ML15314A345
Text
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 12 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company February 2015 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During December 2014 through February 2015, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the twelfth and final post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Due to unfavorable sea conditions, sampling was conducted on five days between December 17, 2014 and February 9, 2015. 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 twelfth 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 12 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 1/20/2015 1-2' Swells 18.6-20.0°C 0-3 mph, W Overcast Trawls/ Ichthyoplankton 1/21/2015 1-3' Swells 18.4-22.7°C 0-10 mph, NE Clear Gill Nets 12/17/2014 1-2' Swells 19.0-23.4°C 3-7 mph, NW Clear Gill Nets 12/18/2014 2' Swells 17.7-21.5°C 5-10 mph, NNW Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 2/9/2015 1-4' Swells 19.5-27.1°C 0-7 mph, SE to NE Partly Cloudy Sea Turtle Transects 1/21/2015 1-2' Swells 17.8-19.3°C 4-7 mph, NNW Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.1 7.1 Bottom 52.8 19.1 34.5 8.1 7.0 Surface 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.0 7.4 Mid-Depth 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.1 7.3 Bottom 52.9 19.1 34.5 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.0 7.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 18.9 34.5 8.1 7.3 Bottom 52.9 19.1 34.5 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.9 19.5 34.6 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 52.9 19.5 34.6 8.1 7.1 Bottom 52.9 19.5 34.6 8.1 7.1 Surface 52.9 19.7 34.6 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.1 Bottom 53.0 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.0 Surface 52.9 19.8 34.6 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.1 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.1 Surface 52.9 19.9 34.6 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.2 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.9 19.9 34.6 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.1 7.2 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.9 19.9 34.6 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.1 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.2 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.1 Surface 52.9 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 52.9 19.4 34.6 8.1 7.0 Bottom 52.9 19.4 34.6 8.1 7.0 Surface 52.9 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Bottom 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Surface 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Bottom 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Trawl SL1 A Trawl SL1 B Trawl SL1 C Trawl SL2 A Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St.
Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.3 20.5 34.9 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.3 20.4 34.9 8.2 7.1 Bottom 53.3 19.4 34.8 8.2 7.1 Surface 53.4 20.7 35.0 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.4 20.4 35.0 8.2 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.5 34.8 8.2 7.1 Surface 53.5 21.1 35.2 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.5 20.9 35.2 8.2 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.5 34.9 8.2 7.1 Surface 53.2 19.2 34.8 8.0 7.0 Mid-Depth 53.2 19.2 34.8 8.1 7.0 Bottom 53.2 19.2 34.8 8.1 7.0 Surface 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Surface 53.1 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Surface 53.7 22.1 35.3 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 21.7 35.3 8.1 6.8 Bottom 53.5 21.2 35.1 8.1 6.8 Surface 53.4 21.6 35.0 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 53.5 21.1 34.9 8.1 6.9 Bottom 53.3 20.8 34.9 8.1 7.0 Surface 53.4 21.1 34.9 8.0 6.8 Mid-Depth 53.4 21.3 35.1 8.1 6.8 Bottom 53.4 21.2 35.0 8.1 6.8 Surface 54.2 23.2 35.7 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.1 23.1 35.7 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.0 23.9 35.6 8.2 6.8 Surface 54.1 23.2 35.7 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.1 23.2 35.6 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.0 23.1 35.6 8.2 6.7 Surface 54.0 23.1 35.6 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.9 23.0 35.6 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.0 23.1 35.6 8.1 6.7 Trawl SL2 B Trawl SL2 C Trawl SL3 A Trawl SL3 B Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.3 23.8 35.8 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.3 23.7 35.8 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.2 23.5 35.8 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.3 23.8 35.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.3 23.7 35.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.1 23.1 35.7 8.2 6.6 Surface 54.3 23.8 35.8 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.2 23.7 35.8 8.1 6.5 Bottom 54.1 23.3 35.7 8.1 6.5 Surface 55.8 23.3 36.9 8.1 7.4 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.4 Bottom 55.7 23.2 36.8 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.7 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.7 23.0 36.8 8.2 7.2 Surface 55.7 23.3 36.8 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.3 36.8 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.7 22.8 36.8 8.2 7.1 Surface 55.8 23.9 36.9 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.8 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.8 23.8 37.0 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.0 Bottom 55.8 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.0 Surface 55.8 23.8 37.0 8.2 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.8 37.0 8.2 6.9 Bottom 55.7 23.7 36.9 8.2 6.9 Surface 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.0 Bottom 55.9 24.4 37.1 8.1 7.1 Surface 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.1 Bottom 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.2 Surface 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.2 7.1 Trawl SL3 C Gill Net SL1 A Gill Net SL1 B Gill Net SL1 C South East West East Middle West East Middle Middle West Middle North
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 55.4 22.1 35.6 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.4 22.1 36.6 8.1 7.2 Bottom 55.4 21.9 36.5 8.1 7.2 Surface 55.2 22.2 36.4 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.3 22.9 36.5 8.1 7.1 Bottom 55.3 22.3 36.5 8.1 7.1 Surface 54.9 23.8 36.3 8.0 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.1 7.0 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 7.0 Surface 55.9 24.4 37.1 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.2 37.0 8.1 7.0 Bottom 55.9 24.2 37.1 8.1 7.0 Surface 55.9 24.2 37.1 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 56.0 24.2 37.1 8.1 7.0 Bottom 56.0 24.1 37.1 8.1 6.9 Surface 56.0 24.1 37.1 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 56.0 24.1 37.2 8.1 6.9 Bottom 56.0 24.1 37.1 8.1 6.9 Surface 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 7.0 Bottom 56.1 24.5 37.2 8.1 6.9 Surface 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 6.8 Bottom 56.0 24.5 37.2 8.1 6.7 Surface 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 56.1 24.5 37.2 8.2 6.8 Surface 55.7 23.4 36.8 8.0 7.4 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.2 36.8 8.1 7.5 Bottom 55.7 23.0 36.8 8.1 7.3 Surface 55.7 23.3 36.8 8.1 7.5 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.2 36.8 8.1 7.3 Bottom 55.7 23.0 36.8 8.1 7.3 Surface 55.6 23.1 36.8 8.2 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.7 22.7 36.8 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.8 22.5 36.8 8.2 7.3 Gill Net SL2 A Gill Net SL2 B Gill Net SL2 C Gill Net SL3 A East Middle West Middle West East Middle West East East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 55.7 24.1 36.9 8.0 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.8 36.9 8.1 7.2 Bottom 55.7 23.5 36.9 8.1 7.1 Surface 55.7 24.0 36.9 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.7 36.9 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.8 23.4 36.9 8.2 7.1 Surface 55.7 24.1 36.9 8.2 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.7 36.9 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.8 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.1 Surface 56.1 24.8 37.2 8.1 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.6 37.2 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.9 24.5 37.1 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.9 24.8 37.1 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.6 37.1 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.9 24.5 37.1 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.9 24.6 37.1 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.5 37.1 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.9 24.4 37.0 8.2 7.2 Gill Net SL3 B Gill Net SL3 C West East Middle West East Middle
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Acetes americanus aviu shrimp Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius*
speckled swimming crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Chlamydopleon dissimile opossum shrimp Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Mysida opposum shrimp Ovalipes sp.
lady crab Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Plagusia depressa tidal spray crab Portunidae swimming crabs Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Processa hemphilli night shrimp Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Squilla sp.
mantis shrimp Synalpheus sp.
snapping shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri seabob Echinoderms Mellitidae sand dollars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Achiridae American/scrawled soles Albula vulpes bonefish Anchoa sp.**
anchovy Anisotremus surinamensis black margate Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Blenniidae combtooth blennies Bothus robinsi twospot flounder 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Brevoortia smithi**
yellowfin menhaden Brevoortia sp.**
menhadens Caranx hippos crevalle jack Caranx latus horse-eye jack Carcharhinus acronotus blacknose shark Carcharhinus brevipinna spinner shark Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Ctenogobius boleosoma darter goby Cynoscion nothus**
silver seatrout Cynoscion regalis gray trout Echeneis naucrates sharksucker Engraulidae**
anchovies Ginglymostoma cirratum nurse shark Gobiidae gobies Gobionellus sp.
darter goby Gymnachirus melas naked sole Larimus fasciatus banded drum Leiostomus xanthurus**
spot Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Microgobius thalassinus green goby Micropogonias undulatus**
Atlantic croaker Mugil cephalus striped mullet Mustelus canis smooth dogfish Myliobatis goodei southern eagle ray Ophidion holbrookii bank cusk eel Orthopristis chrysoptera**
pigfish Ostraciidae boxfishes/truckfishes Pleuronectidae righteyed flounders Polydactylus virginicus barbu Pomatomus saltatrix**
bluefish Prionotus carolinus northern searobin
Scientific Name Common Name Rachycentron canadum cobia Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scomberomorus maculatus**
Atlantic spanish mackerel Selene vomer lookdown Serranidae sea basses and groupers Sphyrna tiburo bonnethead shark Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Syacium micrurum channel flounder Synodus foetens inshore lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano Trachinotus falcatus permit Trachinotus goodei palometa Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas**
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*
9 2
6 4
2 2
7 32 Acetes americanus 1
7 3
1 2
14 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1 2
3 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1 2
3 Processa hemphilli 1
1 1
3 Portunus gibbesii 2
2 Synalpheus sp.
2 2
Xiphopenaeus kroyeri 1
1 2
Chlamydopleon dissimile 1
1 Mysida 1
1 Squilla sp.
1 1
Echinoderms Mellitidae 33 6
5 44 Temnopleuroida 1
1 Fish Umbrina coroides**
1 14 15 Anchoa sp.**
2 1
9 12 Ophidion holbrookii 3
1 4
Larimus fasciatus 1
1 2
Lutjanus synagris 2
2 Bothus robinsi 1
1 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Cynoscion nothus**
1 1
Cynoscion regalis 1
1 Gymnachirus melas 1
1 Leiostomus xanthurus**
1 1
Micropogonias undulatus**
1 1
Myliobatis goodei 1
1 Prionotus carolinus 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Syacium micrurum 1
1 Synodus foetens 1
1 Grand Total 54 4
18 24 2
11 23 7
14 157
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*
17.89 2.39 8.84 6.26 2.31 2.49 9.65 4.79 Acetes americanus 1.20 9.24 4.42 1.14 3.13 2.09 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1.99 2.95 0.45 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1.99 2.95 0.45 Processa hemphilli 1.99 1.57 1.38 0.45 Portunus gibbesii 3.98 0.30 Synalpheus sp.
3.13 0.30 Xiphopenaeus kroyeri 1.99 1.16 0.30 Chlamydopleon dissimile 1.38 0.15 Mysida 1.32 0.15 Squilla sp.
1.99 0.15 Echinoderms Mellitidae 65.61 8.84 5.78 6.58 Temnopleuroida 1.25 0.15 Fish Umbrina coroides**
1.99 16.17 2.24 Anchoa sp.**
3.98 1.20 11.88 1.80 Ophidion holbrookii 3.74 1.38 0.60 Larimus fasciatus 1.47 1.38 0.30 Lutjanus synagris 3.98 0.30 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Bothus robinsi 1.14 0.15 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.47 0.15 Citharichthys macrops 1.47 0.15 Cynoscion nothus**
1.38 0.15 Cynoscion regalis 1.38 0.15 Gymnachirus melas 1.25 0.15 Leiostomus xanthurus**
1.47 0.15 Micropogonias undulatus**
1.32 0.15 Myliobatis goodei 1.57 0.15 Prionotus carolinus 1.57 0.15 Selene vomer 1.16 0.15 Syacium micrurum 1.38 0.15 Synodus foetens 1.47 0.15 Grand Total 107.36 4.79 23.76 35.35 2.28 17.22 26.57 8.73 19.30 23.49
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Ovalipes sp.
1 1
Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 15 2
8 22 47 Sphyrna tiburo 2
1 10 13 Caranx latus 3
2 3
1 3
12 Scomberomorus maculatus*
10 10 Bagre marinus 2
1 6
9 Pomatomus saltatrix*
8 1
9 Brevoortia smithi*
4 4
Caranx hippos 4
4 Carcharhinus acronotus 2
1 3
Micropogonias undulatus*
1 2
3 Mustelus canis 3
3 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1
1 2
Echeneis naucrates 1
1 2
Orthopristis chrysoptera*
1 1
2 Albula vulpes 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Ginglymostoma cirratum 1
1 Lutjanus synagris 1
1 Rachycentron canadum 1
1 Grand Total 2
40 2
0 3
11 12 58 1
129
- 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Ovalipes sp.
1.58 0.16 Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 15.25 3.08 11.43 25.38 7.42 Sphyrna tiburo 2.03 1.46 11.54 2.05 Caranx latus 3.05 3.43 4.29 1.46 3.46 1.89 Scomberomorus maculatus*
11.54 1.58 Bagre marinus 2.03 1.71 6.92 1.42 Pomatomus saltatrix*
11.71 1.15 1.42 Brevoortia smithi*
4.07 0.63 Caranx hippos 4.07 0.63 Carcharhinus acronotus 2.03 1.15 0.47 Micropogonias undulatus*
1.02 2.31 0.47 Mustelus canis 3.05 0.47 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1.02 1.15 0.32 Echeneis naucrates 1.02 1.15 0.32 Orthopristis chrysoptera*
1.50 1.46 0.32 Albula vulpes 1.46 0.16 Citharichthys macrops 1.02 0.16 Ginglymostoma cirratum 1.02 0.16 Lutjanus synagris 1.50 0.16 Rachycentron canadum 1.15 0.16 Grand Total 3.00 40.68 3.08 0.00 5.14 15.71 17.56 66.92 1.58 20.37
- 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Plagusia depressa 1
1 Fish Trachinotus falcatus 4
3 1
1 12 1
3 25 Menticirrhus littoralis**
1 1
6 2
10 Trachinotus goodei 3
2 2
1 8
Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
4 5
Polydactylus virginicus 3
3 Selene vomer 2
1 3
Stephanolepis hispida 2
2 Albula vulpes 1
1 Anisotremus surinamensis 1
1 Caranx hippos 1
1 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1
1 Mugil cephalus 1
1 Scomberomorus maculatus**
1 1
Trachinotus carolinus**
1 1
Grand Total 4
7 2
5 1
18 13 3
11 64
- 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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
Menticirrhus littoralis 91.4 8.0 10 10 Scomberomorus maculatus 364.0 226.5 1
1 539.5 848.5 10 10 Trachinotus carolinus 99.9 14.1 1
1 Pomatomus saltatrix 443.8 863.3 9
9 Brevoortia smithi 343.0 496.3 4
4 Micropogonias undulatus 306.7 345.0 3
3 191.0 71.4 1
1 Orthopristis chrysoptera 244.5 227.5 2
2 Umbrina coroides 69.3 4.3 15 15 Anchoa sp.
36.5 0.2 12 12 Cynoscion nothus 221.0 117.2 1
1 Leiostomus xanthurus 189.0 81.8 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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.*
Zoea 0.20 0.04 0.048 Callinectes sp.*
Megalops 0.02 0.02 0.15 0.04 0.038 Emerita talpoida*
Zoea 0.10 0.03 0.04 0.034 Albunea sp.*
Zoea 0.10 0.021 Menippe mercenaria*
Zoea 0.07 0.014 Penaeidae*
Post Larvae 0.08 0.014 Portunidae*
Juvenile 0.03 0.02 0.010 Menippe mercenaria*
Megalops 0.02 0.003 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 0.52 3.63 1.64 0.43 6.02 4.12 2.777 Clupeidae**
Egg 1.06 1.83 0.23 0.03 3.85 1.45 1.385 Fish Engraulidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.010 Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.010 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Achiridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Brevoortia sp.**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Clupeidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Ctenogobius boleosoma Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Gobionellus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Microgobius thalassinus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Ostraciidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.003 Pleuronectidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 1.606 5.847 1.909 0.733 10.348 5.776 4.416
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI)
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Grand Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 0
2 1
0 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 12 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company February 2015 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During December 2014 through February 2015, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the twelfth and final post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Due to unfavorable sea conditions, sampling was conducted on five days between December 17, 2014 and February 9, 2015. 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 twelfth 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 12 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 1/20/2015 1-2' Swells 18.6-20.0°C 0-3 mph, W Overcast Trawls/ Ichthyoplankton 1/21/2015 1-3' Swells 18.4-22.7°C 0-10 mph, NE Clear Gill Nets 12/17/2014 1-2' Swells 19.0-23.4°C 3-7 mph, NW Clear Gill Nets 12/18/2014 2' Swells 17.7-21.5°C 5-10 mph, NNW Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 2/9/2015 1-4' Swells 19.5-27.1°C 0-7 mph, SE to NE Partly Cloudy Sea Turtle Transects 1/21/2015 1-2' Swells 17.8-19.3°C 4-7 mph, NNW Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.1 7.1 Bottom 52.8 19.1 34.5 8.1 7.0 Surface 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.0 7.4 Mid-Depth 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.1 7.3 Bottom 52.9 19.1 34.5 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.8 19.0 34.5 8.0 7.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 18.9 34.5 8.1 7.3 Bottom 52.9 19.1 34.5 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.9 19.5 34.6 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 52.9 19.5 34.6 8.1 7.1 Bottom 52.9 19.5 34.6 8.1 7.1 Surface 52.9 19.7 34.6 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.1 Bottom 53.0 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.0 Surface 52.9 19.8 34.6 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.1 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.1 Surface 52.9 19.9 34.6 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.2 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.9 19.9 34.6 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.1 7.2 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.1 7.2 Surface 52.9 19.9 34.6 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.1 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.2 Bottom 53.0 19.2 34.6 8.0 7.1 Surface 52.9 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 52.9 19.4 34.6 8.1 7.0 Bottom 52.9 19.4 34.6 8.1 7.0 Surface 52.9 19.3 34.5 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Bottom 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Surface 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Bottom 53.0 19.3 34.6 8.1 7.0 Trawl SL1 A Trawl SL1 B Trawl SL1 C Trawl SL2 A Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St.
Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.3 20.5 34.9 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.3 20.4 34.9 8.2 7.1 Bottom 53.3 19.4 34.8 8.2 7.1 Surface 53.4 20.7 35.0 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.4 20.4 35.0 8.2 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.5 34.8 8.2 7.1 Surface 53.5 21.1 35.2 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.5 20.9 35.2 8.2 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.5 34.9 8.2 7.1 Surface 53.2 19.2 34.8 8.0 7.0 Mid-Depth 53.2 19.2 34.8 8.1 7.0 Bottom 53.2 19.2 34.8 8.1 7.0 Surface 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Surface 53.1 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Bottom 53.2 19.1 34.8 8.1 7.1 Surface 53.7 22.1 35.3 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.5 21.7 35.3 8.1 6.8 Bottom 53.5 21.2 35.1 8.1 6.8 Surface 53.4 21.6 35.0 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 53.5 21.1 34.9 8.1 6.9 Bottom 53.3 20.8 34.9 8.1 7.0 Surface 53.4 21.1 34.9 8.0 6.8 Mid-Depth 53.4 21.3 35.1 8.1 6.8 Bottom 53.4 21.2 35.0 8.1 6.8 Surface 54.2 23.2 35.7 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.1 23.1 35.7 8.2 6.8 Bottom 54.0 23.9 35.6 8.2 6.8 Surface 54.1 23.2 35.7 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.1 23.2 35.6 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.0 23.1 35.6 8.2 6.7 Surface 54.0 23.1 35.6 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 53.9 23.0 35.6 8.1 6.7 Bottom 54.0 23.1 35.6 8.1 6.7 Trawl SL2 B Trawl SL2 C Trawl SL3 A Trawl SL3 B Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South Middle North South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.3 23.8 35.8 8.2 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.3 23.7 35.8 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.2 23.5 35.8 8.2 6.5 Surface 54.3 23.8 35.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.3 23.7 35.3 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.1 23.1 35.7 8.2 6.6 Surface 54.3 23.8 35.8 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.2 23.7 35.8 8.1 6.5 Bottom 54.1 23.3 35.7 8.1 6.5 Surface 55.8 23.3 36.9 8.1 7.4 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.4 Bottom 55.7 23.2 36.8 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.7 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.7 23.0 36.8 8.2 7.2 Surface 55.7 23.3 36.8 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.3 36.8 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.7 22.8 36.8 8.2 7.1 Surface 55.8 23.9 36.9 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.8 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.8 23.8 37.0 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.0 Bottom 55.8 23.9 37.0 8.2 7.0 Surface 55.8 23.8 37.0 8.2 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.8 37.0 8.2 6.9 Bottom 55.7 23.7 36.9 8.2 6.9 Surface 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.0 Bottom 55.9 24.4 37.1 8.1 7.1 Surface 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.1 Bottom 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.1 7.2 Surface 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.2 7.1 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.9 24.3 37.1 8.2 7.1 Trawl SL3 C Gill Net SL1 A Gill Net SL1 B Gill Net SL1 C South East West East Middle West East Middle Middle West Middle North
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 55.4 22.1 35.6 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.4 22.1 36.6 8.1 7.2 Bottom 55.4 21.9 36.5 8.1 7.2 Surface 55.2 22.2 36.4 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 55.3 22.9 36.5 8.1 7.1 Bottom 55.3 22.3 36.5 8.1 7.1 Surface 54.9 23.8 36.3 8.0 6.9 Mid-Depth 55.0 22.5 36.3 8.1 7.0 Bottom 55.0 22.4 36.3 8.1 7.0 Surface 55.9 24.4 37.1 8.0 7.1 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.2 37.0 8.1 7.0 Bottom 55.9 24.2 37.1 8.1 7.0 Surface 55.9 24.2 37.1 8.1 7.1 Mid-Depth 56.0 24.2 37.1 8.1 7.0 Bottom 56.0 24.1 37.1 8.1 6.9 Surface 56.0 24.1 37.1 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 56.0 24.1 37.2 8.1 6.9 Bottom 56.0 24.1 37.1 8.1 6.9 Surface 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 7.0 Mid-Depth 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 7.0 Bottom 56.1 24.5 37.2 8.1 6.9 Surface 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 6.9 Mid-Depth 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.1 6.8 Bottom 56.0 24.5 37.2 8.1 6.7 Surface 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.2 6.8 Mid-Depth 56.1 24.6 37.2 8.2 6.8 Bottom 56.1 24.5 37.2 8.2 6.8 Surface 55.7 23.4 36.8 8.0 7.4 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.2 36.8 8.1 7.5 Bottom 55.7 23.0 36.8 8.1 7.3 Surface 55.7 23.3 36.8 8.1 7.5 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.2 36.8 8.1 7.3 Bottom 55.7 23.0 36.8 8.1 7.3 Surface 55.6 23.1 36.8 8.2 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.7 22.7 36.8 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.8 22.5 36.8 8.2 7.3 Gill Net SL2 A Gill Net SL2 B Gill Net SL2 C Gill Net SL3 A East Middle West Middle West East Middle West East East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 55.7 24.1 36.9 8.0 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.8 36.9 8.1 7.2 Bottom 55.7 23.5 36.9 8.1 7.1 Surface 55.7 24.0 36.9 8.1 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.7 36.9 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.8 23.4 36.9 8.2 7.1 Surface 55.7 24.1 36.9 8.2 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.7 23.7 36.9 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.8 23.3 36.9 8.2 7.1 Surface 56.1 24.8 37.2 8.1 7.3 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.6 37.2 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.9 24.5 37.1 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.9 24.8 37.1 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.6 37.1 8.2 7.3 Bottom 55.9 24.5 37.1 8.2 7.3 Surface 55.9 24.6 37.1 8.2 7.2 Mid-Depth 55.9 24.5 37.1 8.2 7.2 Bottom 55.9 24.4 37.0 8.2 7.2 Gill Net SL3 B Gill Net SL3 C West East Middle West East Middle
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Acetes americanus aviu shrimp Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius*
speckled swimming crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Chlamydopleon dissimile opossum shrimp Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Mysida opposum shrimp Ovalipes sp.
lady crab Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Plagusia depressa tidal spray crab Portunidae swimming crabs Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Processa hemphilli night shrimp Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Squilla sp.
mantis shrimp Synalpheus sp.
snapping shrimp Xiphopenaeus kroyeri seabob Echinoderms Mellitidae sand dollars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Achiridae American/scrawled soles Albula vulpes bonefish Anchoa sp.**
anchovy Anisotremus surinamensis black margate Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Blenniidae combtooth blennies Bothus robinsi twospot flounder 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Brevoortia smithi**
yellowfin menhaden Brevoortia sp.**
menhadens Caranx hippos crevalle jack Caranx latus horse-eye jack Carcharhinus acronotus blacknose shark Carcharhinus brevipinna spinner shark Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Ctenogobius boleosoma darter goby Cynoscion nothus**
silver seatrout Cynoscion regalis gray trout Echeneis naucrates sharksucker Engraulidae**
anchovies Ginglymostoma cirratum nurse shark Gobiidae gobies Gobionellus sp.
darter goby Gymnachirus melas naked sole Larimus fasciatus banded drum Leiostomus xanthurus**
spot Lutjanus synagris lane snapper Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Microgobius thalassinus green goby Micropogonias undulatus**
Atlantic croaker Mugil cephalus striped mullet Mustelus canis smooth dogfish Myliobatis goodei southern eagle ray Ophidion holbrookii bank cusk eel Orthopristis chrysoptera**
pigfish Ostraciidae boxfishes/truckfishes Pleuronectidae righteyed flounders Polydactylus virginicus barbu Pomatomus saltatrix**
bluefish Prionotus carolinus northern searobin
Scientific Name Common Name Rachycentron canadum cobia Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scomberomorus maculatus**
Atlantic spanish mackerel Selene vomer lookdown Serranidae sea basses and groupers Sphyrna tiburo bonnethead shark Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Syacium micrurum channel flounder Synodus foetens inshore lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano Trachinotus falcatus permit Trachinotus goodei palometa Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas**
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*
9 2
6 4
2 2
7 32 Acetes americanus 1
7 3
1 2
14 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1 2
3 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1 2
3 Processa hemphilli 1
1 1
3 Portunus gibbesii 2
2 Synalpheus sp.
2 2
Xiphopenaeus kroyeri 1
1 2
Chlamydopleon dissimile 1
1 Mysida 1
1 Squilla sp.
1 1
Echinoderms Mellitidae 33 6
5 44 Temnopleuroida 1
1 Fish Umbrina coroides**
1 14 15 Anchoa sp.**
2 1
9 12 Ophidion holbrookii 3
1 4
Larimus fasciatus 1
1 2
Lutjanus synagris 2
2 Bothus robinsi 1
1 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Cynoscion nothus**
1 1
Cynoscion regalis 1
1 Gymnachirus melas 1
1 Leiostomus xanthurus**
1 1
Micropogonias undulatus**
1 1
Myliobatis goodei 1
1 Prionotus carolinus 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Syacium micrurum 1
1 Synodus foetens 1
1 Grand Total 54 4
18 24 2
11 23 7
14 157
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*
17.89 2.39 8.84 6.26 2.31 2.49 9.65 4.79 Acetes americanus 1.20 9.24 4.42 1.14 3.13 2.09 Arenaeus cribrarius*
1.99 2.95 0.45 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1.99 2.95 0.45 Processa hemphilli 1.99 1.57 1.38 0.45 Portunus gibbesii 3.98 0.30 Synalpheus sp.
3.13 0.30 Xiphopenaeus kroyeri 1.99 1.16 0.30 Chlamydopleon dissimile 1.38 0.15 Mysida 1.32 0.15 Squilla sp.
1.99 0.15 Echinoderms Mellitidae 65.61 8.84 5.78 6.58 Temnopleuroida 1.25 0.15 Fish Umbrina coroides**
1.99 16.17 2.24 Anchoa sp.**
3.98 1.20 11.88 1.80 Ophidion holbrookii 3.74 1.38 0.60 Larimus fasciatus 1.47 1.38 0.30 Lutjanus synagris 3.98 0.30 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Bothus robinsi 1.14 0.15 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.47 0.15 Citharichthys macrops 1.47 0.15 Cynoscion nothus**
1.38 0.15 Cynoscion regalis 1.38 0.15 Gymnachirus melas 1.25 0.15 Leiostomus xanthurus**
1.47 0.15 Micropogonias undulatus**
1.32 0.15 Myliobatis goodei 1.57 0.15 Prionotus carolinus 1.57 0.15 Selene vomer 1.16 0.15 Syacium micrurum 1.38 0.15 Synodus foetens 1.47 0.15 Grand Total 107.36 4.79 23.76 35.35 2.28 17.22 26.57 8.73 19.30 23.49
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Ovalipes sp.
1 1
Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 15 2
8 22 47 Sphyrna tiburo 2
1 10 13 Caranx latus 3
2 3
1 3
12 Scomberomorus maculatus*
10 10 Bagre marinus 2
1 6
9 Pomatomus saltatrix*
8 1
9 Brevoortia smithi*
4 4
Caranx hippos 4
4 Carcharhinus acronotus 2
1 3
Micropogonias undulatus*
1 2
3 Mustelus canis 3
3 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1
1 2
Echeneis naucrates 1
1 2
Orthopristis chrysoptera*
1 1
2 Albula vulpes 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Ginglymostoma cirratum 1
1 Lutjanus synagris 1
1 Rachycentron canadum 1
1 Grand Total 2
40 2
0 3
11 12 58 1
129
- 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Ovalipes sp.
1.58 0.16 Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 15.25 3.08 11.43 25.38 7.42 Sphyrna tiburo 2.03 1.46 11.54 2.05 Caranx latus 3.05 3.43 4.29 1.46 3.46 1.89 Scomberomorus maculatus*
11.54 1.58 Bagre marinus 2.03 1.71 6.92 1.42 Pomatomus saltatrix*
11.71 1.15 1.42 Brevoortia smithi*
4.07 0.63 Caranx hippos 4.07 0.63 Carcharhinus acronotus 2.03 1.15 0.47 Micropogonias undulatus*
1.02 2.31 0.47 Mustelus canis 3.05 0.47 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1.02 1.15 0.32 Echeneis naucrates 1.02 1.15 0.32 Orthopristis chrysoptera*
1.50 1.46 0.32 Albula vulpes 1.46 0.16 Citharichthys macrops 1.02 0.16 Ginglymostoma cirratum 1.02 0.16 Lutjanus synagris 1.50 0.16 Rachycentron canadum 1.15 0.16 Grand Total 3.00 40.68 3.08 0.00 5.14 15.71 17.56 66.92 1.58 20.37
- 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Plagusia depressa 1
1 Fish Trachinotus falcatus 4
3 1
1 12 1
3 25 Menticirrhus littoralis**
1 1
6 2
10 Trachinotus goodei 3
2 2
1 8
Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
4 5
Polydactylus virginicus 3
3 Selene vomer 2
1 3
Stephanolepis hispida 2
2 Albula vulpes 1
1 Anisotremus surinamensis 1
1 Caranx hippos 1
1 Carcharhinus brevipinna 1
1 Mugil cephalus 1
1 Scomberomorus maculatus**
1 1
Trachinotus carolinus**
1 1
Grand Total 4
7 2
5 1
18 13 3
11 64
- 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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
Menticirrhus littoralis 91.4 8.0 10 10 Scomberomorus maculatus 364.0 226.5 1
1 539.5 848.5 10 10 Trachinotus carolinus 99.9 14.1 1
1 Pomatomus saltatrix 443.8 863.3 9
9 Brevoortia smithi 343.0 496.3 4
4 Micropogonias undulatus 306.7 345.0 3
3 191.0 71.4 1
1 Orthopristis chrysoptera 244.5 227.5 2
2 Umbrina coroides 69.3 4.3 15 15 Anchoa sp.
36.5 0.2 12 12 Cynoscion nothus 221.0 117.2 1
1 Leiostomus xanthurus 189.0 81.8 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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.*
Zoea 0.20 0.04 0.048 Callinectes sp.*
Megalops 0.02 0.02 0.15 0.04 0.038 Emerita talpoida*
Zoea 0.10 0.03 0.04 0.034 Albunea sp.*
Zoea 0.10 0.021 Menippe mercenaria*
Zoea 0.07 0.014 Penaeidae*
Post Larvae 0.08 0.014 Portunidae*
Juvenile 0.03 0.02 0.010 Menippe mercenaria*
Megalops 0.02 0.003 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 0.52 3.63 1.64 0.43 6.02 4.12 2.777 Clupeidae**
Egg 1.06 1.83 0.23 0.03 3.85 1.45 1.385 Fish Engraulidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.010 Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.010 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Achiridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Brevoortia sp.**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Clupeidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), 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 Ctenogobius boleosoma Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Gobionellus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Microgobius thalassinus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Ostraciidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.003 Pleuronectidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.003 1.606 5.847 1.909 0.733 10.348 5.776 4.416
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI)
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Grand Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 0
2 1
0 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 12 (December 2014 - February 2015), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.