ML15314A346
Text
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 6 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company March 2014 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During December 2013 and January 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the sixth post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on six days between December 3, 2013 and January 21, 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 sixth post-uprate sampling event are provided in this report. All data should be considered preliminary until quality assurance checks have been completed.
SAMPLING LOCATIONS Sampling was conducted within three separate sampling sites: SL1 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the Ft. Pierce Inlet, SL2 located in the vicinity of the St. Lucie Plant cooling water discharge, and SL3 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the St. Lucie Inlet.
For the purposes of gill netting and trawling, three transects were established within each of the three sampling sites: Transect A was located approximately 600 ft from shore on the beach terrace in water depths of 8-32 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 34-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 31-47 ft. Plankton samples were collected concurrently with trawl samples at all three sites but only on Transects A and C.
Three stations were also established within each of the three sampling sites for the purpose of beach seining: Station A was located 0.5 mi. north of the center of the site, Station B was located at the center of the site, and Station C was located 0.5 mi. south of the center of the site.
At all stations, seines were pulled to the beach from a water depth of approximately 4 ft.
For the purpose of boat-based sea turtle surveys, one transect was established in each of the three sampling sites. The transects were located along nearshore hardbottom habitat in each site.
RESULTS Environmental data were recorded at each station during each day of sampling. Data recorded included sea conditions, air temperature, wind speed and direction, and sky conditions.
Environmental data are summarized by day in Table 1. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Water quality data were recorded at three locations and three depths along each of the nine transects established for trawl and gill net sampling. Data recorded included specific conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table 2.
POST-UPRATE EVENT 6 DATA REPORT, ST. LUCIE PLANT EPU BIOLOGICAL STUDY ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA 2
Trawls were towed for 15 minutes along each of the nine transects. The scientific and common names of all specimens captured by all gear types are listed in Table 3. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected in each 15-minute tow are presented in Table 4. Because of variations in tow speed, the distances the trawl traveled during a 15-minute tow varied (based on GPS readings). In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per kilometer of bottom sampled were calculated and are presented in Table 5.
The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected by gill net on each of the nine transects is given in Table 6. At each transect the gill net began to be retrieved 30 minutes after it was set.
However, the total soak time (time from when the net first entered the water until the time it was completely removed from the water) varied among transects because of differences in retrieval times associated with variations in the number of fish present in the net. In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per hour of total soak time were calculated and are given in Table 7.
Beach seines were deployed at each of the nine stations previously described. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected at each station are presented in Table 8.
A maximum of 25 representative specimens of each Representative Important Species (RIS) of fish collected at each transect/station by trawl, gill net, and beach seine were measured (total length) and a batch weight for those specimens was obtained. Average lengths and average weights of each RIS at each station/transect for each gear type are presented in Table 9.
Bongo nets were used to collect fish eggs and larvae as well as commercially or recreationally important invertebrate larvae at each of the six transects previously described. Nets were pulled for 15 minutes and the volume of water filtered determined by means of flow meters. Numbers of individuals per cubic meter of water filtered are given in Table 10.
To quantify the number of sea turtles present in each of the three sampling sites, one one-kilometer-long transect in each sampling site was traversed by boat twice. The numbers of sea turtles sighted during each pass along each transect are presented in Table 11.
Sampling Date Sea Conditions Air Temp Wind Speed and Direction Sky Conditions Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 12/3/2013 2-3 ft swells 20.6-23.9°C 2-7 mph,S to W Clear to Partly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 12/4/2013 2-3 ft swells 20.0-21.2°C 2-10 mph, WNW to S Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 12/4/2013 3-4 ft swells 23.3-29.4°C 3-7 mph, S to SE Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 12/5/2013 3-4 ft swells 23.3-29.1°C 5-15 mph, E to SE Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 1/21/2014 0-2 ft swells 16.7-24.4°C 3-7 mph, W Clear to Overcast Sea Turtle Transects 1/13/2014 2-3 ft swells 20.9-23.3°C 7-10+ mph, SE Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Luice 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 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.5 22.1 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.5 22.2 35.9 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.5 22.2 35.9 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 22.7 35.9 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.7 23.1 36.2 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.1 36.2 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.7 23.1 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.6 22.5 35.9 7.9 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.6 36.0 7.9 6.8 Bottom 54.6 22.5 36.0 7.9 6.8 Surface 54.6 22.3 35.9 7.9 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.3 35.9 7.9 6.8 Bottom 54.6 22.3 35.9 7.9 6.8 Surface 54.6 22.5 35.9 7.9 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.4 35.9 7.9 6.8 Bottom 54.6 22.4 35.9 7.9 6.8 Trawl SL1 A North Middle South Trawl SL1 B North Middle South Trawl SL1 C North Middle South Trawl SL2 A North Middle South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.6 22.5 36.0 7.9 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.5 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.6 22.5 36.1 7.9 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.5 36.0 7.9 6.4 Bottom 54.6 22.6 36.0 7.9 6.4 Surface 54.7 23.2 36.0 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.3 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.4 22.3 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.5 23.5 36.0 8.0 6.3 Trawl SL2 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 C North Middle South Trawl SL3 A North Middle South Trawl SL3 B North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.7 23.5 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.7 23.6 36.1 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.6 36.0 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.6 23.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.3 25.0 35.9 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.9 35.9 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.3 24.7 35.8 8.2 6.7 Surface 54.2 24.9 35.9 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.8 35.9 8.3 6.7 Bottom 54.3 24.7 35.8 8.3 6.6 Surface 54.3 24.9 35.8 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.7 35.9 8.3 6.7 Bottom 54.2 24.7 35.8 8.3 6.7 Surface 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.4 25.1 36.0 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.3 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.4 25.1 35.9 8.3 6.4 Bottom 54.4 25.1 36.0 8.3 6.4 Surface 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.3 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.4 25.1 36.0 8.3 6.4 Bottom 54.4 25.0 35.9 8.3 6.3 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.7 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.7 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.3 6.3 Bottom 54.7 25.8 36.3 8.2 6.3 Trawl SL3 C North Middle South Gill Net SL1 A East Middle West West Gill Net SL1 C East Middle West Gill Net SL1 B East Middle
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.2 23.5 35.8 8.0 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.3 22.5 35.7 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.3 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.1 Surface 54.4 23.6 35.7 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.3 22.3 35.8 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.3 22.1 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.2 23.4 35.8 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.3 22.3 35.8 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.4 22.0 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 23.8 36.0 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.1 6.3 Surface 54.4 24.2 36.0 8.2 6.9 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.7 36.0 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.2 6.6 Surface 54.5 23.9 36.0 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.5 Bottom 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.5 Surface 54.5 23.9 35.9 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.6 Bottom 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.6 Surface 54.3 24.9 35.9 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.8 35.9 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.3 24.5 35.8 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.3 24.6 35.9 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.6 35.8 8.1 6.6 Bottom 54.2 24.2 35.8 8.1 6.5 Surface 54.3 24.4 35.9 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.4 35.8 8.1 6.5 Bottom 54.2 24.3 35.8 8.1 6.5 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 54.6 25.6 36.2 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 25.6 36.1 8.1 6.4 Bottom 54.5 25.5 36.1 8.1 6.4 Surface 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.1 6.4 Bottom 54.5 25.4 36.0 8.1 6.4 Surface 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.2 6.4 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.1 36.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Acetes americanus aviu shrimp Albunea sp.
mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius*
speckled swimming crab Calappa flammea flame box crab Callinectes spp.*
swimming crabs Chlamydopleon dissimile opossum shrimp Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus sp.*
penaeid shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Hippoidea mole crab Libinia dubia longnose spider crab Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Periclimenes sp.
anemone shrimp Persephona mediterranea mottled purse crab Pilumnus sp.
hairy crab Portunidae*
swimming crabs Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Sicyonia sp.*
rock shrimp Squillidae mantis shrimp Xanthidae mud crabs Xiphopenaeus kroyeri seabob Echinoderms Mellitidae sand dollars 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Fish and Eggs Aluterus monoceros unicorn filefish Anchoa hepsetus**
striped anchovy Anchoa lyolepis**
dusky anchovy Anchoa mitchilli**
bay anchovy Anchoa sp.**
common anchovy Anisotremus virginicus porkfish Archosargus probatocephalus sheepshead Ariopsis felis hardhead catfish Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Bairdiella chrysoura silver perch Brevoortia smithi**
yellowfin menhaden Calamus arctifrons grass porgy Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx hippos crevalle jack Caranx latus horse-eye jack Carcharhinus acronotus blacknose shark Carcharhinus brevipinna spinner shark Carcharhinus limbatus blacktip shark Centropristis striata black sea bass Chaetodipterus faber Atlantic spadefish Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Corvula sanctaeluciae striped croaker Elops saurus ladyfish Eucinostomus argenteus spotfin mojarra Eucinostomus gula silver jenny Eucinostomus sp.
mojarra Lagodon rhomboides pinfish Leiostomus xanthurus**
spot Lutjanidae snappers Lutjanus synagris lane snapper
Scientific Name Common Name Menticirrhus americanus southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Micropogonias undulatus**
Atlantic croaker Mugil curema silver mullet Paralichthyidae sand flounders Polydactylus virginicus barbu Pomatomus saltatrix**
bluefish Rachycentron canadum cobia Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scomberomorus maculatus**
Atlantic spanish mackerel Selene setapinnis Atlantic moonfish Selene vomer lookdown Sparidae porgies Sphyrna tiburo bonnethead shark Synodus foetens inshore lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano Trachinotus falcatus permit Trichiurus lepturus cutlassfish Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Labridae wrasses Molluscs Cephalopoda squid 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*
14 3
17 Portunus gibbesii 4
2 2
1 9
Arenaeus cribrarius*
7 1
8 Callinectes sp.*
4 4
Libinia dubia 4
4 Acetes americanus 1
2 3
Portunus sp.
2 1
3 Calappa flammea 2
2 Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
2 2
Paguroidea 2
2 Periclimenes sp.
1 1
2 Persephona mediterranea 2
2 Chlamydopleon dissimile 1
1 Hepatus epheliticus 1
1 Penaeidae*
1 1
Pilumnus sp.
1 1
Xanthidae 1
1 Echinoderms Mellitidae 2
1 3
6 Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Fish Umbrina coroides**
11 8
19 Corvula sanctaeluciae 6
6 Anchoa sp.**
4 1
5 Menticirrhus littoralis**
2 1
3 Citharichthys macrops 2
2 Anchoa hepsetus**
1 1
Anchoa lyolepis**
1 1
Ariopsis felis 1
1 Caranx crysos 1
1 Caranx latus 1
1 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Selene setapinnis 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Total 63 1
0 15 1
0 31 0
1 112
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*
23.69 4.40 2.78 Portunus gibbesii 6.77 2.78 2.93 1.71 1.47 Arenaeus cribrarius*
11.85 1.39 1.31 Callinectes sp.*
6.77 0.65 Libinia dubia 6.77 0.65 Acetes americanus 1.39 2.93 0.49 Portunus sp.
3.38 1.39 0.49 Calappa flammea 2.93 0.33 Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
3.38 0.33 Paguroidea 3.38 0.33 Periclimenes sp.
1.69 1.39 0.33 Persephona mediterranea 2.93 0.33 Chlamydopleon dissimile 1.39 0.16 Hepatus epheliticus 1.47 0.16 Penaeidae*
1.39 0.16 Pilumnus sp.
1.69 0.16 Xanthidae 1.69 0.16 Echinoderms Mellitidae 3.38 1.30 4.40 0.98 Total Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 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
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Total Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Fish Umbrina coroides**
18.62 11.72 3.11 Corvula sanctaeluciae 10.15 0.98 Anchoa sp.**
5.55 1.47 0.82 Menticirrhus littoralis**
2.78 1.47 0.49 Citharichthys macrops 2.93 0.33 Anchoa hepsetus**
1.32 0.16 Anchoa lyolepis**
1.47 0.16 Ariopsis felis 1.69 0.16 Caranx crysos 1.39 0.16 Caranx latus 1.47 0.16 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.47 0.16 Selene setapinnis 1.69 0.16 Selene vomer 1.47 0.16 Total 106.62 1.32 0.00 20.82 1.30 0.00 45.42 0.00 1.71 18.33
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Molluscs Cephalopoda 1
1 Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5
43 4
1 36 3
13 13 1
119 Sphyrna tiburo 9
53 43 1
106 Scomberomorus maculatus**
10 3
3 3
13 1
33 Bagre marinus 2
23 2
1 28 Caranx hippos 27 27 Menticirrhus americanus**
26 26 Trachinotus carolinus**
15 15 Caranx crysos 1
1 1
1 4
4 12 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 9
1 10 Lutjanus synagris 9
1 10 Caranx latus 3
1 4
Trichiurus lepturus 3
1 4
Carcharhinus limbatus 1
1 1
3 Synodus foetens 2
1 3
Archosargus probatocephalus 1
1 2
Brevoortia smithi**
2 2
Calamus arctifrons 2
2 Carcharhinus acronotus 1
1 2
Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 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 Carcharhinus brevipinna 2
2 Leiostomus xanthurus**
2 2
Micropogonias undulatus**
2 2
Pomatomus saltatrix**
2 2
Aluterus monoceros 1
1 Anisotremus virginicus 1
1 Centropristis striata 1
1 Chaetodipterus faber 1
1 Corvula sanctaeluciae 1
1 Lagodon rhomboides 1
1 Rachycentron canadum 1
1 Grand Total 43 51 5
173 90 4
34 21 3
424
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Molluscs Cephalopoda 0.48 0.10 Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5.00 46.91 6.49 0.69 17.14 4.39 13.68 19.50 1.62 12.31 Sphyrna tiburo 9.00 36.55 20.48 1.46 10.97 Scomberomorus maculatus**
10.00 3.27 2.07 1.43 13.68 1.50 3.41 Bagre marinus 2.00 15.86 0.95 1.50 2.90 Caranx hippos 18.62 2.79 Menticirrhus americanus**
17.93 2.69 Trachinotus carolinus**
10.34 1.55 Caranx crysos 1.09 1.62 0.69 0.48 4.21 6.00 1.24 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 6.21 0.48 1.03 Lutjanus synagris 9.00 1.05 1.03 Caranx latus 2.07 0.48 0.41 Trichiurus lepturus 3.27 0.48 0.41 Carcharhinus limbatus 1.09 0.69 1.05 0.31 Synodus foetens 3.00 1.62 0.31 Archosargus probatocephalus 1.00 1.05 0.21 Brevoortia smithi**
1.38 0.21 Calamus arctifrons 2.00 0.21 Carcharhinus acronotus 0.48 1.05 0.21 Total 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note:
Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects.)
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Total Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Carcharhinus brevipinna 2.00 0.21 Leiostomus xanthurus**
1.38 0.21 Micropogonias undulatus**
1.38 0.21 Pomatomus saltatrix**
1.38 0.21 Aluterus monoceros 1.62 0.10 Anisotremus virginicus 1.00 0.10 Centropristis striata 1.00 0.10 Chaetodipterus faber 0.69 0.10 Corvula sanctaeluciae 0.69 0.10 Lagodon rhomboides 1.00 0.10 Rachycentron canadum 0.69 0.10 Grand Total 43.00 55.64 8.11 119.31 42.86 5.85 35.79 31.50 4.86 43.86
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Fish Umbrina coroides*
2 1
5 11 24 11 54 Trachinotus falcatus 2
1 11 1
1 16 Anchoa sp.*
1 11 12 Menticirrhus littoralis*
3 1
4 8
Eucinostomus argenteus 4
3 7
Polydactylus virginicus 2
2 4
Eucinostomus gula 1
1 2
Trachinotus carolinus*
2 2
Mugil curema 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Total 6
2 1
4 22 1
15 33 23 107
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
Anchoa hepsetus 45.8 0.4 1
1 Anchoa lyolepis 56.4 1.1 1
1 Anchoa sp.
26.2 0.1 12 12 41.4 0.4 2
5 Brevoortia smithi 367.5 476.0 2
2 Leiostomus xanthurus 207.0 110.0 2
2 Menticirrhus americanus 314.3 322.1 26 26 Menticirrhus littoralis 127.7 32.5 8
8 85.7 4.0 3
3 Micropogonias undulatus 247.0 152.5 2
2 Pomatomus saltatrix 372.0 490.0 2
2 Scomberomorus maculatus 496.1 673.4 32 33 Trachinotus carolinus 180.5 80.2 2
2 242.9 184.7 15 15 Umbrina coroides 110.2 27.8 54 54 57.0 3.4 19 19 Gill Net Beach Seine Trawl Taxa 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.
A C
A C
A C
Crustaceans Emerita talpoida Zoea 0.03 0.48 0.19 0.17 0.07 2.02 0.544 Farfantepenaeus sp.
Post larvae 0.56 0.07 0.85 0.62 0.281 Penaeidae Mysis 0.33 0.40 0.137 Callinectes sp.
Megalops 0.05 0.71 0.130 Portunidae Megalops 0.15 0.77 0.02 0.100 Portunidae Zoea 0.22 0.04 0.29 0.100 Callinectes sp.
Zoea 0.48 0.089 Menippe mercenaria Zoea 0.02 0.09 0.28 0.070 Penaeidae Protozoea 0.02 0.02 0.007 Albunea sp.
Zoea 0.02 0.004 Hippoidea Zoea 0.04 0.004 Menippe mercenaria Megalops 0.02 0.004 Sicyonia sp.
Mysis 0.02 0.004 Sicyonia sp.
Post larvae 0.02 0.004 Squillidae Pseudozoea 0.02 0.004 Xiphopenaeus sp.
Mysis 0.02 0.004 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 6 (December 2013 - January 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 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 0.79 0.66 2.81 2.12 1.09 2.02 1.489 Clupeidae Egg 0.03 3.19 0.48 0.400 Fish Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.40 0.38 0.28 0.215 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.04 0.13 0.12 0.056 Eucinostomus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.24 0.052 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.12 0.022 Clupeidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.015 Sparidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.02 0.011 Bairdiella chrysoura Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Elops saurus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Anchoa mitchilli Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Labridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Paralichthyidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Trichiurus lepturus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 1.67 2.03 7.92 3.38 3.22 6.18 3.774 Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 0
1 1
0 0
0 SPECIES SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 6 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company March 2014 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During December 2013 and January 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the sixth post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on six days between December 3, 2013 and January 21, 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 sixth post-uprate sampling event are provided in this report. All data should be considered preliminary until quality assurance checks have been completed.
SAMPLING LOCATIONS Sampling was conducted within three separate sampling sites: SL1 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the Ft. Pierce Inlet, SL2 located in the vicinity of the St. Lucie Plant cooling water discharge, and SL3 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the St. Lucie Inlet.
For the purposes of gill netting and trawling, three transects were established within each of the three sampling sites: Transect A was located approximately 600 ft from shore on the beach terrace in water depths of 8-32 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 34-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 31-47 ft. Plankton samples were collected concurrently with trawl samples at all three sites but only on Transects A and C.
Three stations were also established within each of the three sampling sites for the purpose of beach seining: Station A was located 0.5 mi. north of the center of the site, Station B was located at the center of the site, and Station C was located 0.5 mi. south of the center of the site.
At all stations, seines were pulled to the beach from a water depth of approximately 4 ft.
For the purpose of boat-based sea turtle surveys, one transect was established in each of the three sampling sites. The transects were located along nearshore hardbottom habitat in each site.
RESULTS Environmental data were recorded at each station during each day of sampling. Data recorded included sea conditions, air temperature, wind speed and direction, and sky conditions.
Environmental data are summarized by day in Table 1. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Water quality data were recorded at three locations and three depths along each of the nine transects established for trawl and gill net sampling. Data recorded included specific conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table 2.
POST-UPRATE EVENT 6 DATA REPORT, ST. LUCIE PLANT EPU BIOLOGICAL STUDY ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA 2
Trawls were towed for 15 minutes along each of the nine transects. The scientific and common names of all specimens captured by all gear types are listed in Table 3. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected in each 15-minute tow are presented in Table 4. Because of variations in tow speed, the distances the trawl traveled during a 15-minute tow varied (based on GPS readings). In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per kilometer of bottom sampled were calculated and are presented in Table 5.
The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected by gill net on each of the nine transects is given in Table 6. At each transect the gill net began to be retrieved 30 minutes after it was set.
However, the total soak time (time from when the net first entered the water until the time it was completely removed from the water) varied among transects because of differences in retrieval times associated with variations in the number of fish present in the net. In order to compare abundances among stations in terms of catch per unit effort, the numbers collected per hour of total soak time were calculated and are given in Table 7.
Beach seines were deployed at each of the nine stations previously described. The numbers of fish and invertebrates collected at each station are presented in Table 8.
A maximum of 25 representative specimens of each Representative Important Species (RIS) of fish collected at each transect/station by trawl, gill net, and beach seine were measured (total length) and a batch weight for those specimens was obtained. Average lengths and average weights of each RIS at each station/transect for each gear type are presented in Table 9.
Bongo nets were used to collect fish eggs and larvae as well as commercially or recreationally important invertebrate larvae at each of the six transects previously described. Nets were pulled for 15 minutes and the volume of water filtered determined by means of flow meters. Numbers of individuals per cubic meter of water filtered are given in Table 10.
To quantify the number of sea turtles present in each of the three sampling sites, one one-kilometer-long transect in each sampling site was traversed by boat twice. The numbers of sea turtles sighted during each pass along each transect are presented in Table 11.
Sampling Date Sea Conditions Air Temp Wind Speed and Direction Sky Conditions Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 12/3/2013 2-3 ft swells 20.6-23.9°C 2-7 mph,S to W Clear to Partly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 12/4/2013 2-3 ft swells 20.0-21.2°C 2-10 mph, WNW to S Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 12/4/2013 3-4 ft swells 23.3-29.4°C 3-7 mph, S to SE Clear to Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 12/5/2013 3-4 ft swells 23.3-29.1°C 5-15 mph, E to SE Partly Cloudy Beach Seines 1/21/2014 0-2 ft swells 16.7-24.4°C 3-7 mph, W Clear to Overcast Sea Turtle Transects 1/13/2014 2-3 ft swells 20.9-23.3°C 7-10+ mph, SE Clear Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Luice 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 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.5 22.1 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.5 22.2 35.9 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.1 35.9 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.5 22.2 35.9 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 22.7 35.9 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 22.6 35.9 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.7 23.0 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.7 23.1 36.2 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.1 36.2 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.7 23.1 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.6 22.5 35.9 7.9 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.6 36.0 7.9 6.8 Bottom 54.6 22.5 36.0 7.9 6.8 Surface 54.6 22.3 35.9 7.9 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.3 35.9 7.9 6.8 Bottom 54.6 22.3 35.9 7.9 6.8 Surface 54.6 22.5 35.9 7.9 6.8 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.4 35.9 7.9 6.8 Bottom 54.6 22.4 35.9 7.9 6.8 Trawl SL1 A North Middle South Trawl SL1 B North Middle South Trawl SL1 C North Middle South Trawl SL2 A North Middle South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.6 22.5 36.0 7.9 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.5 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.6 22.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.6 22.5 36.1 7.9 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.6 22.5 36.0 7.9 6.4 Bottom 54.6 22.6 36.0 7.9 6.4 Surface 54.7 23.2 36.0 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.7 23.2 36.2 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.3 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.4 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.6 Bottom 54.4 22.3 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 23.3 36.0 8.0 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.5 23.5 36.0 8.0 6.3 Trawl SL2 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 C North Middle South Trawl SL3 A North Middle South Trawl SL3 B North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.7 23.5 36.1 8.0 6.3 Surface 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.7 23.6 36.1 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.5 23.4 36.0 8.0 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.6 36.0 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.6 23.6 36.0 8.0 6.4 Surface 54.3 25.0 35.9 8.1 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.9 35.9 8.2 6.7 Bottom 54.3 24.7 35.8 8.2 6.7 Surface 54.2 24.9 35.9 8.3 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.8 35.9 8.3 6.7 Bottom 54.3 24.7 35.8 8.3 6.6 Surface 54.3 24.9 35.8 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.7 35.9 8.3 6.7 Bottom 54.2 24.7 35.8 8.3 6.7 Surface 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.4 25.1 36.0 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.3 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.4 25.1 35.9 8.3 6.4 Bottom 54.4 25.1 36.0 8.3 6.4 Surface 54.4 25.2 36.0 8.3 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.4 25.1 36.0 8.3 6.4 Bottom 54.4 25.0 35.9 8.3 6.3 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.7 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.7 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.8 25.9 36.3 8.3 6.3 Bottom 54.7 25.8 36.3 8.2 6.3 Trawl SL3 C North Middle South Gill Net SL1 A East Middle West West Gill Net SL1 C East Middle West Gill Net SL1 B East Middle
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 54.2 23.5 35.8 8.0 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.3 22.5 35.7 8.0 6.3 Bottom 54.3 22.4 35.8 8.0 6.1 Surface 54.4 23.6 35.7 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.3 22.3 35.8 8.0 6.4 Bottom 54.3 22.1 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.2 23.4 35.8 8.0 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.3 22.3 35.8 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.4 22.0 35.8 8.0 6.6 Surface 54.5 23.8 36.0 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.6 23.5 36.0 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.2 6.3 Bottom 54.6 23.4 36.0 8.1 6.3 Surface 54.4 24.2 36.0 8.2 6.9 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.7 36.0 8.2 6.6 Bottom 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.2 6.6 Surface 54.5 23.9 36.0 8.3 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.5 Bottom 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.5 Surface 54.5 23.9 35.9 8.3 6.6 Mid-Depth 54.6 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.6 Bottom 54.5 23.6 36.0 8.3 6.6 Surface 54.3 24.9 35.9 8.0 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.8 35.9 8.0 6.5 Bottom 54.3 24.5 35.8 8.0 6.5 Surface 54.3 24.6 35.9 8.1 6.7 Mid-Depth 54.3 24.6 35.8 8.1 6.6 Bottom 54.2 24.2 35.8 8.1 6.5 Surface 54.3 24.4 35.9 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.2 24.4 35.8 8.1 6.5 Bottom 54.2 24.3 35.8 8.1 6.5 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 54.6 25.6 36.2 8.1 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 25.6 36.1 8.1 6.4 Bottom 54.5 25.5 36.1 8.1 6.4 Surface 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.1 6.4 Bottom 54.5 25.4 36.0 8.1 6.4 Surface 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.5 25.4 36.1 8.2 6.4 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.1 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.1 36.3 8.2 6.5 Bottom 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Bottom 54.8 26.0 36.3 8.2 6.4 Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Acetes americanus aviu shrimp Albunea sp.
mole crabs Arenaeus cribrarius*
speckled swimming crab Calappa flammea flame box crab Callinectes spp.*
swimming crabs Chlamydopleon dissimile opossum shrimp Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus sp.*
penaeid shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Hippoidea mole crab Libinia dubia longnose spider crab Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Periclimenes sp.
anemone shrimp Persephona mediterranea mottled purse crab Pilumnus sp.
hairy crab Portunidae*
swimming crabs Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Sicyonia sp.*
rock shrimp Squillidae mantis shrimp Xanthidae mud crabs Xiphopenaeus kroyeri seabob Echinoderms Mellitidae sand dollars 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Fish and Eggs Aluterus monoceros unicorn filefish Anchoa hepsetus**
striped anchovy Anchoa lyolepis**
dusky anchovy Anchoa mitchilli**
bay anchovy Anchoa sp.**
common anchovy Anisotremus virginicus porkfish Archosargus probatocephalus sheepshead Ariopsis felis hardhead catfish Bagre marinus gafftopsail catfish Bairdiella chrysoura silver perch Brevoortia smithi**
yellowfin menhaden Calamus arctifrons grass porgy Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx hippos crevalle jack Caranx latus horse-eye jack Carcharhinus acronotus blacknose shark Carcharhinus brevipinna spinner shark Carcharhinus limbatus blacktip shark Centropristis striata black sea bass Chaetodipterus faber Atlantic spadefish Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Corvula sanctaeluciae striped croaker Elops saurus ladyfish Eucinostomus argenteus spotfin mojarra Eucinostomus gula silver jenny Eucinostomus sp.
mojarra Lagodon rhomboides pinfish Leiostomus xanthurus**
spot Lutjanidae snappers Lutjanus synagris lane snapper
Scientific Name Common Name Menticirrhus americanus southern kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Micropogonias undulatus**
Atlantic croaker Mugil curema silver mullet Paralichthyidae sand flounders Polydactylus virginicus barbu Pomatomus saltatrix**
bluefish Rachycentron canadum cobia Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Sciaenidae drums and croakers Scomberomorus maculatus**
Atlantic spanish mackerel Selene setapinnis Atlantic moonfish Selene vomer lookdown Sparidae porgies Sphyrna tiburo bonnethead shark Synodus foetens inshore lizardfish Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano Trachinotus falcatus permit Trichiurus lepturus cutlassfish Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Labridae wrasses Molluscs Cephalopoda squid 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*
14 3
17 Portunus gibbesii 4
2 2
1 9
Arenaeus cribrarius*
7 1
8 Callinectes sp.*
4 4
Libinia dubia 4
4 Acetes americanus 1
2 3
Portunus sp.
2 1
3 Calappa flammea 2
2 Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
2 2
Paguroidea 2
2 Periclimenes sp.
1 1
2 Persephona mediterranea 2
2 Chlamydopleon dissimile 1
1 Hepatus epheliticus 1
1 Penaeidae*
1 1
Pilumnus sp.
1 1
Xanthidae 1
1 Echinoderms Mellitidae 2
1 3
6 Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Fish Umbrina coroides**
11 8
19 Corvula sanctaeluciae 6
6 Anchoa sp.**
4 1
5 Menticirrhus littoralis**
2 1
3 Citharichthys macrops 2
2 Anchoa hepsetus**
1 1
Anchoa lyolepis**
1 1
Ariopsis felis 1
1 Caranx crysos 1
1 Caranx latus 1
1 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1
1 Selene setapinnis 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Total 63 1
0 15 1
0 31 0
1 112
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Rimapenaeus constrictus*
23.69 4.40 2.78 Portunus gibbesii 6.77 2.78 2.93 1.71 1.47 Arenaeus cribrarius*
11.85 1.39 1.31 Callinectes sp.*
6.77 0.65 Libinia dubia 6.77 0.65 Acetes americanus 1.39 2.93 0.49 Portunus sp.
3.38 1.39 0.49 Calappa flammea 2.93 0.33 Farfantepenaeus aztecus*
3.38 0.33 Paguroidea 3.38 0.33 Periclimenes sp.
1.69 1.39 0.33 Persephona mediterranea 2.93 0.33 Chlamydopleon dissimile 1.39 0.16 Hepatus epheliticus 1.47 0.16 Penaeidae*
1.39 0.16 Pilumnus sp.
1.69 0.16 Xanthidae 1.69 0.16 Echinoderms Mellitidae 3.38 1.30 4.40 0.98 Total Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 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
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Total Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Fish Umbrina coroides**
18.62 11.72 3.11 Corvula sanctaeluciae 10.15 0.98 Anchoa sp.**
5.55 1.47 0.82 Menticirrhus littoralis**
2.78 1.47 0.49 Citharichthys macrops 2.93 0.33 Anchoa hepsetus**
1.32 0.16 Anchoa lyolepis**
1.47 0.16 Ariopsis felis 1.69 0.16 Caranx crysos 1.39 0.16 Caranx latus 1.47 0.16 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 1.47 0.16 Selene setapinnis 1.69 0.16 Selene vomer 1.47 0.16 Total 106.62 1.32 0.00 20.82 1.30 0.00 45.42 0.00 1.71 18.33
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Molluscs Cephalopoda 1
1 Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5
43 4
1 36 3
13 13 1
119 Sphyrna tiburo 9
53 43 1
106 Scomberomorus maculatus**
10 3
3 3
13 1
33 Bagre marinus 2
23 2
1 28 Caranx hippos 27 27 Menticirrhus americanus**
26 26 Trachinotus carolinus**
15 15 Caranx crysos 1
1 1
1 4
4 12 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 9
1 10 Lutjanus synagris 9
1 10 Caranx latus 3
1 4
Trichiurus lepturus 3
1 4
Carcharhinus limbatus 1
1 1
3 Synodus foetens 2
1 3
Archosargus probatocephalus 1
1 2
Brevoortia smithi**
2 2
Calamus arctifrons 2
2 Carcharhinus acronotus 1
1 2
Table 6. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Gill Net at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 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 Carcharhinus brevipinna 2
2 Leiostomus xanthurus**
2 2
Micropogonias undulatus**
2 2
Pomatomus saltatrix**
2 2
Aluterus monoceros 1
1 Anisotremus virginicus 1
1 Centropristis striata 1
1 Chaetodipterus faber 1
1 Corvula sanctaeluciae 1
1 Lagodon rhomboides 1
1 Rachycentron canadum 1
1 Grand Total 43 51 5
173 90 4
34 21 3
424
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Molluscs Cephalopoda 0.48 0.10 Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 5.00 46.91 6.49 0.69 17.14 4.39 13.68 19.50 1.62 12.31 Sphyrna tiburo 9.00 36.55 20.48 1.46 10.97 Scomberomorus maculatus**
10.00 3.27 2.07 1.43 13.68 1.50 3.41 Bagre marinus 2.00 15.86 0.95 1.50 2.90 Caranx hippos 18.62 2.79 Menticirrhus americanus**
17.93 2.69 Trachinotus carolinus**
10.34 1.55 Caranx crysos 1.09 1.62 0.69 0.48 4.21 6.00 1.24 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 6.21 0.48 1.03 Lutjanus synagris 9.00 1.05 1.03 Caranx latus 2.07 0.48 0.41 Trichiurus lepturus 3.27 0.48 0.41 Carcharhinus limbatus 1.09 0.69 1.05 0.31 Synodus foetens 3.00 1.62 0.31 Archosargus probatocephalus 1.00 1.05 0.21 Brevoortia smithi**
1.38 0.21 Calamus arctifrons 2.00 0.21 Carcharhinus acronotus 0.48 1.05 0.21 Total 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note:
Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects.)
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Total Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Carcharhinus brevipinna 2.00 0.21 Leiostomus xanthurus**
1.38 0.21 Micropogonias undulatus**
1.38 0.21 Pomatomus saltatrix**
1.38 0.21 Aluterus monoceros 1.62 0.10 Anisotremus virginicus 1.00 0.10 Centropristis striata 1.00 0.10 Chaetodipterus faber 0.69 0.10 Corvula sanctaeluciae 0.69 0.10 Lagodon rhomboides 1.00 0.10 Rachycentron canadum 0.69 0.10 Grand Total 43.00 55.64 8.11 119.31 42.86 5.85 35.79 31.50 4.86 43.86
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Fish Umbrina coroides*
2 1
5 11 24 11 54 Trachinotus falcatus 2
1 11 1
1 16 Anchoa sp.*
1 11 12 Menticirrhus littoralis*
3 1
4 8
Eucinostomus argenteus 4
3 7
Polydactylus virginicus 2
2 4
Eucinostomus gula 1
1 2
Trachinotus carolinus*
2 2
Mugil curema 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Total 6
2 1
4 22 1
15 33 23 107
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
Anchoa hepsetus 45.8 0.4 1
1 Anchoa lyolepis 56.4 1.1 1
1 Anchoa sp.
26.2 0.1 12 12 41.4 0.4 2
5 Brevoortia smithi 367.5 476.0 2
2 Leiostomus xanthurus 207.0 110.0 2
2 Menticirrhus americanus 314.3 322.1 26 26 Menticirrhus littoralis 127.7 32.5 8
8 85.7 4.0 3
3 Micropogonias undulatus 247.0 152.5 2
2 Pomatomus saltatrix 372.0 490.0 2
2 Scomberomorus maculatus 496.1 673.4 32 33 Trachinotus carolinus 180.5 80.2 2
2 242.9 184.7 15 15 Umbrina coroides 110.2 27.8 54 54 57.0 3.4 19 19 Gill Net Beach Seine Trawl Taxa 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.
A C
A C
A C
Crustaceans Emerita talpoida Zoea 0.03 0.48 0.19 0.17 0.07 2.02 0.544 Farfantepenaeus sp.
Post larvae 0.56 0.07 0.85 0.62 0.281 Penaeidae Mysis 0.33 0.40 0.137 Callinectes sp.
Megalops 0.05 0.71 0.130 Portunidae Megalops 0.15 0.77 0.02 0.100 Portunidae Zoea 0.22 0.04 0.29 0.100 Callinectes sp.
Zoea 0.48 0.089 Menippe mercenaria Zoea 0.02 0.09 0.28 0.070 Penaeidae Protozoea 0.02 0.02 0.007 Albunea sp.
Zoea 0.02 0.004 Hippoidea Zoea 0.04 0.004 Menippe mercenaria Megalops 0.02 0.004 Sicyonia sp.
Mysis 0.02 0.004 Sicyonia sp.
Post larvae 0.02 0.004 Squillidae Pseudozoea 0.02 0.004 Xiphopenaeus sp.
Mysis 0.02 0.004 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 6 (December 2013 - January 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 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 0.79 0.66 2.81 2.12 1.09 2.02 1.489 Clupeidae Egg 0.03 3.19 0.48 0.400 Fish Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.40 0.38 0.28 0.215 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.04 0.13 0.12 0.056 Eucinostomus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.02 0.24 0.052 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.12 0.022 Clupeidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.015 Sparidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.02 0.011 Bairdiella chrysoura Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Elops saurus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.02 0.007 Anchoa mitchilli Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.004 Labridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Paralichthyidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 Trichiurus lepturus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.004 1.67 2.03 7.92 3.38 3.22 6.18 3.774 Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 0
1 1
0 0
0 SPECIES SL 1 SL 2 SL 3 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 6 (December 2013 - January 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.