3 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.4 28.0 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.3 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.3 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.6 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 25.5 35.3 8.2 6.9 Surface 53.5 26.5 35.3 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.1 35.4 8.3 6.8 Bottom 53.5 26.0 35.4 8.3 7.0 Surface 53.4 26.9 35.4 8.3 6.8 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.3 35.4 8.3 6.8 Bottom 53.5 26.3 35.4 8.3 6.9 Gill Net SL2 C East Middle West Gill Net SL3 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 B East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.5 27.0 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.6 25.8 35.4 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.6 25.3 35.3 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.8 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 25.1 35.3 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.5 26.8 35.4 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.8 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 25.1 35.3 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.6 24.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Bottom 53.6 24.6 35.4 8.1 6.3 Surface 53.4 26.2 35.3 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 24.9 35.4 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.6 24.6 35.4 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.4 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.0 35.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.6 24.6 35.4 8.2 6.4 Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Alpheus sp.
snapping shrimp Arenaeus cribrarius speckled swimming crab Calappa flammea flame box crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Hippolytidae brokenback shrimp Latreutes fucorum slender sargassum shrimp Majoidea spider crabs Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Palaemonidae grass shrimps Panulirus argus*
Caribbean spiny lobster Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Persephona mediterranea mottled purse crab Portunus anceps delicate swimming crab Portunus depressifrons flatfaced swimming crab Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Processa sp.
night shrimps Processidae night shrimps Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Sicyonia laevigata*
coral shrimp Sicyonia parri*
rock shrimp Sicyonia sp.*
rock shrimp Sicyonia typica*
kinglet rock shrimp Xanthoidea xanthid crabs 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 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Echinoderms Clypeasteroida sand dollars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Albula vulpes bonefish Aluterus schoepfii orange filefish Anchoa hepsetus**
striped anchovy Ancylopsetta ommata oscellated flounder Archosargus probatocephalus sheepshead Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Bathygobius soporator frillfin goby Blenniidae combtooth blennies Bothus robinsi twospot flounder Bothus sp.
Lefteye flounder Bregmacerotidae codlets Carangidae jacks Carangoides bartholomaei yellow jack Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx latus horse-eye jack Carcharhinus brevipinna spinner shark Centropomus sp.
snook Centropomus undecimalis common snook Centropristis striata black sea bass Chaetodipterus faber Atlantic spadefish Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Clupeiformes**
herring-like fishes Corvula sanctaeluciae striped croaker Diodon holocanthus balloonfish Elops saurus ladyfish Engraulidae**
anchovies Etrumeus teres**
round herring Eucinostomus gula silver jenny
Scientific Name Common Name Eucinostomus harengulus tidewater mojarra Gobiidae gobies Haemulidae grunts Haemulon carbonarium Caesar grunt Haemulon sp.
grunt Harengula jaguana**
scaled sardine Hyporhamphus meeki false silverstripe halfbeak Labrisomus nuchipinnis hairy blenny Lagodon rhomboides pinfish Lutjanidae snappers Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis**
northern kingfish Menticirrhus sp.**
kingfishes/ Weakfishes Microdesmidae wormfishes Mugil curema white mullet Oligoplites saurus leatherjacket Opisthonema oglinum**
Atlantic thread herring Paralichthyidae sand flounders Polydactylus virginicus barbu Pomacanthidae angelfishes Prionotus scitulus**
leopard searobin Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Sardinella aurita**
Spanish sardine Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scombridae**
mackerels Selar crumenophthalmus bigeyed scads Selene vomer lookdown Serranidae sea basses and groupers Sphoeroides sp.
puffer Sphyraena guachancho guaguanche Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Trachinocephalus myops bluntnose lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano
Scientific Name Common Name Trachinotus falcatus permit Tripterygiidae triplefins Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified fish unidentified fish Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Molluscs Loliginidae squid Opisthobranchia seahares Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas green sea turtle
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Paguroidea 418 16 434 Palaemonidae 99 99 Portunus sp.
20 22 42 Alpheus sp.
6 23 29 Portunus anceps 22 22 Hippolytidae 19 19 Sicyonia typica*
7 11 18 Majoidea 8
2 2
1 13 Panulirus argus*
11 11 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
5 6
11 Latreutes fucorum 6
6 Sicyonia parri*
5 5
Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
4 4
Portunus gibbesii 1
3 4
Sicyonia sp.*
4 4
Processa sp.
3 3
Callinectes sp.*
2 2
Hepatus epheliticus 1
1 2
Penaeidae*
2 2
Processidae 2
2 Sicyonia laevigata*
2 2
Table 4. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Xanthoidea 2
2 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1 1
Calappa flammea 1
1 Persephona mediterranea 1
1 Portunus depressifrons 1
1 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 138 8
1 28 175 Temnopleuroida 4
4 5
2 15 Fish Corvula sanctaeluciae 37 37 Labrisomus nuchipinnis 23 23 Haemulon carbonarium 4
14 2
20 Lutjanus synagris 5
7 12 Eucinostomus harengulus 6
1 7
Bothus robinsi 4
4 Prionotus scitulus**
2 1
3 Ancylopsetta ommata 1
1 Centropristis striata 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Trachinocephalus myops 1
1 Molluscs Opisthobranchia 44 44 Loliginidae 7
2 2
11
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Grand Total 738 4
185 56 1
76 32 2
1 1,095
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Paguroidea 605.18 19.12 63.85 Palaemonidae 143.33 14.57 Portunus sp.
28.96 36.13 6.18 Alpheus sp.
8.69 38.04 4.27 Portunus anceps 36.13 3.24 Hippolytidae 27.51 2.80 Sicyonia typica*
11.58 18.07 2.65 Majoidea 11.58 3.31 2.39 1.64 1.91 Panulirus argus*
15.93 1.62 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
8.27 9.85 1.62 Latreutes fucorum 8.69 0.88 Sicyonia parri*
7.24 0.74 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
5.79 0.59 Portunus gibbesii 1.45 4.93 0.59 Sicyonia sp.*
5.79 0.59 Processa sp.
4.34 0.44 Callinectes sp.*
2.90 0.29 Hepatus epheliticus 1.65 1.58 0.29 Penaeidae*
2.90 0.29 Processidae 2.90 0.29 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), 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 Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Sicyonia laevigata*
2.90 0.29 Xanthoidea 3.31 0.29 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1.45 0.15 Calappa flammea 1.12 0.15 Persephona mediterranea 1.45 0.15 Portunus depressifrons 1.64 0.15 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 228.21 9.56 1.64 32.96 25.75 Temnopleuroida 5.79 4.51 8.27 2.53 2.21 Fish Corvula sanctaeluciae 53.57 5.44 Labrisomus nuchipinnis 33.30 3.38 Haemulon carbonarium 5.79 16.73 2.35 2.94 Lutjanus synagris 7.24 8.37 1.77 Eucinostomus harengulus 8.69 1.20 1.03 Bothus robinsi 6.57 0.59 Prionotus scitulus**
3.31 1.64 0.44 Ancylopsetta ommata 1.45 0.15 Centropristis striata 1.20 0.15 Citharichthys macrops 1.64 0.15 Trachinocephalus myops 1.64 0.15 Molluscs Opisthobranchia 63.70 6.47 Loliginidae 8.37 3.28 2.35 1.62
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Grand Total 1068.48 4.51 305.94 66.92 1.12 124.82 37.67 2.53 1.58 161.11
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Echinoderms Temnopleuroida 1
11 3
15 Fish Caranx crysos 6
1 7
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 3
3 Aluterus schoepfii 1
1 Ancylopsetta ommata 1
1 Archosargus probatocephalus 1
1 Bagre marinus 1
1 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1
1 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Grand Total 3
7 1
1 12 3
1 0
3 31 Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Note: There were no Representative Important Species (RIS) caught during this event.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Echinoderms Temnopleuroida 2.61 10.48 4.62 2.37 Fish Caranx crysos 15.65 1.71 1.11 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 4.86 0.47 Aluterus schoepfii 1.30 0.16 Ancylopsetta ommata 1.43 0.16 Archosargus probatocephalus 1.58 0.16 Bagre marinus 1.58 0.16 Carcharhinus brevipinna 0.95 0.16 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.58 0.16 Grand Total 4.74 18.26 1.71 1.43 11.43 4.62 1.30 0.00 4.86 4.89 Table 7. Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the numbers of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects. There were no Representative Important Species (RIS) caught during this event.)
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Arenaeus cribrarius*
16 24 28 40 13 121 Paguroidea 1
1 Fish Harengula jaguana**
2,367 1
78 1,268 3,484 4,471 11,669 Eucinostomus harengulus 4
6 910 86 93 1,099 Opisthonema oglinum**
1 8
1 362 31 403 Umbrina coroides**
2 24 31 27 165 75 59 383 Selar crumenophthalmus 5
30 149 45 229 Trachinotus carolinus**
1 5
5 18 17 30 18 4
98 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
27 16 47 3
2 96 Menticirrhus littoralis**
1 5
16 14 4
8 16 10 74 Sardinella aurita**
3 1
34 33 71 Eucinostomus gula 1
5 5
11 Caranx latus 4
2 4
10 Selene vomer 6
2 8
Carangoides bartholomaei 5
2 7
Oligoplites saurus 4
1 5
Albula vulpes 1
3 4
Trachinotus falcatus 1
2 1
4 Sphyraena guachancho 1
2 3
Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Caranx crysos 2
2 Elops saurus 1
1 2
Etrumeus teres**
2 2
Polydactylus virginicus 1
1 2
Anchoa hepsetus**
1 1
Centropomus sp.
1 1
Centropomus undecimalis 1
1 Chaetodipterus faber 1
1 Hyporhamphus meeki 1
1 Lagodon rhomboides 1
1 Menticirrhus saxatilis**
1 1
Mugil curema 1
1 Trachinocephalus myops 1
1 Grand Total 2,381 30 35 62 124 171 2,457 4,283 4,770 14,313
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
Harengula jaguana 85.8 7.3 151 11,669 Opisthonema oglinum 90.6 6.7 70 403 Umbrina coroides 108.7 25.7 173 383 Trachinotus carolinus 75.9 9.9 98 98 Menticirrhus littoralis 116.7 32.1 74 74 Sardinella aurita 85.5 5.1 71 71 Etrumeus teres 94.65 7.15 2
2 Anchoa hepsetus 57.6 1.4 1
1 Menticirrhus saxatilis 87.5 5.6 1
1 Prionotus scitulus 100.6 11.5 3
3
- No RIS species captured during gill net sampling Table 9. 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 10 (August 2014), 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*
Trawl
A C
A C
A C
Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
Zoea 0.57 1.00 3.48 12.24 0.08 0.03 3.104 Callinectes sp.*
Zoea 2.78 0.16 1.71 0.791 Penaeidae*
Protozoea 1.39 0.16 0.259 Menippe mercenaria*
Zoea 0.38 0.78 0.08 0.216 Callinectes sp.*
Megalops 0.18 0.032 Sicyonia sp.*
Mysis 0.08 0.014 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 1.83 10.00 37.37 48.31 7.51 22.43 21.673 Clupeiformes**
Egg 11.92 2.187 Clupeidae**
Egg 0.18 0.032 Fish Engraulidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 3.26 0.54 0.583 Clupeidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.14 0.26 0.20 0.10 0.06 0.13 0.147 Bregmacerotidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.65 0.119 Carangidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.02 0.13 0.12 0.02 0.061 Unidentified fish Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.28 0.02 0.050 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.08 0.08 0.032 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.07 0.02 0.06 0.032 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.20 0.032 Table 10. 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 10 (August 2014), 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.)
Taxa LifeStage SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A C
A C
A C
Taxa LifeStage SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.06 0.022 Pomacanthidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.11 0.018 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.014 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.02 0.014 Sphoeroides sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.09 0.014 Diodon holocanthus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.011 Bathygobius soporator Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.007 Haemulon sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.007 Menticirrhus sp.**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Microdesmidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.007 Selar crumenophthalmus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.007 Aluterus schoepfii Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Bothus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Clupeidae**
Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Haemulidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Paralichthyidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Scombridae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Tripterygiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 6.71 11.68 47.50 74.10 9.71 22.58 29.529
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Grand Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 1
0 1
1 0
0 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 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 10 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company December 2014 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During August 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the tenth post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on six days between August 7, 2014 and August 14, 2014. 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 ninth 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 10 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 30 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.
Sampling Date Sea Conditions Air Temp Wind Speed and Direction Sky Conditions Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 8/11/2014 1-3' Swells 29.3-29.4°C 5-10 mph, SE to NW Partly to Mostly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 8/12/2014 Calm to 3' Swells 28.2-31.3°C 0-10 mph, SE Partly to Mostly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 8/13/2014 1-2' Swells 28.1-28.8°C 5-10 mph, SE Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 8/13/2014 1-2' Swells 32.1-34.2°C 3-7 mph, S to SE Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 8/14/2014 1-2' Swells 27.9-33.4°C 1-5 mph, SW Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 8/7/2014 1-2' Swells 26.6-35.4°C 0-18 mph, SE to SSW Clear to Overcast Beach Seines 8/8/2014 1-2' Swells 30.7-31.6°C 2-5 mph, E to NNE Partly Cloudy Sea Turtle Transects 8/11/2014 Calm 28.0-28.2°C 0-5 mph, W Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.3 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.3 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.1 Bottom 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 5.9 Surface 53.3 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.3 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.0 Bottom 53.3 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.1 Surface 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.3 28.0 35.3 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.6 28.5 35.5 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 28.5 35.5 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 28.5 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.6 28.7 35.6 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.6 28.6 35.6 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.6 28.5 35.6 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.8 28.8 35.7 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.7 28.7 35.7 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.7 28.7 35.7 8.2 6.6 Surface 53.3 28.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.2 28.6 35.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.2 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.2 28.5 35.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.2 28.5 35.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.2 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 53.2 28.5 35.3 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.2 28.3 35.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.2 28.1 35.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.3 28.0 36.1 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.2 28.0 35.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 27.9 35.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.1 28.1 35.9 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.0 28.1 35.9 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.0 28.0 35.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.9 28.1 35.8 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.9 28.1 35.8 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.9 28.1 35.8 8.2 6.5 Trawl SL1 C North Middle South Trawl SL2 A North Middle South Trawl SL1 B North Middle South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Trawl SL1 A North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.9 28.4 35.7 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.8 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.8 27.5 35.6 8.2 6.5 Surface 53.8 28.3 35.7 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.8 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.8 27.4 35.7 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.9 28.4 35.8 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.9 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.9 27.3 35.7 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.3 27.5 35.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.3 27.1 35.4 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.4 26.5 35.3 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.3 27.4 35.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.5 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.3 27.3 35.3 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.8 Surface 54.4 27.7 36.1 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.5 27.2 36.2 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.5 26.9 36.2 8.2 6.7 Surface 54.5 27.6 36.2 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 27.2 36.2 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.5 27.0 36.1 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.5 27.9 36.2 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.6 27.2 36.3 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.6 27.1 36.2 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.5 28.4 36.2 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.5 36.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.7 26.3 36.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.4 28.4 36.2 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 26.4 36.4 8.2 6.5 Bottom 54.7 26.3 36.3 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.4 28.4 36.2 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 26.4 36.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.6 26.3 36.3 8.2 6.6 Trawl SL3 A North Middle South Trawl SL3 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 C North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.1 28.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.4 27.9 36.1 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.6 26.1 36.2 8.2 6.6 Surface 54.1 28.4 35.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.7 36.1 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.6 26.1 36.2 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.2 28.5 36.0 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.5 28.0 36.1 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.7 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.4 27.9 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.5 27.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.5 27.8 35.4 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 27.3 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 27.0 35.4 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.9 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.5 27.5 35.4 8.3 6.5 Bottom 53.5 27.2 35.4 8.3 6.6 Surface 53.3 27.9 35.4 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.3 27.9 35.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.4 28.1 35.3 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.7 Surface 53.5 27.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.8 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.8 34.4 8.2 6.9 Bottom 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.8 35.4 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.4 8.3 6.8 Bottom 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.7 Gill Net SL1 B East Middle West Gill Net SL1 C East Middle West Trawl SL3 C North Middle South Gill Net SL1 A East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.5 27.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.1 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.6 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.4 27.5 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.5 27.8 35.5 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.5 8.1 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.5 35.9 8.1 6.7 Surface 53.4 27.8 35.5 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.5 35.4 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.4 28.0 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.8 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.4 26.5 35.4 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.6 27.0 35.5 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.1 6.6 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.4 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.4 28.0 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.6 35.3 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.3 8.2 6.8 Surface 53.4 28.0 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.7 35.3 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 26.6 35.3 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.6 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.9 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 25.5 35.3 8.2 6.9 Surface 53.5 26.5 35.3 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.1 35.4 8.3 6.8 Bottom 53.5 26.0 35.4 8.3 7.0 Surface 53.4 26.9 35.4 8.3 6.8 Mid-Depth 53.5 26.3 35.4 8.3 6.8 Bottom 53.5 26.3 35.4 8.3 6.9 Gill Net SL2 C East Middle West Gill Net SL3 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 B East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.5 27.0 35.4 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.6 25.8 35.4 8.2 6.6 Bottom 53.6 25.3 35.3 8.2 6.7 Surface 53.5 26.9 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.8 35.4 8.2 6.7 Bottom 53.5 25.1 35.3 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.5 26.8 35.4 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.8 35.4 8.3 6.7 Bottom 53.5 25.1 35.3 8.3 6.8 Surface 53.5 26.2 35.4 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 53.6 24.7 35.4 8.1 6.4 Bottom 53.6 24.6 35.4 8.1 6.3 Surface 53.4 26.2 35.3 8.2 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 24.9 35.4 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.6 24.6 35.4 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.4 26.2 35.4 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 53.5 25.0 35.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 53.6 24.6 35.4 8.2 6.4 Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Alpheus sp.
snapping shrimp Arenaeus cribrarius speckled swimming crab Calappa flammea flame box crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Hippolytidae brokenback shrimp Latreutes fucorum slender sargassum shrimp Majoidea spider crabs Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Palaemonidae grass shrimps Panulirus argus*
Caribbean spiny lobster Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Persephona mediterranea mottled purse crab Portunus anceps delicate swimming crab Portunus depressifrons flatfaced swimming crab Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Processa sp.
night shrimps Processidae night shrimps Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Sicyonia laevigata*
coral shrimp Sicyonia parri*
rock shrimp Sicyonia sp.*
rock shrimp Sicyonia typica*
kinglet rock shrimp Xanthoidea xanthid crabs 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 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Echinoderms Clypeasteroida sand dollars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Albula vulpes bonefish Aluterus schoepfii orange filefish Anchoa hepsetus**
striped anchovy Ancylopsetta ommata oscellated flounder Archosargus probatocephalus sheepshead Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Bathygobius soporator frillfin goby Blenniidae combtooth blennies Bothus robinsi twospot flounder Bothus sp.
Lefteye flounder Bregmacerotidae codlets Carangidae jacks Carangoides bartholomaei yellow jack Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx latus horse-eye jack Carcharhinus brevipinna spinner shark Centropomus sp.
snook Centropomus undecimalis common snook Centropristis striata black sea bass Chaetodipterus faber Atlantic spadefish Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Clupeiformes**
herring-like fishes Corvula sanctaeluciae striped croaker Diodon holocanthus balloonfish Elops saurus ladyfish Engraulidae**
anchovies Etrumeus teres**
round herring Eucinostomus gula silver jenny
Scientific Name Common Name Eucinostomus harengulus tidewater mojarra Gobiidae gobies Haemulidae grunts Haemulon carbonarium Caesar grunt Haemulon sp.
grunt Harengula jaguana**
scaled sardine Hyporhamphus meeki false silverstripe halfbeak Labrisomus nuchipinnis hairy blenny Lagodon rhomboides pinfish Lutjanidae snappers Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis**
northern kingfish Menticirrhus sp.**
kingfishes/ Weakfishes Microdesmidae wormfishes Mugil curema white mullet Oligoplites saurus leatherjacket Opisthonema oglinum**
Atlantic thread herring Paralichthyidae sand flounders Polydactylus virginicus barbu Pomacanthidae angelfishes Prionotus scitulus**
leopard searobin Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Sardinella aurita**
Spanish sardine Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scombridae**
mackerels Selar crumenophthalmus bigeyed scads Selene vomer lookdown Serranidae sea basses and groupers Sphoeroides sp.
puffer Sphyraena guachancho guaguanche Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Trachinocephalus myops bluntnose lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano
Scientific Name Common Name Trachinotus falcatus permit Tripterygiidae triplefins Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified fish unidentified fish Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Molluscs Loliginidae squid Opisthobranchia seahares Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas green sea turtle
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Paguroidea 418 16 434 Palaemonidae 99 99 Portunus sp.
20 22 42 Alpheus sp.
6 23 29 Portunus anceps 22 22 Hippolytidae 19 19 Sicyonia typica*
7 11 18 Majoidea 8
2 2
1 13 Panulirus argus*
11 11 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
5 6
11 Latreutes fucorum 6
6 Sicyonia parri*
5 5
Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
4 4
Portunus gibbesii 1
3 4
Sicyonia sp.*
4 4
Processa sp.
3 3
Callinectes sp.*
2 2
Hepatus epheliticus 1
1 2
Penaeidae*
2 2
Processidae 2
2 Sicyonia laevigata*
2 2
Table 4. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Trawl during One 15-minute Tow at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Xanthoidea 2
2 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1 1
Calappa flammea 1
1 Persephona mediterranea 1
1 Portunus depressifrons 1
1 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 138 8
1 28 175 Temnopleuroida 4
4 5
2 15 Fish Corvula sanctaeluciae 37 37 Labrisomus nuchipinnis 23 23 Haemulon carbonarium 4
14 2
20 Lutjanus synagris 5
7 12 Eucinostomus harengulus 6
1 7
Bothus robinsi 4
4 Prionotus scitulus**
2 1
3 Ancylopsetta ommata 1
1 Centropristis striata 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Trachinocephalus myops 1
1 Molluscs Opisthobranchia 44 44 Loliginidae 7
2 2
11
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Grand Total 738 4
185 56 1
76 32 2
1 1,095
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Paguroidea 605.18 19.12 63.85 Palaemonidae 143.33 14.57 Portunus sp.
28.96 36.13 6.18 Alpheus sp.
8.69 38.04 4.27 Portunus anceps 36.13 3.24 Hippolytidae 27.51 2.80 Sicyonia typica*
11.58 18.07 2.65 Majoidea 11.58 3.31 2.39 1.64 1.91 Panulirus argus*
15.93 1.62 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
8.27 9.85 1.62 Latreutes fucorum 8.69 0.88 Sicyonia parri*
7.24 0.74 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
5.79 0.59 Portunus gibbesii 1.45 4.93 0.59 Sicyonia sp.*
5.79 0.59 Processa sp.
4.34 0.44 Callinectes sp.*
2.90 0.29 Hepatus epheliticus 1.65 1.58 0.29 Penaeidae*
2.90 0.29 Processidae 2.90 0.29 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), 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 Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Sicyonia laevigata*
2.90 0.29 Xanthoidea 3.31 0.29 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1.45 0.15 Calappa flammea 1.12 0.15 Persephona mediterranea 1.45 0.15 Portunus depressifrons 1.64 0.15 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 228.21 9.56 1.64 32.96 25.75 Temnopleuroida 5.79 4.51 8.27 2.53 2.21 Fish Corvula sanctaeluciae 53.57 5.44 Labrisomus nuchipinnis 33.30 3.38 Haemulon carbonarium 5.79 16.73 2.35 2.94 Lutjanus synagris 7.24 8.37 1.77 Eucinostomus harengulus 8.69 1.20 1.03 Bothus robinsi 6.57 0.59 Prionotus scitulus**
3.31 1.64 0.44 Ancylopsetta ommata 1.45 0.15 Centropristis striata 1.20 0.15 Citharichthys macrops 1.64 0.15 Trachinocephalus myops 1.64 0.15 Molluscs Opisthobranchia 63.70 6.47 Loliginidae 8.37 3.28 2.35 1.62
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Grand Total 1068.48 4.51 305.94 66.92 1.12 124.82 37.67 2.53 1.58 161.11
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Echinoderms Temnopleuroida 1
11 3
15 Fish Caranx crysos 6
1 7
Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 3
3 Aluterus schoepfii 1
1 Ancylopsetta ommata 1
1 Archosargus probatocephalus 1
1 Bagre marinus 1
1 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1
1 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Grand Total 3
7 1
1 12 3
1 0
3 31 Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Note: There were no Representative Important Species (RIS) caught during this event.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Echinoderms Temnopleuroida 2.61 10.48 4.62 2.37 Fish Caranx crysos 15.65 1.71 1.11 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 4.86 0.47 Aluterus schoepfii 1.30 0.16 Ancylopsetta ommata 1.43 0.16 Archosargus probatocephalus 1.58 0.16 Bagre marinus 1.58 0.16 Carcharhinus brevipinna 0.95 0.16 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.58 0.16 Grand Total 4.74 18.26 1.71 1.43 11.43 4.62 1.30 0.00 4.86 4.89 Table 7. Catch Per Unit Effort (Number of Individuals Per Hour of Soak Time) for Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the numbers of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects. There were no Representative Important Species (RIS) caught during this event.)
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Arenaeus cribrarius*
16 24 28 40 13 121 Paguroidea 1
1 Fish Harengula jaguana**
2,367 1
78 1,268 3,484 4,471 11,669 Eucinostomus harengulus 4
6 910 86 93 1,099 Opisthonema oglinum**
1 8
1 362 31 403 Umbrina coroides**
2 24 31 27 165 75 59 383 Selar crumenophthalmus 5
30 149 45 229 Trachinotus carolinus**
1 5
5 18 17 30 18 4
98 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
27 16 47 3
2 96 Menticirrhus littoralis**
1 5
16 14 4
8 16 10 74 Sardinella aurita**
3 1
34 33 71 Eucinostomus gula 1
5 5
11 Caranx latus 4
2 4
10 Selene vomer 6
2 8
Carangoides bartholomaei 5
2 7
Oligoplites saurus 4
1 5
Albula vulpes 1
3 4
Trachinotus falcatus 1
2 1
4 Sphyraena guachancho 1
2 3
Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Caranx crysos 2
2 Elops saurus 1
1 2
Etrumeus teres**
2 2
Polydactylus virginicus 1
1 2
Anchoa hepsetus**
1 1
Centropomus sp.
1 1
Centropomus undecimalis 1
1 Chaetodipterus faber 1
1 Hyporhamphus meeki 1
1 Lagodon rhomboides 1
1 Menticirrhus saxatilis**
1 1
Mugil curema 1
1 Trachinocephalus myops 1
1 Grand Total 2,381 30 35 62 124 171 2,457 4,283 4,770 14,313
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
Harengula jaguana 85.8 7.3 151 11,669 Opisthonema oglinum 90.6 6.7 70 403 Umbrina coroides 108.7 25.7 173 383 Trachinotus carolinus 75.9 9.9 98 98 Menticirrhus littoralis 116.7 32.1 74 74 Sardinella aurita 85.5 5.1 71 71 Etrumeus teres 94.65 7.15 2
2 Anchoa hepsetus 57.6 1.4 1
1 Menticirrhus saxatilis 87.5 5.6 1
1 Prionotus scitulus 100.6 11.5 3
3
- No RIS species captured during gill net sampling Table 9. 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 10 (August 2014), 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*
Trawl
A C
A C
A C
Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
Zoea 0.57 1.00 3.48 12.24 0.08 0.03 3.104 Callinectes sp.*
Zoea 2.78 0.16 1.71 0.791 Penaeidae*
Protozoea 1.39 0.16 0.259 Menippe mercenaria*
Zoea 0.38 0.78 0.08 0.216 Callinectes sp.*
Megalops 0.18 0.032 Sicyonia sp.*
Mysis 0.08 0.014 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 1.83 10.00 37.37 48.31 7.51 22.43 21.673 Clupeiformes**
Egg 11.92 2.187 Clupeidae**
Egg 0.18 0.032 Fish Engraulidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 3.26 0.54 0.583 Clupeidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.14 0.26 0.20 0.10 0.06 0.13 0.147 Bregmacerotidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.65 0.119 Carangidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.02 0.13 0.12 0.02 0.061 Unidentified fish Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.28 0.02 0.050 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.08 0.08 0.032 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.07 0.02 0.06 0.032 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.20 0.032 Table 10. 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 10 (August 2014), 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.)
Taxa LifeStage SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A C
A C
A C
Taxa LifeStage SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.06 0.022 Pomacanthidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.11 0.018 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.014 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.02 0.014 Sphoeroides sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.09 0.014 Diodon holocanthus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.011 Bathygobius soporator Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.007 Haemulon sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.007 Menticirrhus sp.**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Microdesmidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.007 Selar crumenophthalmus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.04 0.007 Aluterus schoepfii Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Bothus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Clupeidae**
Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Haemulidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Paralichthyidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Scombridae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Tripterygiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 6.71 11.68 47.50 74.10 9.71 22.58 29.529
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Grand Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 1
0 1
1 0
0 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 10 (August 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.