ML15314A344

From kanterella
Jump to navigation Jump to search
Biological Plan of Study Implementation, EPU Post-Uprate Event 11 Data Report
ML15314A344
Person / Time
Site: Saint Lucie  NextEra Energy icon.png
Issue date: 01/31/2015
From:
Ecological Associates
To:
Florida Power & Light Co, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation
Shared Package
ML15313A404 List: ... further results
References
L-2015-260
Download: ML15314A344 (23)


Text

Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 11 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company January 2015 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.

Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida

ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During October 2014 and December 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the eleventh post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on five days between October 21, 2014 and October 30, 2014 and on December 16, 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 eleventh 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 8-25 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 36-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 32-48 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 11 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 10/28/2014 1-3' Swells 25.4-26.2°C 10-15 mph, SE Clear Trawls/ Ichthyoplankton 10/29/2014 1-2' Swells 25.8-26.6°C 5-10 mph, SE to SSE Clear Trawls/ Ichthyoplankton 10/30/2014 1' Swells 26.2°C 2-3 mph, SE Clear Gill Nets 10/21/2014 1-3' Swells 25.6-27.3°C 3-12 mph, E to NW Overcast Gill Nets 10/22/2014 1-2' Swells 23.0-28.3°C 3-7 mph, N to NW Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 12/16/2014 2-3' Swells 15.3-24.7°C 0-5 mph, W to WNW Clear Sea Turtle Transects 10/30/2014 1-2' Swells 23.1-25.4°C 3-5 mph, NE Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 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 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.4 34.8 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.5 Surface 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.5 Surface 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.0 6.8 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.7 Bottom 52.7 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.6 Surface 52.7 26.1 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.1 34.9 8.1 5.8 Bottom 52.7 25.8 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.0 Bottom 52.7 25.8 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.7 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.8 25.8 34.8 8.1 6.0 Surface 52.8 26.3 34.9 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.1 34.8 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.9 Surface 52.8 26.3 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.8 Bottom 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.8 26.2 34.8 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 Bottom 52.8 25.9 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.2 Surface 52.7 25.9 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 25.9 34.8 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 25.9 34.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.5 Bottom 52.7 25.7 34.8 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 11 (October - November 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 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.0 6.7 Mid-Depth 52.9 26.1 34.9 8.0 7.0 Bottom 52.9 26.1 34.9 8.0 6.8 Surface 52.8 27.1 34.9 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.5 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.4 Surface 52.8 26.9 34.9 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Surface 52.7 27.0 34.9 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.5 34.9 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.8 26.9 34.9 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.9 34.9 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Surface 52.8 26.6 34.9 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.6 34.9 8.1 6.5 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.2 Surface 52.4 26.5 34.6 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.4 26.5 34.6 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.4 26.5 34.6 8.1 6.0 Surface 52.4 26.4 34.5 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 52.3 26.4 34.6 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.4 26.5 34.5 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.3 26.3 34.5 8.0 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.3 26.3 34.5 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.3 26.3 34.5 8.1 6.2 Surface 52.5 26.1 34.6 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.5 26.1 34.6 8.1 5.7 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.4 26.1 34.6 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.5 26.1 34.6 8.1 6.0 Bottom 52.7 26.1 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.5 26.2 34.6 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.4 26.2 34.6 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 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 52.6 26.2 34.6 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.0 34.7 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.6 26.3 34.7 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.6 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.5 26.2 34.7 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.6 26.2 34.7 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 5.8 Surface 53.1 26.9 35.1 8.1 5.3 Mid-Depth 53.1 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.3 Bottom 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.3 Surface 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.3 Mid-Depth 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.2 Bottom 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.2 Surface 53.0 26.8 35.0 8.1 5.2 Mid-Depth 53.0 26.8 35.0 8.1 5.2 Bottom 53.0 26.8 35.0 8.1 5.2 Surface 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.6 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.2 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.2 27.2 35.2 8.0 5.7 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.2 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.2 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.2 27.2 35.2 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.1 27.1 35.2 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 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 52.7 27.7 34.8 8.0 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.0 5.9 Bottom 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.1 5.9 Surface 52.6 27.3 34.8 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.6 27.0 34.8 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.6 27.2 34.8 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.6 27.0 34.8 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.9 27.7 35.0 7.5 5.5 Mid-Depth 52.9 27.2 35.0 7.9 5.6 Bottom 53.1 27.0 35.1 8.0 5.5 Surface 52.8 27.7 35.0 8.1 5.7 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.2 34.9 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.8 27.7 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.9 27.1 35.0 8.1 5.8 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.7 27.3 34.8 8.0 5.8 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.9 Bottom 53.2 27.1 35.2 8.1 5.8 Surface 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.9 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.8 Surface 52.7 27.3 34.9 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.9 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.9 Surface 53.2 27.5 35.2 7.9 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.0 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 Bottom 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 Surface 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 Bottom 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 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 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.0 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.0 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.1 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.1 27.5 35.1 8.1 5.7 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.5 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.6 35.2 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.1 27.5 35.2 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.5 35.2 8.1 5.8 Bottom 53.2 27.6 35.2 8.1 5.8 Surface 53.1 27.5 35.2 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.5 35.1 8.1 5.8 Bottom 53.1 27.6 35.2 8.1 5.8 Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West

Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Albunea sp.*

mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius speckled swimming crab Callinectes sp.*

swimming crabs Cuapetes americanus American grass shrimp Emerita talpoida*

Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus duorarum*

pink shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Latreutes fucorum slender sargassum shrimp Majoidea spider crabs Menippe mercenaria*

Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Penaeidae*

penaeid shrimp Portunidae*

swimming crabs Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.

portunid crab Portunus spinimanus blotched swimming crab Rimapenaeus constrictus*

roughneck shrimp Rimapenaeus sp.*

roughneck shrimp Echinoderms Mellitidae sand dollars Ophiuroidea brittle stars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Albula vulpes bonefish Anisotremus surinamensis black margate Anisotremus virginicus porkfish Apogonidae cardinalfish Atherinopsidae New World silversides Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Brevoortia smithi**

yellowfin menhaden 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 11 (October - November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Scientific Name Common Name Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx latus horse-eye jack Centropomus undecimalis common snook Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys arctifrons Gulf Stream flounder Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**

herrings and sardines Congridae conger eels Corvula sanctaeluciae striped croaker Ctenogobius boleosoma darter goby Cynoscion nebulosus spotted sea trout Dactylopterus volitans flying gurnard Diplectrum formosum sand perch Elops saurus ladyfish Engraulidae**

anchovies Eucinostomus gula silver jenny Eucinostomus harengulus tidewater mojarra Eucinostomus sp.

mojarra Gerreidae mojarra Gobiidae gobies Gobiosoma sp.

goby Hippocampus erectus spotted seahorse Histrio histrio sargassumfish Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus americanus southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis**

Gulf kingfish Myctophidae lanternfishes Myliobatidae eagle rays snd manta rays Ophidion holbrookii bank cusk eel Opisthonema oglinum**

Atlantic thread herring Orthopristis chrysoptera**

pigfish Polydactylus virginicus barbu Prionotus scitulus**

leopard searobin Prionotus sp.**

North American searobins

Scientific Name Common Name Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Scaridae parrotfishes Sciaenidae drums and croakers Sciaenops ocellatus red drum Scomberomorus maculatus**

Atlantic spanish mackerel Scorpaena inermis mushroom scorpionfish Sparidae porgies Sphyrna tiburo bonnethead shark Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Syngnathus louisianae chain pipefish Trachinocephalus myops bluntnose lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**

Florida pompano Trachinotus falcatus permit Trachinotus goodei palometa Trichiurus lepturus cutlassfish Umbrina coroides**

sand drum Unidentified fish unidentified fish Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Molluscs Loliginidae squid Opisthobranchia seahares Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas**

green sea turtle

  • Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*

4 21 22 1

48 Latreutes fucorum 16 16 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*

1 13 1

15 Cuapetes americanus 1

5 6

Penaeidae*

4 4

Portunus sp.

1 2

3 Hepatus epheliticus 1

1 2

Callinectes sp.*

1 1

Majoidea 1

1 Paguroidea 1

1 Portunus gibbesii 1

1 Portunus spinimanus 1

1 Echinoderms Mellitidae 7

10 4

21 Temnopleuroida 5

5 Ophiuroidea 1

1 Fish Scorpaena inermis 19 1

1 21 Lutjanus synagris 6

6 Diplectrum formosum 1

4 5

Prionotus scitulus**

1 3

1 5

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 11 (October - November 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 Eucinostomus harengulus 1

2 3

Umbrina coroides**

2 2

Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1

1 Citharichthys macrops 1

1 Corvula sanctaeluciae 1

1 Hippocampus erectus 1

1 Histrio histrio 1

1 Ophidion holbrookii 1

1 Orthopristis chrysoptera**

1 1

Stephanolepis hispida 1

1 Trachinocephalus myops 1

1 Molluscs Loliginidae 2

4 1

1 2

3 13 Opisthobranchia 1

1 Grand Total 28 4

84 57 0

1 8

8 1

191

  • Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*

5.71 27.25 31.18 1.20 6.12 Latreutes fucorum 22.68 2.04 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*

1.43 16.87 1.02 1.91 Cuapetes americanus 1.43 7.09 0.77 Penaeidae*

5.67 0.51 Portunus sp.

1.43 2.83 0.38 Hepatus epheliticus 1.19 1.30 0.26 Callinectes sp.*

1.42 0.13 Majoidea 1.42 0.13 Paguroidea 1.43 0.13 Portunus gibbesii 1.30 0.13 Portunus spinimanus 1.30 0.13 Echinoderms Mellitidae 10.00 12.98 4.79 2.68 Temnopleuroida 6.49 0.64 Ophiuroidea 1.43 0.13 Fish Scorpaena inermis 24.66 1.02 0.95 2.68 Lutjanus synagris 8.57 0.77 Diplectrum formosum 1.19 5.19 0.64 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 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 Prionotus scitulus**

1.19 3.89 1.42 0.64 Eucinostomus harengulus 1.42 2.05 0.38 Umbrina coroides**

2.86 0.26 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.20 0.13 Citharichthys macrops 1.30 0.13 Corvula sanctaeluciae 1.43 0.13 Hippocampus erectus 1.43 0.13 Histrio histrio 1.42 0.13 Ophidion holbrookii 1.02 0.13 Orthopristis chrysoptera**

1.19 0.13 Stephanolepis hispida 1.42 0.13 Trachinocephalus myops 1.30 0.13 Molluscs Loliginidae 2.86 5.19 1.42 1.08 2.40 3.07 1.66 Opisthobranchia 1.42 0.13 Grand Total 40.00 4.78 109.01 80.79 0.00 1.08 9.59 8.19 0.95 24.36

  • Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5

9 5

25 9

5 8

19 85 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1

42 19 4

66 Caranx crysos 6

2 1

5 39 5

6 64 Scomberomorus maculatus*

4 42 46 Sphyrna tiburo 36 1

1 1

39 Bagre marinus 1

3 2

6 Trichiurus lepturus 1

3 4

Brevoortia smithi*

3 3

Elops saurus 3

3 Albula vulpes 1

1 Anisotremus surinamensis 1

1 Anisotremus virginicus 1

1 Caranx latus 1

1 Dactylopterus volitans 1

1 Hippocampus erectus 1

1 Opisthonema oglinum*

1 1

Grand Total 57 14 6

94 54 48 12 9

29 323

  • Representative Important Species (RIS)

Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5.45 10.38 7.32 26.32 12.86 7.89 12.31 25.91 12.29 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.15 53.62 20.00 5.45 9.54 Caranx crysos 6.55 2.31 1.46 5.26 55.71 7.89 8.18 9.25 Scomberomorus maculatus*

4.36 53.62 6.65 Sphyrna tiburo 39.27 1.15 1.28 1.58 5.64 Bagre marinus 1.09 3.83 2.11 0.87 Trichiurus lepturus 1.28 3.16 0.58 Brevoortia smithi*

3.83 0.43 Elops saurus 3.27 0.43 Albula vulpes 1.54 0.14 Anisotremus surinamensis 1.09 0.14 Anisotremus virginicus 1.58 0.14 Caranx latus 1.28 0.14 Dactylopterus volitans 1.09 0.14 Hippocampus erectus 1.15 0.14 Opisthonema oglinum*

1.28 0.14 Grand Total 62.18 16.15 8.78 120.00 56.84 68.57 18.95 13.85 39.55 46.70

  • Representative Important Species (RIS)

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 11 (October - November 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.)

Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Crustaceans Arenaeus cribrarius*

1 1

Fish Umbrina coroides**

16 2

5 1

30 24 78 Menticirrhus littoralis**

3 1

3 5

7 18 37 Trachinotus carolinus**

1 1

1 15 18 Trachinotus falcatus 4

7 1

1 13 Polydactylus virginicus 3

3 2

1 9

Eucinostomus gula 3

3 Opisthonema oglinum**

1 2

3 Trachinotus goodei 1

2 3

Centropomus undecimalis 1

1 Myliobatidae 1

1 Grand Total 31 4

9 6

6 0

63 1

47 167

  • Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total

TL (mm)

Wt (g) n N

TL (mm)

Wt (g) n N

TL (mm)

Wt (g) n N

Umbrina coroides 85.9 7.1 78 78 181.5 22.8 2

2 Menticirrhus littoralis 70.7 5.4 37 37 Trachinotus carolinus 66.3 6.7 18 18 Opisthonema oglinum 60.2 2.0 3

3 238.0 115.0 1

1 Scomberomorus maculatus 457.1 558.1 34 46 Brevoortia smithi 344.0 502.3 3

3 Prionotus scitulus 123.9 25.8 5

5 Orthopristis chrysoptera 236.0 172.1 1

1 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 11 (October - November 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 Callinectes sp.*

Megalops 0.84 0.27 1.88 0.51 0.35 0.570 Menippe mercenaria*

Megalops 0.63 0.82 0.94 0.68 0.426 Menippe mercenaria*

Zoea 0.42 0.55 0.94 0.17 0.273 Penaeidae*

Post Larvae 1.04 0.193 Penaeidae*

Mysis 0.94 0.129 Albunea sp.*

Zoea 0.47 0.064 Callinectes sp.*

Zoea 0.09 0.17 0.040 Rimapenaeus sp.*

Post Larvae 0.21 0.09 0.040 Emerita talpoida*

Zoea 0.13 0.032 Portunidae*

Megalops 0.09 0.008 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 0.71 1.53 0.06 1.26 0.16 0.602 Fish Sciaenops ocellatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.18 0.03 0.02 0.22 0.13 0.108 Engraulidae**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.08 0.12 0.13 0.20 0.088 Sparidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.18 0.15 0.04 0.056 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.09 0.13 0.048 Atherinopsidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.15 0.028 Prionotus sp.**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.028 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 11 (October - November 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 0.02 0.03 0.024 Clupeidae**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.11 0.03 0.020 Ctenogobius boleosoma Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.09 0.016 Menticirrhus americanus**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.04 0.012 Apogonidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Citharichthys arctifrons Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Congridae Juvenile 0.03 0.004 Cynoscion nebulosus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Dactylopterus volitans Juvenile 0.02 0.004 Eucinostomus sp.

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Gerreidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Gobiosoma sp.

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Myctophidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Scaridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.004 Syngnathus louisianae Juvenile 0.03 0.004 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 3.58 2.00 7.24 1.98 3.30 0.66 2.859

  • 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 0

0 1

6 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 11 (October -

November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

SPECIES SL 1 SL 2 SL 3

Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 11 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company January 2015 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.

Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida

ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During October 2014 and December 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the eleventh post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on five days between October 21, 2014 and October 30, 2014 and on December 16, 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 eleventh 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 8-25 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 36-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 32-48 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 11 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 10/28/2014 1-3' Swells 25.4-26.2°C 10-15 mph, SE Clear Trawls/ Ichthyoplankton 10/29/2014 1-2' Swells 25.8-26.6°C 5-10 mph, SE to SSE Clear Trawls/ Ichthyoplankton 10/30/2014 1' Swells 26.2°C 2-3 mph, SE Clear Gill Nets 10/21/2014 1-3' Swells 25.6-27.3°C 3-12 mph, E to NW Overcast Gill Nets 10/22/2014 1-2' Swells 23.0-28.3°C 3-7 mph, N to NW Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 12/16/2014 2-3' Swells 15.3-24.7°C 0-5 mph, W to WNW Clear Sea Turtle Transects 10/30/2014 1-2' Swells 23.1-25.4°C 3-5 mph, NE Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 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 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.4 34.8 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.5 Surface 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.7 26.3 34.8 8.1 6.5 Surface 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.0 6.8 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.7 Bottom 52.7 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.6 Surface 52.7 26.1 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.1 34.9 8.1 5.8 Bottom 52.7 25.8 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.0 Bottom 52.7 25.8 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.7 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.8 25.8 34.8 8.1 6.0 Surface 52.8 26.3 34.9 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.1 34.8 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.9 Surface 52.8 26.3 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.8 Bottom 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.8 26.2 34.8 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 Bottom 52.8 25.9 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.2 Surface 52.7 25.9 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 25.9 34.8 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 25.9 34.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 6.5 Bottom 52.7 25.7 34.8 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 11 (October - November 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 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.0 6.7 Mid-Depth 52.9 26.1 34.9 8.0 7.0 Bottom 52.9 26.1 34.9 8.0 6.8 Surface 52.8 27.1 34.9 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.5 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.4 Surface 52.8 26.9 34.9 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Surface 52.7 27.0 34.9 8.1 6.8 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.5 34.9 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.8 26.9 34.9 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.9 34.9 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.8 26.2 34.9 8.1 6.3 Surface 52.8 26.6 34.9 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 52.8 26.6 34.9 8.1 6.5 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 6.2 Surface 52.4 26.5 34.6 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.4 26.5 34.6 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.4 26.5 34.6 8.1 6.0 Surface 52.4 26.4 34.5 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 52.3 26.4 34.6 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.4 26.5 34.5 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.3 26.3 34.5 8.0 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.3 26.3 34.5 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.3 26.3 34.5 8.1 6.2 Surface 52.5 26.1 34.6 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.5 26.1 34.6 8.1 5.7 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.4 26.1 34.6 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.5 26.1 34.6 8.1 6.0 Bottom 52.7 26.1 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.5 26.2 34.6 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.4 26.2 34.6 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 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 52.6 26.2 34.6 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 26.0 34.7 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.7 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.6 26.3 34.7 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.6 26.2 34.8 8.1 6.1 Bottom 52.8 26.0 34.8 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.5 26.2 34.7 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.6 26.2 34.7 8.1 6.3 Bottom 52.8 26.1 34.9 8.1 5.8 Surface 53.1 26.9 35.1 8.1 5.3 Mid-Depth 53.1 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.3 Bottom 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.3 Surface 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.3 Mid-Depth 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.2 Bottom 53.0 26.9 35.0 8.1 5.2 Surface 53.0 26.8 35.0 8.1 5.2 Mid-Depth 53.0 26.8 35.0 8.1 5.2 Bottom 53.0 26.8 35.0 8.1 5.2 Surface 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.6 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.2 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.2 27.2 35.2 8.0 5.7 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.2 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.2 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.2 27.2 35.2 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.1 27.1 35.2 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 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 52.7 27.7 34.8 8.0 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.0 5.9 Bottom 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.1 5.9 Surface 52.6 27.3 34.8 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.6 27.0 34.8 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.6 27.2 34.8 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.6 27.1 34.8 8.1 6.2 Bottom 52.6 27.0 34.8 8.1 6.1 Surface 52.9 27.7 35.0 7.5 5.5 Mid-Depth 52.9 27.2 35.0 7.9 5.6 Bottom 53.1 27.0 35.1 8.0 5.5 Surface 52.8 27.7 35.0 8.1 5.7 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.2 34.9 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.6 Surface 52.8 27.7 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.9 27.1 35.0 8.1 5.8 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.7 Surface 52.7 27.3 34.8 8.0 5.8 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.9 Bottom 53.2 27.1 35.2 8.1 5.8 Surface 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.9 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.8 Surface 52.7 27.3 34.9 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.2 35.1 8.1 5.9 Bottom 53.1 27.1 35.1 8.1 5.9 Surface 53.2 27.5 35.2 7.9 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.0 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 Bottom 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 Surface 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 Bottom 53.2 27.5 35.2 8.1 6.1 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 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.0 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.0 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.2 27.3 35.2 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.1 6.0 Bottom 53.2 27.4 35.2 8.1 6.0 Surface 53.1 27.5 35.1 8.1 5.7 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.5 35.1 8.1 5.7 Bottom 53.1 27.6 35.2 8.1 5.7 Surface 53.1 27.5 35.2 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.5 35.2 8.1 5.8 Bottom 53.2 27.6 35.2 8.1 5.8 Surface 53.1 27.5 35.2 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.1 27.5 35.1 8.1 5.8 Bottom 53.1 27.6 35.2 8.1 5.8 Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West

Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Albunea sp.*

mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius speckled swimming crab Callinectes sp.*

swimming crabs Cuapetes americanus American grass shrimp Emerita talpoida*

Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus duorarum*

pink shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Latreutes fucorum slender sargassum shrimp Majoidea spider crabs Menippe mercenaria*

Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Penaeidae*

penaeid shrimp Portunidae*

swimming crabs Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.

portunid crab Portunus spinimanus blotched swimming crab Rimapenaeus constrictus*

roughneck shrimp Rimapenaeus sp.*

roughneck shrimp Echinoderms Mellitidae sand dollars Ophiuroidea brittle stars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Albula vulpes bonefish Anisotremus surinamensis black margate Anisotremus virginicus porkfish Apogonidae cardinalfish Atherinopsidae New World silversides Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Brevoortia smithi**

yellowfin menhaden 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 11 (October - November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Scientific Name Common Name Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx latus horse-eye jack Centropomus undecimalis common snook Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys arctifrons Gulf Stream flounder Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**

herrings and sardines Congridae conger eels Corvula sanctaeluciae striped croaker Ctenogobius boleosoma darter goby Cynoscion nebulosus spotted sea trout Dactylopterus volitans flying gurnard Diplectrum formosum sand perch Elops saurus ladyfish Engraulidae**

anchovies Eucinostomus gula silver jenny Eucinostomus harengulus tidewater mojarra Eucinostomus sp.

mojarra Gerreidae mojarra Gobiidae gobies Gobiosoma sp.

goby Hippocampus erectus spotted seahorse Histrio histrio sargassumfish Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus americanus southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis**

Gulf kingfish Myctophidae lanternfishes Myliobatidae eagle rays snd manta rays Ophidion holbrookii bank cusk eel Opisthonema oglinum**

Atlantic thread herring Orthopristis chrysoptera**

pigfish Polydactylus virginicus barbu Prionotus scitulus**

leopard searobin Prionotus sp.**

North American searobins

Scientific Name Common Name Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Scaridae parrotfishes Sciaenidae drums and croakers Sciaenops ocellatus red drum Scomberomorus maculatus**

Atlantic spanish mackerel Scorpaena inermis mushroom scorpionfish Sparidae porgies Sphyrna tiburo bonnethead shark Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Syngnathus louisianae chain pipefish Trachinocephalus myops bluntnose lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**

Florida pompano Trachinotus falcatus permit Trachinotus goodei palometa Trichiurus lepturus cutlassfish Umbrina coroides**

sand drum Unidentified fish unidentified fish Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Molluscs Loliginidae squid Opisthobranchia seahares Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas**

green sea turtle

  • Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*

4 21 22 1

48 Latreutes fucorum 16 16 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*

1 13 1

15 Cuapetes americanus 1

5 6

Penaeidae*

4 4

Portunus sp.

1 2

3 Hepatus epheliticus 1

1 2

Callinectes sp.*

1 1

Majoidea 1

1 Paguroidea 1

1 Portunus gibbesii 1

1 Portunus spinimanus 1

1 Echinoderms Mellitidae 7

10 4

21 Temnopleuroida 5

5 Ophiuroidea 1

1 Fish Scorpaena inermis 19 1

1 21 Lutjanus synagris 6

6 Diplectrum formosum 1

4 5

Prionotus scitulus**

1 3

1 5

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 11 (October - November 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 Eucinostomus harengulus 1

2 3

Umbrina coroides**

2 2

Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1

1 Citharichthys macrops 1

1 Corvula sanctaeluciae 1

1 Hippocampus erectus 1

1 Histrio histrio 1

1 Ophidion holbrookii 1

1 Orthopristis chrysoptera**

1 1

Stephanolepis hispida 1

1 Trachinocephalus myops 1

1 Molluscs Loliginidae 2

4 1

1 2

3 13 Opisthobranchia 1

1 Grand Total 28 4

84 57 0

1 8

8 1

191

  • Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*

5.71 27.25 31.18 1.20 6.12 Latreutes fucorum 22.68 2.04 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*

1.43 16.87 1.02 1.91 Cuapetes americanus 1.43 7.09 0.77 Penaeidae*

5.67 0.51 Portunus sp.

1.43 2.83 0.38 Hepatus epheliticus 1.19 1.30 0.26 Callinectes sp.*

1.42 0.13 Majoidea 1.42 0.13 Paguroidea 1.43 0.13 Portunus gibbesii 1.30 0.13 Portunus spinimanus 1.30 0.13 Echinoderms Mellitidae 10.00 12.98 4.79 2.68 Temnopleuroida 6.49 0.64 Ophiuroidea 1.43 0.13 Fish Scorpaena inermis 24.66 1.02 0.95 2.68 Lutjanus synagris 8.57 0.77 Diplectrum formosum 1.19 5.19 0.64 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 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 Prionotus scitulus**

1.19 3.89 1.42 0.64 Eucinostomus harengulus 1.42 2.05 0.38 Umbrina coroides**

2.86 0.26 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.20 0.13 Citharichthys macrops 1.30 0.13 Corvula sanctaeluciae 1.43 0.13 Hippocampus erectus 1.43 0.13 Histrio histrio 1.42 0.13 Ophidion holbrookii 1.02 0.13 Orthopristis chrysoptera**

1.19 0.13 Stephanolepis hispida 1.42 0.13 Trachinocephalus myops 1.30 0.13 Molluscs Loliginidae 2.86 5.19 1.42 1.08 2.40 3.07 1.66 Opisthobranchia 1.42 0.13 Grand Total 40.00 4.78 109.01 80.79 0.00 1.08 9.59 8.19 0.95 24.36

  • Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5

9 5

25 9

5 8

19 85 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1

42 19 4

66 Caranx crysos 6

2 1

5 39 5

6 64 Scomberomorus maculatus*

4 42 46 Sphyrna tiburo 36 1

1 1

39 Bagre marinus 1

3 2

6 Trichiurus lepturus 1

3 4

Brevoortia smithi*

3 3

Elops saurus 3

3 Albula vulpes 1

1 Anisotremus surinamensis 1

1 Anisotremus virginicus 1

1 Caranx latus 1

1 Dactylopterus volitans 1

1 Hippocampus erectus 1

1 Opisthonema oglinum*

1 1

Grand Total 57 14 6

94 54 48 12 9

29 323

  • Representative Important Species (RIS)

Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5.45 10.38 7.32 26.32 12.86 7.89 12.31 25.91 12.29 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.15 53.62 20.00 5.45 9.54 Caranx crysos 6.55 2.31 1.46 5.26 55.71 7.89 8.18 9.25 Scomberomorus maculatus*

4.36 53.62 6.65 Sphyrna tiburo 39.27 1.15 1.28 1.58 5.64 Bagre marinus 1.09 3.83 2.11 0.87 Trichiurus lepturus 1.28 3.16 0.58 Brevoortia smithi*

3.83 0.43 Elops saurus 3.27 0.43 Albula vulpes 1.54 0.14 Anisotremus surinamensis 1.09 0.14 Anisotremus virginicus 1.58 0.14 Caranx latus 1.28 0.14 Dactylopterus volitans 1.09 0.14 Hippocampus erectus 1.15 0.14 Opisthonema oglinum*

1.28 0.14 Grand Total 62.18 16.15 8.78 120.00 56.84 68.57 18.95 13.85 39.55 46.70

  • Representative Important Species (RIS)

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 11 (October - November 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.)

Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total

A B

C A

B C

A B

C Crustaceans Arenaeus cribrarius*

1 1

Fish Umbrina coroides**

16 2

5 1

30 24 78 Menticirrhus littoralis**

3 1

3 5

7 18 37 Trachinotus carolinus**

1 1

1 15 18 Trachinotus falcatus 4

7 1

1 13 Polydactylus virginicus 3

3 2

1 9

Eucinostomus gula 3

3 Opisthonema oglinum**

1 2

3 Trachinotus goodei 1

2 3

Centropomus undecimalis 1

1 Myliobatidae 1

1 Grand Total 31 4

9 6

6 0

63 1

47 167

  • Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
    • Representative Important Species (RIS)

Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 11 (October - November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total

TL (mm)

Wt (g) n N

TL (mm)

Wt (g) n N

TL (mm)

Wt (g) n N

Umbrina coroides 85.9 7.1 78 78 181.5 22.8 2

2 Menticirrhus littoralis 70.7 5.4 37 37 Trachinotus carolinus 66.3 6.7 18 18 Opisthonema oglinum 60.2 2.0 3

3 238.0 115.0 1

1 Scomberomorus maculatus 457.1 558.1 34 46 Brevoortia smithi 344.0 502.3 3

3 Prionotus scitulus 123.9 25.8 5

5 Orthopristis chrysoptera 236.0 172.1 1

1 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 11 (October - November 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 Callinectes sp.*

Megalops 0.84 0.27 1.88 0.51 0.35 0.570 Menippe mercenaria*

Megalops 0.63 0.82 0.94 0.68 0.426 Menippe mercenaria*

Zoea 0.42 0.55 0.94 0.17 0.273 Penaeidae*

Post Larvae 1.04 0.193 Penaeidae*

Mysis 0.94 0.129 Albunea sp.*

Zoea 0.47 0.064 Callinectes sp.*

Zoea 0.09 0.17 0.040 Rimapenaeus sp.*

Post Larvae 0.21 0.09 0.040 Emerita talpoida*

Zoea 0.13 0.032 Portunidae*

Megalops 0.09 0.008 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 0.71 1.53 0.06 1.26 0.16 0.602 Fish Sciaenops ocellatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.18 0.03 0.02 0.22 0.13 0.108 Engraulidae**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.08 0.12 0.13 0.20 0.088 Sparidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.18 0.15 0.04 0.056 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.09 0.13 0.048 Atherinopsidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.15 0.028 Prionotus sp.**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.028 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 11 (October - November 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 0.02 0.03 0.024 Clupeidae**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.11 0.03 0.020 Ctenogobius boleosoma Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.09 0.016 Menticirrhus americanus**

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.04 0.012 Apogonidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Citharichthys arctifrons Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Congridae Juvenile 0.03 0.004 Cynoscion nebulosus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Dactylopterus volitans Juvenile 0.02 0.004 Eucinostomus sp.

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Gerreidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Gobiosoma sp.

Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Myctophidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Scaridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.004 Syngnathus louisianae Juvenile 0.03 0.004 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 3.58 2.00 7.24 1.98 3.30 0.66 2.859

  • 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 0

0 1

6 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 11 (October -

November 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.

SPECIES SL 1 SL 2 SL 3