ML15314A349
Text
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 9 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company October 2014 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During June 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the ninth post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on four days between June 12, 2014 and June 26, 2014. Data collected included general environmental data; water quality data; numbers and sizes of fish and shellfish collected by gill net, trawl, and beach seine; numbers of fish eggs and larvae and commercially or recreationally important decapod crustacean larvae collected by plankton net; and, numbers and sizes of sea turtles observed. Results of the ninth post-uprate sampling event are provided in this report. All data should be considered preliminary until quality assurance checks have been completed.
SAMPLING LOCATIONS Sampling was conducted within three separate sampling sites: SL1 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the Ft. Pierce Inlet, SL2 located in the vicinity of the St. Lucie Plant cooling water discharge, and SL3 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the St. Lucie Inlet.
For the purposes of gill netting and trawling, three transects were established within each of the three sampling sites: Transect A was located approximately 600 ft from shore on the beach terrace in water depths of 8-32 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 34-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 31-47 ft. Plankton samples were collected concurrently with trawl samples at all three sites but only on Transects A and C.
Three stations were also established within each of the three sampling sites for the purpose of beach seining: Station A was located 0.5 mi. north of the center of the site, Station B was located at the center of the site, and Station C was located 0.5 mi. south of the center of the site.
At all stations, seines were pulled to the beach from a water depth of approximately 4 ft.
For the purpose of boat-based sea turtle surveys, one transect was established in each of the three sampling sites. The transects were located along nearshore hardbottom habitat in each site.
RESULTS Environmental data were recorded at each station during each day of sampling. Data recorded included sea conditions, air temperature, wind speed and direction, and sky conditions.
Environmental data are summarized by day in Table 1. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Water quality data were recorded at three locations and three depths along each of the nine transects established for trawl and gill net sampling. Data recorded included specific conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table 2.
POST-UPRATE EVENT 9 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 6/24/2014 1-2' Swells 29.4-30.5°C 5-10 mph, SSE Partly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 6/25/2014 1-2' Swells 27.0-30.7°C 1-10 mph, S to SSE Clear to Partly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 6/26/2014 Calm 28.4°C 3-5 mph, SSE Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 6/23/2014 Calm to 1' Swells 28.8-31.1°C 0-5 mph, SE to W Clear Gill Nets 6/24/2014 1' Swells 29.0-31.1°C 0-7 mph, W to N Clear Beach Seines 6/12/2014 1-2' Swells 27.0-33.8°C 0-10 mph, SSE to NNW Clear to Overcast Beach Seines 6/13/2014 1' Swells 27.2°C 2-4 mph, SW Clear Sea Turtle Transects 6/24/2014 Calm 26.0-29.9°C 2-5 mph, NW Partly Cloudy Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 52.7 29.1 34.9 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 29.1 34.9 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.7 29.1 34.9 8.1 6.4 Surface 52.3 28.5 34.6 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 52.4 28.5 34.7 8.2 6.4 Bottom 52.4 28.6 34.8 8.2 6.4 Surface 52.6 28.9 34.8 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 52.6 28.8 34.8 8.2 6.5 Bottom 52.5 28.6 34.8 8.2 6.4 Surface 52.3 28.2 34.5 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.4 28.0 34.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.2 28.2 34.5 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.3 28.0 34.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.3 28.2 34.6 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.4 28.0 34.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.2 27.9 34.5 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.3 27.9 34.6 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.4 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.4 27.8 34.6 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 28.0 35.0 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 28.0 34.9 8.2 5.9 Bottom 52.7 28.0 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.2 34.8 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.1 34.8 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Trawl SL1 C North Middle South Trawl SL2 A North Middle South Trawl SL1 B North Middle South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Trawl SL1 A North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 52.7 29.3 34.9 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.8 28.8 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.7 28.7 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.8 27.7 34.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.7 27.7 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.8 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.6 34.9 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.4 35.0 8.2 5.9 Bottom 52.7 28.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.5 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 28.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.5 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.5 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 28.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.0 Trawl SL3 A North Middle South Trawl SL3 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 C North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.3 34.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.2 34.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 27.3 34.8 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.8 27.5 34.9 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.1 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.6 27.7 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.8 27.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 27.5 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.8 27.3 35.0 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.6 27.2 34.8 8.0 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.9 27.0 35.0 8.1 6.0 Bottom 53.0 27.0 35.0 8.1 6.0 Surface 52.5 27.2 34.7 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.9 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.5 27.3 34.7 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.9 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.2 Gill Net SL1 B East Middle West Gill Net SL1 C East Middle West Trawl SL3 C North Middle South Gill Net SL1 A East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.9 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.1 26.7 35.9 8.1 6.6 Bottom 54.0 26.2 35.8 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.1 27.5 35.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.1 26.6 35.8 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 26.4 35.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.3 27.4 36.0 8.2 5.9 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.2 6.0 Bottom 54.3 26.4 36.0 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.0 27.7 35.8 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.9 26.9 35.7 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 25.2 35.8 8.2 6.1 Surface 54.7 27.9 36.2 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.0 36.0 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.4 25.3 36.0 8.2 6.0 Surface 54.2 27.9 36.0 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.0 27.0 35.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.3 25.4 35.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 53.9 27.2 35.7 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.8 26.9 35.6 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.0 24.9 35.8 8.2 6.1 Surface 53.9 27.2 35.7 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.8 26.9 35.6 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 25.0 35.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.9 27.2 35.6 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.8 26.8 35.6 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.1 24.9 35.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.9 26.3 35.7 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 54.0 25.4 35.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 53.9 25.3 35.6 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.0 26.3 35.7 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.9 25.5 35.7 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.9 25.3 35.6 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.8 26.5 35.6 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.9 25.8 35.6 8.2 6.1 Bottom 53.8 25.7 35.5 8.2 6.3 Gill Net SL2 C East Middle West Gill Net SL3 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 B East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.6 27.4 35.6 8.2 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.7 26.4 35.5 8.2 6.1 Bottom 53.6 25.4 35.4 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.6 27.4 35.5 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.6 26.4 35.4 8.2 6.3 Bottom 53.5 25.1 35.4 8.2 6.5 Surface 53.4 27.4 35.4 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.4 25.3 35.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.5 27.5 35.4 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.2 35.3 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.5 25.6 35.4 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.5 27.5 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.3 26.3 35.2 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.4 25.6 35.2 8.2 6.6 Surface 53.2 27.4 35.1 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.2 26.3 35.2 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.3 25.5 35.2 8.2 6.6 Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Alpheus sp.
snapping shrimp Arenaeus cribrarius speckled swimming crab Callinectes ornatus shellig Callinectes similis lesser blue crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus sp.*
penaeid shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Lepidopa sp.*
mole crab Majoidea spider crabs Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Pilumnus sp.
hairy crab Portunidae*
swimming crabs Portunus anceps delicate swimming crab Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Portunus spinimanus blotched swimming crab Processa hemphilli night shrimp Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Sicyonia parri*
rock shrimp Sicyonia sp.*
rock shrimp Sicyonia typica*
kinglet rock shrimp Squilla sp.
mantis shrimp Xanthidae mud crabs Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Echinoderms Clypeasteroida sand dollars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Acanthurus chirurgus doctorfish Achirus lineatus lined sole Albulidae bonefishes Aluterus schoepfii orange filefish Anchoa sp.**
anchovy Anisotremus virginicus porkfish Archosargus probatocephalus sheepshead Blenniidae combtooth blennies Blennioidei blennies Calamus penna sheepshead porgy Carangidae jacks Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx hippos crevalle jack Caranx sp.
jack Carcharhinus acronotus blacknose shark Centropomus undecimalis common snook Centropristis striata black sea bass Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Diodon holocanthus balloonfish Diplogrammus pauciradiatus spotted dragonet Engraulidae**
anchovies Eucinostomus argenteus spotfin mojarra Eucinostomus gula silver jenny Eucinostomus harengulus tidewater mojarra Eucinostomus sp.
mojarra Gerreidae mojarra Gerres cinereus yellowfin mojarra Gobiidae gobies
Scientific Name Common Name Gobiosoma robustum code goby Haemulon sciurus bluestriped grunt Halichoeres bivittatus slippery dick Harengula jaguana**
scaled sardine Labridae wrasses Lutjanidae snappers Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Microdesmidae wormfishes Monacanthidae filefishes Mugil curema white mullet Muraenidae moray eels Opisthonema oglinum**
Atlantic thread herring Phaeoptyx conklini freckled cardinalfish Pomacentridae damselfishes Prionotus scitulus**
leopard searobin Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Scaridae parrotfishes Sciaenidae drums and croakers Selene vomer lookdown Sphoeroides sp.
puffer Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Symphurus diomedeanus spottedfin tonguefish Syngnathus sp.
pipefishes Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Molluscs Opisthobranchia seahares
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Portunus sp.
5 6
51 62 Paguroidea 1
17 32 50 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
4 3
12 26 45 Majoidea 1
4 1
6 Portunus gibbesii 1
4 1
6 Portunus anceps 5
5 Processa hemphilli 5
5 Hepatus epheliticus 2
2 4
Arenaeus cribrarius 3
3 Callinectes ornatus 3
3 Callinectes similis 2
1 3
Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1 2
3 Alpheus sp.
2 2
Portunus spinimanus 1
1 2
Callinectes sp.*
1 1
Penaeidae*
1 1
Pilumnus sp.
1 1
Sicyonia parri*
1 1
Sicyonia sp.*
1 1
Sicyonia typica*
1 1
Squilla sp.
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 9 (June 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 Xanthidae 1
1 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 147 2
405 7
3 2
566 Temnopleuroida 1
4 5
Fish Anchoa sp.**
36 36 Umbrina coroides**
3 14 12 29 Citharichthys macrops 1
11 12 Prionotus scitulus**
3 3
2 8
Menticirrhus littoralis**
6 6
Centropristis striata 1
2 3
Eucinostomus harengulus 3
3 Albulidae 1
1 Gobiosoma robustum 1
1 Haemulon sciurus 1
1 Halichoeres bivittatus 1
1 Phaeoptyx conklini 1
1 Symphurus diomedeanus 1
1 Trachinotus carolinus**
1 1
Molluscs Opisthobranchia 1
1 2
Grand Total 172 4
421 54 3
7 154 68 1
884
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Portunus sp.
7.71 9.95 74.35 9.24 Paguroidea 1.54 28.20 46.65 7.45 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
6.16 4.36 19.90 37.91 6.71 Majoidea 1.54 5.83 1.14 0.89 Portunus gibbesii 1.38 5.82 1.14 0.89 Portunus anceps 7.79 0.75 Processa hemphilli 7.29 0.75 Hepatus epheliticus 2.91 2.29 0.60 Arenaeus cribrarius 4.37 0.45 Callinectes ornatus 4.37 0.45 Callinectes similis 3.08 1.66 0.45 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1.54 2.92 0.45 Alpheus sp.
3.32 0.30 Portunus spinimanus 1.66 1.14 0.30 Callinectes sp.*
1.46 0.15 Penaeidae*
1.14 0.15 Pilumnus sp.
1.14 0.15 Sicyonia parri*
1.66 0.15 Sicyonia sp.*
1.66 0.15 Sicyonia typica*
1.45 0.15 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per kilometer for all nine transects.)
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Squilla sp.
1.45 0.15 Xanthidae 1.66 0.15 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 226.54 2.75 589.18 11.61 3.10 2.92 84.35 Temnopleuroida 1.45 4.58 0.75 Fish Anchoa sp.**
41.18 5.36 Umbrina coroides**
4.62 20.41 13.73 4.32 Citharichthys macrops 1.66 16.04 1.79 Prionotus scitulus**
4.62 4.36 3.12 1.19 Menticirrhus littoralis**
6.86 0.89 Centropristis striata 1.54 3.32 0.45 Eucinostomus harengulus 4.62 0.45 Albulidae 1.14 0.15 Gobiosoma robustum 1.54 0.15 Haemulon sciurus 1.66 0.15 Halichoeres bivittatus 1.45 0.15 Phaeoptyx conklini 1.38 0.15 Symphurus diomedeanus 1.14 0.15 Trachinotus carolinus**
1.14 0.15 Molluscs Opisthobranchia 1.66 1.14 0.30 Grand Total 265.06 5.51 612.45 89.57 3.10 10.91 224.52 77.79 1.14 131.74
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 1
11 7
3 3
25 Calamus penna 1
2 3
Chloroscombrus chrysurus 10 1
11 Anisotremus virginicus 4
4 Caranx crysos 1
1 2
Acanthurus chirurgus 1
1 Archosargus probatocephalus 1
1 Carcharhinus acronotus 1
1 Centropristis striata 1
1 Opisthonema oglinum**
1 1
Grand Total 19 11 7
0 1
4 0
5 3
50
- 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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 1.22 16.50 9.77 4.39 4.19 3.96 Calamus penna 1.22 2.79 1.48 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 12.24 1.40 1.74 Anisotremus virginicus 4.90 0.63 Caranx crysos 1.28 1.46 0.32 Acanthurus chirurgus 1.22 0.16 Archosargus probatocephalus 1.22 0.16 Carcharhinus acronotus 1.40 0.16 Centropristis striata 1.22 0.16 Opisthonema oglinum 1.40 0.16 Grand Total 23.27 16.50 9.77 0.00 1.28 5.85 0.00 6.98 4.19 7.92
- 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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the numbers of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects).
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Emerita talpoida**
4 1
5 Majoidea 2
2 Callinectes sp.**
1 1
Farfantepenaeus duorarum**
1 1
Portunidae**
1 1
Fish Umbrina coroides*
15 17 14 6
6 30 143 33 264 Anchoa sp.*
126 55 181 Menticirrhus littoralis*
2 3
10 16 6
11 3
5 56 Eucinostomus harengulus 1
6 28 35 Harengula jaguana*
2 21 7
30 Eucinostomus argenteus 19 19 Trachinotus carolinus*
4 5
1 6
1 17 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 2
9 11 Mugil curema 2
3 2
7 Centropomus undecimalis 1
1 1
3 Caranx hippos 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Eucinostomus gula 1
1 Gerres cinereus 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Grand Total 22 153 21 86 33 13 67 174 69 638
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
Umbrina coroides 83.5 28.2 148 264 54.9 2.8 29 29 Anchoa sp.*
NA NA NA 181 0.0 0.0 0
36 Menticirrhus littoralis 110.6 49.1 56 56 65.7 4.3 6
6 Harengula jaguana 161.9 46.5 30 30 Trachinotus carolinus 67.1 6.4 17 17 59.3 3.2 1
1 Prionotus scitulus 93.0 13.5 8
8 Opisthonema oglinum 237.0 15.0 1
1
- damaged larval specimens that could not be accurately measured or weighed 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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.
Taxa Beach Seine Gill Net Trawl
A C
A C
A C
Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
Zoea 0.94 0.40 0.92 2.38 0.11 0.21 0.868 Callinectes sp.*
Megalops 0.12 0.018 Callinectes sp.*
Zoea 0.13 0.10 0.05 0.046 Emerita talpoida*
Zoea 0.57 0.05 0.05 0.128 Farfantepenaeus sp.*
Post Larvae 0.59 0.091 Lepidopa sp.*
Zoea 0.05 0.009 Menippe mercenaria*
Megalops 0.13 0.05 0.027 Menippe mercenaria*
Zoea 0.16 0.05 0.037 Menippe sp.*
Megalops 0.38 0.073 Penaeidae*
Mysis 0.03 0.24 0.050 Penaeidae*
Post Larvae 1.89 0.03 0.324 Sicyonia sp.*
Post Larvae 0.10 0.70 0.29 0.23 0.228 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 5.06 50.17 5.35 2.93 22.00 7.77 14.224 Clupeidae**
Egg 0.24 0.041 Fish Abudefduf saxatilis Juvenile 0.26 0.046 Achirus lineatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Aluterus schoepfii Juvenile 0.03 0.005 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 9 (June 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 Atherinopsidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.03 0.014 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.13 0.07 0.08 0.046 Blennioidei Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.014 Carangidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.014 Caranx sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Juvenile 0.08 0.014 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.08 0.014 Clupeidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.23 0.07 0.08 0.02 0.05 0.073 Diodon holocanthus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Diodontidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Diplogrammus pauciradiatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.03 0.009 Engraulidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.15 0.02 0.027 Eucinostomus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.50 0.073 Gerreidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.07 0.03 0.07 0.03 0.037 Labridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.12 0.02 0.023 Labrisomidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.05 0.027 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.20 0.08 0.05 0.050 Microdesmidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.53 0.073 Microdesmus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.17 0.21 0.068 Monacanthidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.009 Muraenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Pomacentridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.014 Scaridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.06 0.009
A C
A C
A C
Taxa LifeStage SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.005 Sparidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.15 0.037 Sphoeroides sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.09 0.014 Stegastes sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.43 0.082 Stephanolepis hispida Juvenile 0.18 0.05 0.037 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.02 0.009 Syngnathus sp.
Juvenile 0.03 0.005 Tetraodontidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.005 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.21 0.03 0.10 0.10 0.073 8.41 52.37 9.35 8.12 22.49 9.56 17.119
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Grand Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 0
0 0
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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Note: No sea turtles sighted along any transects.
Florida Power & Light Company Biological Plan of Study Implementation for St. Lucie Plant EPU Post-Uprate Event 9 Data Report Report to Florida Power & Light Company October 2014 Submitted by Ecological Associates, Inc.
Post Office Box 405 Jensen Beach, Florida
ECOLOGICAL ASSOCIATES, INC., JENSEN BEACH, FLORIDA INTRODUCTION During June 2014, Ecological Associates, Inc. (EAI) conducted the ninth post-uprate field sampling event in accordance with the St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Plan of Study. Sampling was conducted on four days between June 12, 2014 and June 26, 2014. Data collected included general environmental data; water quality data; numbers and sizes of fish and shellfish collected by gill net, trawl, and beach seine; numbers of fish eggs and larvae and commercially or recreationally important decapod crustacean larvae collected by plankton net; and, numbers and sizes of sea turtles observed. Results of the ninth post-uprate sampling event are provided in this report. All data should be considered preliminary until quality assurance checks have been completed.
SAMPLING LOCATIONS Sampling was conducted within three separate sampling sites: SL1 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the Ft. Pierce Inlet, SL2 located in the vicinity of the St. Lucie Plant cooling water discharge, and SL3 located midway between the St. Lucie Plant and the St. Lucie Inlet.
For the purposes of gill netting and trawling, three transects were established within each of the three sampling sites: Transect A was located approximately 600 ft from shore on the beach terrace in water depths of 8-32 ft, Transect B was located approximately 4,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 34-45 ft, and Transect C was located approximately 8,000 ft. from shore in water depths of 31-47 ft. Plankton samples were collected concurrently with trawl samples at all three sites but only on Transects A and C.
Three stations were also established within each of the three sampling sites for the purpose of beach seining: Station A was located 0.5 mi. north of the center of the site, Station B was located at the center of the site, and Station C was located 0.5 mi. south of the center of the site.
At all stations, seines were pulled to the beach from a water depth of approximately 4 ft.
For the purpose of boat-based sea turtle surveys, one transect was established in each of the three sampling sites. The transects were located along nearshore hardbottom habitat in each site.
RESULTS Environmental data were recorded at each station during each day of sampling. Data recorded included sea conditions, air temperature, wind speed and direction, and sky conditions.
Environmental data are summarized by day in Table 1. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Water quality data were recorded at three locations and three depths along each of the nine transects established for trawl and gill net sampling. Data recorded included specific conductivity, water temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO). Water quality data are provided in Table 2.
POST-UPRATE EVENT 9 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 6/24/2014 1-2' Swells 29.4-30.5°C 5-10 mph, SSE Partly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 6/25/2014 1-2' Swells 27.0-30.7°C 1-10 mph, S to SSE Clear to Partly Cloudy Trawls/
Ichthyoplankton 6/26/2014 Calm 28.4°C 3-5 mph, SSE Partly Cloudy Gill Nets 6/23/2014 Calm to 1' Swells 28.8-31.1°C 0-5 mph, SE to W Clear Gill Nets 6/24/2014 1' Swells 29.0-31.1°C 0-7 mph, W to N Clear Beach Seines 6/12/2014 1-2' Swells 27.0-33.8°C 0-10 mph, SSE to NNW Clear to Overcast Beach Seines 6/13/2014 1' Swells 27.2°C 2-4 mph, SW Clear Sea Turtle Transects 6/24/2014 Calm 26.0-29.9°C 2-5 mph, NW Partly Cloudy Table 1. Environmental Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Values reflect the range of values recorded throughout each day of sampling.
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 52.7 29.1 34.9 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 29.1 34.9 8.1 6.4 Bottom 52.7 29.1 34.9 8.1 6.4 Surface 52.3 28.5 34.6 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 52.4 28.5 34.7 8.2 6.4 Bottom 52.4 28.6 34.8 8.2 6.4 Surface 52.6 28.9 34.8 8.2 6.5 Mid-Depth 52.6 28.8 34.8 8.2 6.5 Bottom 52.5 28.6 34.8 8.2 6.4 Surface 52.3 28.2 34.5 8.1 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.4 28.0 34.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.2 28.2 34.5 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.3 28.0 34.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.3 28.2 34.6 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.4 28.0 34.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.2 27.9 34.5 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.3 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.3 27.9 34.6 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.4 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.4 27.8 34.6 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 28.0 35.0 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 28.0 34.9 8.2 5.9 Bottom 52.7 28.0 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.2 34.8 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.1 34.8 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Trawl SL1 C North Middle South Trawl SL2 A North Middle South Trawl SL1 B North Middle South Table 2. Water Quality Data, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Trawl SL1 A North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 52.7 29.3 34.9 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.8 28.8 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.3 Surface 52.7 28.7 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.8 27.7 34.9 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.7 27.7 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.8 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.6 34.9 8.1 5.8 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.4 35.0 8.2 5.9 Bottom 52.7 28.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.5 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 28.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.5 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.5 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 28.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.5 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.7 28.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 28.1 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.0 Trawl SL3 A North Middle South Trawl SL3 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 B North Middle South Trawl SL2 C North Middle South
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.8 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.3 34.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.7 27.2 34.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.9 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.7 27.3 34.8 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.8 27.5 34.9 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.1 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.6 27.7 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 27.6 34.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.8 27.4 34.9 8.1 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.0 Bottom 52.8 27.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 27.4 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.8 27.2 34.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 52.7 27.5 34.8 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.3 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.8 27.3 35.0 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.6 27.2 34.8 8.0 5.9 Mid-Depth 52.9 27.0 35.0 8.1 6.0 Bottom 53.0 27.0 35.0 8.1 6.0 Surface 52.5 27.2 34.7 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 52.9 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.1 Surface 52.5 27.3 34.7 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 52.8 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.2 Bottom 52.9 27.0 34.9 8.2 6.2 Gill Net SL1 B East Middle West Gill Net SL1 C East Middle West Trawl SL3 C North Middle South Gill Net SL1 A East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.9 27.5 35.7 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.1 26.7 35.9 8.1 6.6 Bottom 54.0 26.2 35.8 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.1 27.5 35.9 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 54.1 26.6 35.8 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 26.4 35.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.3 27.4 36.0 8.2 5.9 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.1 36.0 8.2 6.0 Bottom 54.3 26.4 36.0 8.2 6.2 Surface 54.0 27.7 35.8 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.9 26.9 35.7 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 25.2 35.8 8.2 6.1 Surface 54.7 27.9 36.2 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.3 27.0 36.0 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.4 25.3 36.0 8.2 6.0 Surface 54.2 27.9 36.0 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 54.0 27.0 35.9 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.3 25.4 35.9 8.2 6.0 Surface 53.9 27.2 35.7 8.1 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.8 26.9 35.6 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.0 24.9 35.8 8.2 6.1 Surface 53.9 27.2 35.7 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.8 26.9 35.6 8.2 6.2 Bottom 54.1 25.0 35.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.9 27.2 35.6 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.8 26.8 35.6 8.2 6.1 Bottom 54.1 24.9 35.8 8.2 6.2 Surface 53.9 26.3 35.7 8.1 6.0 Mid-Depth 54.0 25.4 35.6 8.2 6.3 Bottom 53.9 25.3 35.6 8.2 6.3 Surface 54.0 26.3 35.7 8.2 6.1 Mid-Depth 53.9 25.5 35.7 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.9 25.3 35.6 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.8 26.5 35.6 8.2 6.0 Mid-Depth 53.9 25.8 35.6 8.2 6.1 Bottom 53.8 25.7 35.5 8.2 6.3 Gill Net SL2 C East Middle West Gill Net SL3 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 A East Middle West Gill Net SL2 B East Middle West
Transect Station Depth Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)
Water Temp
(°C)
Salinity (PSU) pH DO (mg/l)
Surface 53.6 27.4 35.6 8.2 5.9 Mid-Depth 53.7 26.4 35.5 8.2 6.1 Bottom 53.6 25.4 35.4 8.2 6.3 Surface 53.6 27.4 35.5 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.6 26.4 35.4 8.2 6.3 Bottom 53.5 25.1 35.4 8.2 6.5 Surface 53.4 27.4 35.4 8.2 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.4 35.3 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.4 25.3 35.3 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.5 27.5 35.4 8.1 6.2 Mid-Depth 53.4 26.2 35.3 8.2 6.2 Bottom 53.5 25.6 35.4 8.2 6.4 Surface 53.5 27.5 35.4 8.2 6.3 Mid-Depth 53.3 26.3 35.2 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.4 25.6 35.2 8.2 6.6 Surface 53.2 27.4 35.1 8.2 6.4 Mid-Depth 53.2 26.3 35.2 8.2 6.4 Bottom 53.3 25.5 35.2 8.2 6.6 Gill Net SL3 B East Middle West Gill Net SL3 C East Middle West
Scientific Name Common Name Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
mole crabs Alpheus sp.
snapping shrimp Arenaeus cribrarius speckled swimming crab Callinectes ornatus shellig Callinectes similis lesser blue crab Callinectes sp.*
swimming crabs Emerita talpoida*
Atlantic sand crab Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus sp.*
penaeid shrimp Hepatus epheliticus calico box crab Lepidopa sp.*
mole crab Majoidea spider crabs Menippe mercenaria*
Florida stone crab Paguroidea hermit crab Penaeidae*
penaeid shrimp Pilumnus sp.
hairy crab Portunidae*
swimming crabs Portunus anceps delicate swimming crab Portunus gibbesii iridescent swimming crab Portunus sp.
portunid crab Portunus spinimanus blotched swimming crab Processa hemphilli night shrimp Rimapenaeus constrictus*
roughneck shrimp Sicyonia parri*
rock shrimp Sicyonia sp.*
rock shrimp Sicyonia typica*
kinglet rock shrimp Squilla sp.
mantis shrimp Xanthidae mud crabs Table 3. Scientific and Common Names of Taxa Captured by Trawl, Plankton Netting, Gill Netting, and Beach Seining or Observed in Sea Turtle Surveys, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Scientific Name Common Name Echinoderms Clypeasteroida sand dollars Temnopleuroida sea urchins Fish and Eggs Acanthurus chirurgus doctorfish Achirus lineatus lined sole Albulidae bonefishes Aluterus schoepfii orange filefish Anchoa sp.**
anchovy Anisotremus virginicus porkfish Archosargus probatocephalus sheepshead Blenniidae combtooth blennies Blennioidei blennies Calamus penna sheepshead porgy Carangidae jacks Caranx crysos blue runner Caranx hippos crevalle jack Caranx sp.
jack Carcharhinus acronotus blacknose shark Centropomus undecimalis common snook Centropristis striata black sea bass Chloroscombrus chrysurus Atlantic bumper Citharichthys macrops spotted whiff Clupeidae**
herrings and sardines Diodon holocanthus balloonfish Diplogrammus pauciradiatus spotted dragonet Engraulidae**
anchovies Eucinostomus argenteus spotfin mojarra Eucinostomus gula silver jenny Eucinostomus harengulus tidewater mojarra Eucinostomus sp.
mojarra Gerreidae mojarra Gerres cinereus yellowfin mojarra Gobiidae gobies
Scientific Name Common Name Gobiosoma robustum code goby Haemulon sciurus bluestriped grunt Halichoeres bivittatus slippery dick Harengula jaguana**
scaled sardine Labridae wrasses Lutjanidae snappers Menticirrhus littoralis**
Gulf kingfish Microdesmidae wormfishes Monacanthidae filefishes Mugil curema white mullet Muraenidae moray eels Opisthonema oglinum**
Atlantic thread herring Phaeoptyx conklini freckled cardinalfish Pomacentridae damselfishes Prionotus scitulus**
leopard searobin Rhizoprionodon terraenovae Atlantic sharpnose shark Scaridae parrotfishes Sciaenidae drums and croakers Selene vomer lookdown Sphoeroides sp.
puffer Stephanolepis hispida planehead filefish Symphurus diomedeanus spottedfin tonguefish Syngnathus sp.
pipefishes Trachinotus carolinus**
Florida pompano Umbrina coroides**
sand drum Unidentified eggs unidentified eggs Molluscs Opisthobranchia seahares
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Portunus sp.
5 6
51 62 Paguroidea 1
17 32 50 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
4 3
12 26 45 Majoidea 1
4 1
6 Portunus gibbesii 1
4 1
6 Portunus anceps 5
5 Processa hemphilli 5
5 Hepatus epheliticus 2
2 4
Arenaeus cribrarius 3
3 Callinectes ornatus 3
3 Callinectes similis 2
1 3
Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1 2
3 Alpheus sp.
2 2
Portunus spinimanus 1
1 2
Callinectes sp.*
1 1
Penaeidae*
1 1
Pilumnus sp.
1 1
Sicyonia parri*
1 1
Sicyonia sp.*
1 1
Sicyonia typica*
1 1
Squilla sp.
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 9 (June 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 Xanthidae 1
1 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 147 2
405 7
3 2
566 Temnopleuroida 1
4 5
Fish Anchoa sp.**
36 36 Umbrina coroides**
3 14 12 29 Citharichthys macrops 1
11 12 Prionotus scitulus**
3 3
2 8
Menticirrhus littoralis**
6 6
Centropristis striata 1
2 3
Eucinostomus harengulus 3
3 Albulidae 1
1 Gobiosoma robustum 1
1 Haemulon sciurus 1
1 Halichoeres bivittatus 1
1 Phaeoptyx conklini 1
1 Symphurus diomedeanus 1
1 Trachinotus carolinus**
1 1
Molluscs Opisthobranchia 1
1 2
Grand Total 172 4
421 54 3
7 154 68 1
884
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Portunus sp.
7.71 9.95 74.35 9.24 Paguroidea 1.54 28.20 46.65 7.45 Rimapenaeus constrictus*
6.16 4.36 19.90 37.91 6.71 Majoidea 1.54 5.83 1.14 0.89 Portunus gibbesii 1.38 5.82 1.14 0.89 Portunus anceps 7.79 0.75 Processa hemphilli 7.29 0.75 Hepatus epheliticus 2.91 2.29 0.60 Arenaeus cribrarius 4.37 0.45 Callinectes ornatus 4.37 0.45 Callinectes similis 3.08 1.66 0.45 Farfantepenaeus duorarum*
1.54 2.92 0.45 Alpheus sp.
3.32 0.30 Portunus spinimanus 1.66 1.14 0.30 Callinectes sp.*
1.46 0.15 Penaeidae*
1.14 0.15 Pilumnus sp.
1.14 0.15 Sicyonia parri*
1.66 0.15 Sicyonia sp.*
1.66 0.15 Sicyonia typica*
1.45 0.15 Table 5. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured per Kilometer by Trawl at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the number of individuals captured per kilometer for all nine transects.)
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Squilla sp.
1.45 0.15 Xanthidae 1.66 0.15 Echinoderms Clypeasteroida 226.54 2.75 589.18 11.61 3.10 2.92 84.35 Temnopleuroida 1.45 4.58 0.75 Fish Anchoa sp.**
41.18 5.36 Umbrina coroides**
4.62 20.41 13.73 4.32 Citharichthys macrops 1.66 16.04 1.79 Prionotus scitulus**
4.62 4.36 3.12 1.19 Menticirrhus littoralis**
6.86 0.89 Centropristis striata 1.54 3.32 0.45 Eucinostomus harengulus 4.62 0.45 Albulidae 1.14 0.15 Gobiosoma robustum 1.54 0.15 Haemulon sciurus 1.66 0.15 Halichoeres bivittatus 1.45 0.15 Phaeoptyx conklini 1.38 0.15 Symphurus diomedeanus 1.14 0.15 Trachinotus carolinus**
1.14 0.15 Molluscs Opisthobranchia 1.66 1.14 0.30 Grand Total 265.06 5.51 612.45 89.57 3.10 10.91 224.52 77.79 1.14 131.74
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 1
11 7
3 3
25 Calamus penna 1
2 3
Chloroscombrus chrysurus 10 1
11 Anisotremus virginicus 4
4 Caranx crysos 1
1 2
Acanthurus chirurgus 1
1 Archosargus probatocephalus 1
1 Carcharhinus acronotus 1
1 Centropristis striata 1
1 Opisthonema oglinum**
1 1
Grand Total 19 11 7
0 1
4 0
5 3
50
- 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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Fish Rhizoprionodon terraenovae 1.22 16.50 9.77 4.39 4.19 3.96 Calamus penna 1.22 2.79 1.48 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 12.24 1.40 1.74 Anisotremus virginicus 4.90 0.63 Caranx crysos 1.28 1.46 0.32 Acanthurus chirurgus 1.22 0.16 Archosargus probatocephalus 1.22 0.16 Carcharhinus acronotus 1.40 0.16 Centropristis striata 1.22 0.16 Opisthonema oglinum 1.40 0.16 Grand Total 23.27 16.50 9.77 0.00 1.28 5.85 0.00 6.98 4.19 7.92
- 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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. (Note: Totals in the right column represent the numbers of individuals captured per hour for all nine transects).
Taxon SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
A B
C A
B C
A B
C Crustaceans Emerita talpoida**
4 1
5 Majoidea 2
2 Callinectes sp.**
1 1
Farfantepenaeus duorarum**
1 1
Portunidae**
1 1
Fish Umbrina coroides*
15 17 14 6
6 30 143 33 264 Anchoa sp.*
126 55 181 Menticirrhus littoralis*
2 3
10 16 6
11 3
5 56 Eucinostomus harengulus 1
6 28 35 Harengula jaguana*
2 21 7
30 Eucinostomus argenteus 19 19 Trachinotus carolinus*
4 5
1 6
1 17 Chloroscombrus chrysurus 2
9 11 Mugil curema 2
3 2
7 Centropomus undecimalis 1
1 1
3 Caranx hippos 1
1 Citharichthys macrops 1
1 Eucinostomus gula 1
1 Gerres cinereus 1
1 Selene vomer 1
1 Grand Total 22 153 21 86 33 13 67 174 69 638
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
- Commercially and Recreationally Important Crustaceans Table 8. Number of Individuals of Each Fish and Invertebrate Taxon Captured by Beach Seine at Each Station, Post-Uprate Sampling Event 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study.
Taxa SL1 SL2 SL3 Total
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
TL (mm)
Wt (g) n N
Umbrina coroides 83.5 28.2 148 264 54.9 2.8 29 29 Anchoa sp.*
NA NA NA 181 0.0 0.0 0
36 Menticirrhus littoralis 110.6 49.1 56 56 65.7 4.3 6
6 Harengula jaguana 161.9 46.5 30 30 Trachinotus carolinus 67.1 6.4 17 17 59.3 3.2 1
1 Prionotus scitulus 93.0 13.5 8
8 Opisthonema oglinum 237.0 15.0 1
1
- damaged larval specimens that could not be accurately measured or weighed 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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. For each species the number weighed/measured (n) and the total number collected (N) are given.
Taxa Beach Seine Gill Net Trawl
A C
A C
A C
Crustaceans Albunea sp.*
Zoea 0.94 0.40 0.92 2.38 0.11 0.21 0.868 Callinectes sp.*
Megalops 0.12 0.018 Callinectes sp.*
Zoea 0.13 0.10 0.05 0.046 Emerita talpoida*
Zoea 0.57 0.05 0.05 0.128 Farfantepenaeus sp.*
Post Larvae 0.59 0.091 Lepidopa sp.*
Zoea 0.05 0.009 Menippe mercenaria*
Megalops 0.13 0.05 0.027 Menippe mercenaria*
Zoea 0.16 0.05 0.037 Menippe sp.*
Megalops 0.38 0.073 Penaeidae*
Mysis 0.03 0.24 0.050 Penaeidae*
Post Larvae 1.89 0.03 0.324 Sicyonia sp.*
Post Larvae 0.10 0.70 0.29 0.23 0.228 Fish Eggs Unidentified eggs Egg 5.06 50.17 5.35 2.93 22.00 7.77 14.224 Clupeidae**
Egg 0.24 0.041 Fish Abudefduf saxatilis Juvenile 0.26 0.046 Achirus lineatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Aluterus schoepfii Juvenile 0.03 0.005 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 9 (June 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 Atherinopsidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.03 0.014 Blenniidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.13 0.07 0.08 0.046 Blennioidei Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.014 Carangidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.014 Caranx sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Juvenile 0.08 0.014 Chloroscombrus chrysurus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.08 0.014 Clupeidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.23 0.07 0.08 0.02 0.05 0.073 Diodon holocanthus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Diodontidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Diplogrammus pauciradiatus Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.03 0.009 Engraulidae**
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.15 0.02 0.027 Eucinostomus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.50 0.073 Gerreidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Gobiidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.07 0.03 0.07 0.03 0.037 Labridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.12 0.02 0.023 Labrisomidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.10 0.05 0.027 Lutjanidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.20 0.08 0.05 0.050 Microdesmidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.53 0.073 Microdesmus sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.17 0.21 0.068 Monacanthidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.07 0.009 Muraenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Pomacentridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.014 Scaridae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.06 0.009
A C
A C
A C
Taxa LifeStage SL1 SL2 SL3 Total Sciaenidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.005 Serranidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.005 Sparidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.05 0.15 0.037 Sphoeroides sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.09 0.014 Stegastes sp.
Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.43 0.082 Stephanolepis hispida Juvenile 0.18 0.05 0.037 Stephanolepis hispida Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.03 0.02 0.009 Syngnathus sp.
Juvenile 0.03 0.005 Tetraodontidae Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.02 0.005 Unidentified fish - damaged Post Yolk-Sac Larvae 0.21 0.03 0.10 0.10 0.073 8.41 52.37 9.35 8.12 22.49 9.56 17.119
- Commercially and recreationally important (CRI) decapod crustaceans
- Representative Important Species (RIS)
Grand Total
Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Pass 1 Pass 2 Chelonia mydas 0
0 0
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 9 (June 2014), St. Lucie Plant EPU Biological Study. Note: No sea turtles sighted along any transects.