ML11262A075

E-mail with Attachment from C. Eccleston, NRR to G. Bacuta Et. Al, on Additional Pre-Draft Sections

ML11262A075
Person / Time
Site:	Salem, Hope Creek
Issue date:	03/03/2010
From:	Eccleston C NRC/NRR/DLR/RERGUB
To:	Bacuta G, Andy Imboden, Logan D NRC/NRR/DLR/RERGUB, Licensing Processes Branch (DPR)
References
FOIA/PA-2011-0113
Download: ML11262A075 (57)

Text

I Rikhoff, Jeffrey From: OLctbIt&*1 hariC s Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 3:19 PM To: R (7T bde dyKlieitvcz

% tDn, g nI~e n', Rh~fJeftrey ,Tra vers, Alfiso nr

Subject:

FW: Additional Pre-Draft Sections /

Attachments: `2 2 8 2 Education Prel Draft (020810).docx; 2.2.1 Land Use (022610).docx; T&E Table 2.5-1.doc; HC-13alem EC Terrestrial Resources_(2).docx; Sec 2.24- Aquatic Species.docx;

'§ec 4.5.2 -entrainment (2).docx; Secton 2.1.5 - Power Transmission System (2).docx IDT, I was able to get the additional pre-audit drafts from AECOM for your review.

Charles From: Spangler, Nicole [mailto: Nicole.SpanQlercaecom.com]

Sent: Wednesday, March 03, 2010 2:24 PM To: Eccleston, Charles Cc: Beissel, Dennis

Subject:

Additional Pre-Draft Sections Please find attached additional sections for the pre-audit draft.

Nicole M. Spangler Environmental Engirer D 864.234.3283 Cf(..*(6) nLole .sanaller~aeco-micom AeEG-OM*I c icalSevces, Incd.

10 Patewood Drive, Bldg. VI, Suite 500 Greenville, SC 29615 T 864.234.3283 F 864.234.3069 Pursuant to an Ethical Wall Agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation ("FDOI"), I am required to notify the recipient(s) of this electronic communication that I am an employee of a member of the 1595 Design Team. Accordingly, ifa recipient(s) is an employee of AECOM USA, INC., ahd a member of the District 4 FDOT Traffic Management Center team working inBroward County, Florida under a continuing contract with FDOT, please immediately: 1) notify your direct supervisor that you received this electronic communication inadvertently; 2) forward this electronic communication to your direct supervisor; and, 3) after forwarding, destroy the electronic communication from your in-box &sent box, and empty your deleted box.

This communication is intended for the sole use of the person(s) to whom it is addressed, and expressly not intended for any employee of AECOM USA, INC., who is a member of the District 4 FDOT Traffic Management Center team working in Broward County, Florida under a continuing contract with FDOT. Please be aware that this electronic communication may contain information that is privileged, confidential, subject to copyright and/or be a violation of the Ethical Wall Agreement executed with FDOT. Any unauthorized use, disclosure or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Any communication received in error must follow the protocol noted above, and should be deleted and all copies destroyed.

-" Please consider the environment before you print this document I

22 .; bic;S~ev ices Education Salem and HCGS are located in Lower Alloways Creek School District, which had an enrollment of approximately 223 students in pre-K through 8 th grade for the 2008-2009 school year (NJDOE 2009a). Salem County has 15 public school districts, with a total enrollment of 12,012 students. Cumberland County has a total of 15 school districts with 26,739 students enrolled in public schools in the county in 2008-2009. Gloucester County has 29 public school districts with a total 2008-2009 enrollment of 49,782 students (NJDOE 2009). There are five public school districts in New Castle County, Delaware; total enrollment in the 2007-2008 school year was 68,441 students (SDSP 2009).

New Jersey Department of Education, (NJDOE), 2009. Enrollment Data 2008-2009. Available URL: http://www.ni.,ov/education/data/enr/enr09/ (accessed December 6, 2009).

a. Lower Alloway Creek, http://www.ni.aovlcai-bin/education/data/enr.pDl State of Delaware, (SDSP) 2009. School Profiles Available URL:

http://profiles.doe.k12.de.us/SchoolProfiles/State/Default.aspx (accessed December 6, 2009).

a. Appoquinimink; 13 schools, Total enrollment: 9,084 students http://profiles. doe. kl 2.de. us/SchoolProfiles/District/Default. aspx?DistrictCode=29&check School=0

b. Brandywine; 19 schools, Total enrollment: 10,747 students http://profiles. doe. k 12.de. us/SchoolProfiles/District/Default. aspx?DistrictCode=31 &check School=0

c. Christina; 30 schools, Total enrollment: 20,218 students http://profiles.doe.k12.de. us/SchoolProfiles/District/Default.aspx?DistrictCode=33&check School=0

d. Colonial; 14 schools, Total enrollment: 11,301 students http://profiles.doe.k*k 2.de. us/Schoo IProfi es/District/Default. aspx?checkSchool =&district Code=34&district=Colonial

e. Red Clay County Consolidated: 28 schools. Total enrollment 17,091 students http://profiles.doe.k12.de.us/SchoolProfiles/District/Default.aspx?DistrictCode=32&check School=0

• • !t`115; itened W and Endangered Species Recorded in Salem County and Counties Crossed by Transmission Lines Scientific Name Common Name Status Countyc Federala Statea, b C~l Mammals Lynx rufus bobcat E Salem Birds Acciptier cooperii Cooper's hawk T/T Gloucester, Salem Ammodramus henslowil Henslow's sparrow E Gloucester A. savannarum grasshopper sparrow T/S Salem BartramiaIongicauda upland sandpiper E Gloucester, Salem Buteo lineatus red-shouldered hawk E/T Gloucester Circus cyaneus northern harrier E/U Salem Cistothorusplatensis sedge wren E Salem Dolichonyx oryzivorus bobolink T/T Salem.

Falco peregrines peregrine falcon E Camden, Gloucester, Salem Haliaeetusleucocephalus bald eagle E Gloucester, Salem Lanius ludovicianus loggerhead turtle E New Castled Melanerpes erythrocephalus red-headed woodpecker T/T Camden, Gloucester, Salem Pandion haliaetus osprey T/T Gloucester, Salem Passerculussandwichensis Savannah sparrow T/T Salem Podilymbus podiceps pied-billed grebe E/S Salem Pooecetes gramineus Vesper sparrow E Gloucester, Salem Strix varia barred owl TIT Gloucester, Salem Reptiles and Amphibians Ambystoma tigrinum eastern tiger salamander E Gloucester, Salem Clemmys insculpta wood turtle E Gloucester Camden, Gloucester, C. muhlenbergii bog turtle T Salem, New Castled Crotalushorridus horridus timber rattlesnake Camden Hyla andersoni pine barrens treefrog Camden, Gloucester, Salem Pituophismelanoleucus northern pine snake Camden, Gloucester, Salem Caretta caretta loggerhead sea turtle T Delaware River' Lepidochelys kempi Kemp's ridley turtle E Delaware River' Dermochelys coriacea leatherback turtle E Delaware Rivere Eretmochelys imbricate hawksbill turtle E Delaware River' Chelonia mydas Atlantic green turtle T Delaware Rivere Fish Acipenser brevirostrum shortnose sturgeon E Delaware Rivere A. oxyrinchus oxyrinchus Atlantic sturgeon C Delaware Rivere Insects Nicrophorusamericanus American burying beetle E Camden, Gloucester Plants Aeschynomene virginica sensitive joint vetch T Camden, Gloucester, Salem Aplectrum hyemale putty root Gloucester

Table 2.5-1 Threatened and Endangered Species Recorded in Salem County and Counties Crossed by Transmission Lines Status Scientific Name Common Name Statea'b Countyc Federala Aristida lanosa wooly three-awn grass E Camden, Salem Asimina triloba pawpaw E Gloucester Aster radula low rough aster E Camden, Gloucester, Salem Bouteloua curtipendula side oats grama grass E

• Gloucester Cacaliaatriplicifolia pale Indian plantain E Camden, Gloucester Calystegia spithamaea erect bindweed E Camden, Salem CardamineIongil Long's bittercress - E Gloucester Carex aquati/is water sedge. E Camden C. bushii Bush's sedge E Camden C. cumulata clustered sedge E Camden C. limosa mud sedge E Gloucester C. polymorpha variable sedge E Gloucester Castaneapumila chinquapin E Gloucester, Salem Cercis canadensis redbud E Camden Chenopodium rubrum red goosefoot E Camden Commelina erecta slender dayflower E Camden Cyperus lancastriensis lancaster flat sedge E Camden, Gloucester C. polystachyos coast flat sedge E Salem C. pseudovegetus marsh flat sedge E Salem C. retrofractus rough flat sedge E Camden, Gloucester Dalibardarepens robin-run-away E Gloucester Diodia virginiana larger buttonweed E Camden Draba reptans Carolina Whitlow-grass E Camden, Gloucester Eleocharismelanocarpa black-fruit spike-rush E Salem E equisetoides knotted spike-rush E Gloucester E. tortilis twisted spike-rush E Gloucester Elephantopus carolinianus Carolina elephant-foot E Gloucester, Salem Eriophorumgracile slender cotton-grass E Gloucester E. tenellum rough cotton-grass E Camden, Gloucester Eupatorium capillifolium dog fennel thoroughwort Camden E. resinosum pine barren boneset E Camden, Gloucester Euphorbia purpurea Darlington's glade spurge E Salem Glyceria grandis American manna grass E Camden Gnaphalium he/leri small everlasting E Camden Gymnopogon brevifolius short-leaf skeleton grass E Gloucester Camden, Gloucester, Helonias bullata swamp-pink T E Salem, New Castled Hemicarpha micrantha small-flower halfcaff sedge E Camden Hottonia inflata featherfoil E Salem Hydrastis Canadensis golden seal E Camden Hydrocotyle ranunculoides floating marsh-pennywort E Salem

Table 2.5-1 Threatened and Endangered Species Recorded in Salem County and Counties Crossed by Transmission Lines Status Scientific Name Common Name Federala Stateaub Countyc Hypericum adpressum Barton's St. John's-wort E Salem Isotriameleoloides small-whorled begonia T New Castled Juncus caesariensis New Jersey rush E Camden J. torreyi Torrey's rush E Camden Kuhnia eupatorioides false boneset E Camden Lemna perpusilla minute duckweed E Camden, Salem Limosella subulata awl-leaf mudwort E Camden Linum intercursum sandplain flax E Camden, Salem Luzula acuminate hairy wood-rush E Gloucester, Salem Melanthium virginicum Virginia bunchflower E Camden, Gloucester, Salem Micranthemum Nuttall's mudwort E Camden, Gloucester micranthemoides Muhlenbergia capillaries long-awn smoke grass Gloucester Myriophyllum tenellum slender water-milfoil Camden M. pinnatum cut-leaf water-milfoil Salem Nelumbo lutea American lotus Camden, Salem Nupharmicrophyllum small-yellow pond-lily Camden Onosmodium virginianum Virginia false-gromwell Camden, Gloucester, Salem Ophioglossum vulgatum pycnostichum southern adder's tongue Salem Panicum aciculare bristling panic grass Gloucester Penstemon laevigatus smooth beardtongue Gloucester Plantagopusilla dwarf plantain Camden Platantheraflava flava southern rein orchid Camden Pluchea foetida stinking fleabane Camden Polemonium reptans Greek-valerian Salem Polygala incarnate pink milkwort Camden, Gloucester Prunus angustifolia chicksaw plum Camden, Gloucester, Salem Pycnanthemum clinopodioides basil mountain mint Camden P. torrei Torrey's mountain mint E Gloucester Quercus imbricaria shingle oak E Gloucester Q. lyrata overcup oak E Salem Rhododendron atlanticum dwarf azalea E Salem Rhynchospora globularis coarse grass-like beaked-T E Camden, Gloucester, Salem rush R. knieskernii Knieskern's beaked-rush E Camden Sagittaria teres slender arrowhead E Camden Scheuchzeriapalustris arrow-grass E Camden, Gloucester Schwalbea Americana chaffseed E E Camden Scirpus Iongii" Long's woolgrass E Camden S. maritimus saltmarsh bulrush E Camden

Table 2.5-1 Threatened and Endangered Species Recorded in Salem County and Counties Crossed by Transmission Lines Status Scientific Name Common Name Federal Stateaub Countyc Scutellaria leonardii small skullcap - E Salem Spiranthes laciniata lace-lip ladies' tresses E Gloucester Stellaria pubera star chickweed E Camden Triadenum walteri Walter's St. John's wort E Camden Utriculariabiflora two-flower bladderwort E Gloucester, Salem Valerianella radiata beaked cornsalad E Gloucester Verbena simplex narrow-leaf vervain E Camden, Gloucester Vernonia glauca broad-leaf ironweed E Gloucester, Salem Vulpia elliotea squirrel-tail six-weeks E Camden, Gloucester, Salem grass Wolffiella floridana sword bogmat E Salem Xyris fimbriarta fringed yellow-eyed grass E Camden a E = Endangered; T = Threatened; C = Candidate; - = Not Listed.

b State status for birds separated by a slash (I) indicates a dual status. First status refers to the state breeding population, and the second status refers to the migratory or winter population. S = Stable species (a species whose population is not undergoing any long-term increase/decrease within its natural cycle); U = Undetermined (a species about which there is not enough information available to determine the status) (NJDEP 2008a).

Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties are in New Jersey. New Castle County is in Delaware. Source of county occurrence: USFWS undated; NJDEP 2008a; DDNREC 2008.

d Delaware does not maintain T&E species lists by county. Upon request, Delaware provided PSEG the locations of protected species that occurred within 0.8 km (0.5 mi) of the transmission corridor (DDNREC 2008).

Sea turtles and sturgeon were not included in county lists maintained by USFWS (undated) and NJDEP (2008a), but were included in DDNREC (2008) and are known by PSEG to occur in the Delaware River (see text).

2-2ý.tL-an d-.Use Salem and HCGS are located at the southern end of Artificial Island located on the east bank of the Delaware River in Lower Alloways Creek Township, Salem County, New Jersey. The river is approximately 2.5 miles (mi) wide at this location. Artificial Island is a 1,500-acre island of tidal marsh and grassland that was created, beginning early in the twentieth century, by the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers. The island was created by disposal of hydraulic dredge spoils within a progressively enlarged diked area, which was established around a natural bar that projected into the river. The average elevation of the island is about 9 feet (ft) above mean sea level (msl) with a maximum elevation of approximately 18 ft msl (AEC 1973). The site is located approximately 17 mi south of the Delaware Memorial Bridge, 30 mi southwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 7.5 mi southwest of the City of Salem, NJ (PSEG 2009c).

PSEG owns approximately 740 acres at the southern end of the island, with Salem located on approximately 220 acres and HCGS occupying about 153 acres. The remainder of Artificial Island remains undeveloped. The U.S. government owns the northern portion of the island, while the State of New Jersey owns the rest of the island as well as much nearby inland property (PSEG 2009a, 2009b). The U.S. government also owns a one-mile wide inland strip of land abutting the island (AEC 1973). The northernmost tip of Artificial Island (owned by the U.

S. government) is within the State of Delaware boundary, which was established based on historical land grants related to the tide line at that time (PSEG 2009a, 2009b).

The area within 15 mi of the site is primarily utilized for agriculture; however; there are numerous parks and wildlife refuges and preserves such as Mad Horse Creek Fish and Wildlife Management Area to the east, Cedar Swamp State Wildlife Management Area to the south in Delaware, Appoquinimink, Silver Run Wildlife, and Augustine State Wildlife Management areas to the west in Delaware, and Kilcohook National Wildlife Refuge and Supawana Meadows National Wildlife Refuge to the north. The Delaware Bay and estuary is recognized as wetlands of international importance and an international shorebird reserve (NJSA 2008). There is no heavy industry in the area surrounding Salem and HCGS; the nearest such industrial area is located more than 15 mi north of the site (PSEGc).

References Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). 1973. Final Environmental Statement Related to the Salem Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2, Public Service Electric and Gas Company. Docket Nos. 50-272 and 50-311. Directorate of Licensing. April 1973. Washington, D.C.

New Jersey State Atlas (NJSA). 2008. Interactive State Plan Map. Available URL:

http://njstateatlas.com/luc/ (accessed February 8, 2010).

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 2009a. Salem Nuclear Generating Station, Units 1 and 2, License Renewal Application, Appendix E - Applicant's Environmental Report - Operating License Renewal Stage. Lower Alloways Creek Township, New Jersey. August, 2009.

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 2009b. Hope Creek Generating Station, License Renewal Application, Appendix E - Applicant's Environmental Report - Operating License Renewal Stage. Lower Alloways Creek Township, New Jersey. August, 2009.

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 2009c. Salem Generating Station - Updated Final Safety Analysis Report. Document No. PSEG-0008. Revision 24. May 11, 2009.

,t2-2;6-7-ThrrestrwIiiz'Res ources This section describes the terrestrial resources in the immediate vicinity of the Salem and HCGS facilities on Artificial Island and within the transmission line ROWs connecting these facilities to the regional power grid. For this assessment, terrestrial resources were considered to include plants and animals of non-wet uplands as well as non-tidal wetlands and bodies of freshwater located on Artificial Island or the ROWs.

2.2.6.1 Artificial Island As discussed above in the site description, Artificial Island, on which the Salem and HCGS facilties were constructed, is a man-made island approximately 3 mi long and 5 mi wide that was created by the deposition of dredge spoil material. All terrestrial resources on the island have become established since creation of the island began approximately 100 years ago.

Consequently, Artificial Island contains poor quality soils and very few trees. Approximately 75 percent of the island is undeveloped and dominated by tidal marsh, which extends from the higher areas along the river eastward to the marshes of the former natural shoreline of the mainland. The terrestrial, non-wetland habitats of the island consist principally of areas covered by grasses and other herbs, with some shrubs and planted trees present in developed areas.

Small, isolated, freshwater impoundments and associated wetland areas also are present.

The Salem and HCGS facilities were constructed on adjacent portions of the PSEG property, which occupies the southwest corner of Artificial Island. The PSEG property is low and flat with elevations rising to about 5.5 m (18 ft) above the level of the river at the highest point.

Developed areas covered by facilities and pavement occupy over 70 percent of the site (approximately 108 ha [266 acres]). Maintained areas of grass, including two baseball fields, cover about 4.85 ha (12 acres) of the site interior. The remaining 25 percent of the PSEG property (approximately 40 ha [100 acres] consists primarily of marsh dominated by the common reed (Phragmitesaustralis)and several cordgrass species (Spartina spp.) (source).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) classifies all land on the project site as Urban, while the soils on Artificial Island are Udorthents (dredged fine material; NRCS 2010). The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) identifies an inland marsh/swamp area on the periphery of the project site adjacent to Hope Creek Road and two small freshwater ponds immediately north of the Hope Creek reactor. NWI classifies the rest of Artificial Island as estuarine emergent marsh, with the exception of the northernmost 1-mile of the island, which is occupied by freshwater emergent wetlands and freshwater ponds (FWS 2010).

The site is within the Middle Atlantic coastal plain of the eastern temperate forest ecoregion (EPA 2007). The tidal marsh vegetation of the site periphery and adjacent areas is dominated by common reed, but other plants include big cordgrass (Spartina cynosuroides), salt marsh cordgrass (S. alterniflora), saltmeadow cordgrass (S. patens), and saltmarsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus) (citation?). Fragments of this marsh community exist along the eastern edge of the PSEG property; however, the. non-developed, non-estuarine vegetation on-site consists mainly of small patches of turf grasses and planted shrubs and trees around buildings, parking lots, and roads (citation?).

The animal species present'on Artificial Island likely are typical of those inhabiting estuarine tidal marshes and adjacent -habitats within the Delaware Bay Estuary. Tidal marshes in this region are commonly used by many migrant and resident birds because they provide habitat for breeding, foraging, and restinig (PSEG 2004). In 1972, Salem pre-construction surveys

conducted within a 6 km (4 mi) radius of the project site recorded 44 avian species, including many shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl associated with open water and emergent marsh areas of the estuary. During construction of the Salem facility, several avian species were observed on the project site, including the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), common grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), northern harrier (Circus cyaneus), song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), and yellowthroat (Geothlypis trichas)(AEC 1973). HCGS construction studies reported the occurrence of 178 bird species within 16 km (10 mi) of the project site.

Approximately half of these species were recorded primarily from tidal marsh and the open water of the Delaware River (habitat similar to the project site) and roughly 45 of the 178 total observed species were classified as permanent resident species (PSEG 1983). The osprey (Pandionhaliaeetus)has been observed nesting on transmission line towers on Artificial Island (PSEG 1983, NRC 1984, NJDFW 2009). Resident songbirds, such as the marsh wren (Cistothoruspalustris), and migratory songbirds, such as the swamp sparrow (Melospiza georgiana), have been observed using the nearby Alloway Creek Estuary Enhancement Program restoration site for breeding purposes (PSEG 2004). These and other marsh species likely occur in the marsh habitats on Artificial Island.

Mammals reported to occur on Artificial Island in the area of the Salem and HCGS facilites before their construction include the eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus), Norway rat.

(Rattus norvegicus), and house mouse (Mus musculus) (AEC 1973). Signs of raccoon (ProcyonIotor) have been observed near Salem, and other mammals likely to occur in the vicinity of the two facilities include the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), muskrat (Ondatra zibethica), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), and striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis.

Surveys conducted in association with the construction of HCGS identified 45 mammals that could be expected to occur within 16 km (10 mi) of the project site (PSEG 1983). Of the 45 species identified, eight were species associated with marsh habitats, such as the meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus) and marsh rice rat (Oryzomys pulustris).

Eight of 26 reptile species observed during surveys related to the early operation of HCGS were recorded from tidal marsh (PSEG 1983). Three species, the snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina), northern water snake (Natrix sipedon), and eastern mud turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum), prefer freshwater habitats but also occur in brackish marsh. The northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), inhabits saltwater and brackish habitats and could occur in tidal marsh adjacent to the project site.

Two Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) managed by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife are located near Salem and HCGS:

" Abbotts Meadow WMA is an approximately 1,000-acre located about 6.4 kilometers (km; 4 miles [mi]) northeast of HCGS.

" Mad Horse Creek State Wildlife Management Area (MHCSWMA) encompasses roughly 3,844 ha (9,500 acres), of which, the northernmost portion is situated approximately 0.8 km (0.5 mi) from the site. The southern portion of WHCSWMA includes Stowe Creek, which is designated as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in New Jersey. Stowe Creek IBA provides breeding ground for several pairs of state-endangered bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and the adjacent tidal wetlands support large populations of the state-endangered northern harrier and many other salt marsh/wetland dependent birds (National Audubon Society 2010).

2.2.6.2 Transmission Line ROWs Section 2.2.1 describes the existing power transmission system which distributes electricity from Salem and HCGS to the regional power grid. There are four 500-kv transmission lines within three ROWs that extend beyond the PSEG property on Artificial Island. Two ROWs extend northeast approximately 40 mi to the New Freedom substation south of Philadelphia. The other ROW extends north then west approximately 25 mi, crossing the Delaware River to end at the Keeney substation in Delaware.

In total, the three ROWs for the Salem and HCGS power transmission system occupy approximately 1,700 ha (4,200 acres) and pass through a variety of habitat types, including marshes and other wetlands, agricultural or forested land, and some urban and residential areas (PSEG 2009a). When the ROWs exit Salem and HCGS, they initially pass through approximately 5 km (3 mi) of estuarine emergent marsh east of the property boundary. The primary land cover type then crossed by the north and south New Freedom ROWs (approximately 48 km [30 mi]) within their middle segments is a mixture of agricultural and forested land. [Add description of Keeney ROW]

For approximately the last one-quarter of thelength, the New Freedom ROWs, before their termination at the New Freedom substation, traverse the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve (PNR) (NPS 2006). Temperate broadleaf forest is the major ecosystem type of the reserve, which was designated a U.S. Biosphere Reserve in 1988 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Biosphere Reserves are areas of terrestrial and coastal ecosystems with three complementary roles: conservation, sustainable development, and logistical support for research, monitoring, and education (UNESCO 2010).

PNR is protected and its future development is guided by the Pinelands Comprehensive Management Plan, which is implemented by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission. The commission is also responsible for regulating the maintenance of all bulk-electric-transmission

(> 69 kv) ROWs in the Pinelands area and, therefore, oversees maintenance of the portions of the north and south Salem/HCGS New Freedom ROWs that fall within the PNR (New Jersey Pinelands Commission 2009).The two New Freedom corridors also cross the Great Egg Harbor River, a designated Natural Scenic and Recreational River (Figure XX) located within the PNR.

The Endangered and Nongame Species Program of the NJDFW identifies critical habitat for bald eagles, including areas the species uses for foraging, roosting, and nesting. All three ROWs traverse land classified as critical bald eagle foraging habitat (Figure XX; NJDEP 2006).

[update with newer GIS data when obtained] Typical foraging habitat for this species consists of tall perch trees near bodies of water; the tideland marshes of southern New Jersey are particularly good locations for winter foraging (NJDFW 2010).

References:

Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). 1973. Final Environmental Statement Related to the Salem Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2, Public Service Electric and Gas Company.

Docket Nos. 50-272 and 50-311. Washington, DC, U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Directorate of Licensing. April.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 2007. Level III Ecoregions of the Conterminous United States. Western Ecology Division. Accessed at http://www.epa.gov/wed/pages/ecoregions/leveliii. htm on 11 February 2010.

National Audubon Society. 2010. Important Bird Areas in the U.S. - Site Report for Mad Horse Creek and Abbots Meadow Wildlife Management Areas/Stowe Creek. Accessed at http://iba.audubon.org/iba/profileReport.do?siteld=2961 &navSite=search&pagerOffset=0

&page=l on 12 February 2010.

National Park Service (NPS). 2006. Pinelands National Reserve - New Jersey website.

Accessed at http://www.nps.gov/pine/index.htm on 24 February 2010.

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). 2006. New Jersey Landscape Project Map Book. Department of Endangered and Nongame Species. Trenton, New Jersey, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Accessed at http://www.state.nj. us/dep/fgw/ensp/mapbook. htm on 14 May 2008.

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW). 2009. The 2009 Osprey Project in New Jersey. Endangered and Nongame Species Program. Accessed at http://www.conservewiIdlifenj.org/projects/documents/20090spreyProjectnewsletter.pdf on 18 February 2010.

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife (NJDFW). 2010. Bald Eagle, Haliaeetus leucephalus fact sheet. Accessed at http://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/ensp/pdf/end-thrtened/baldeagle.pdf on 24 February 2010.

New Jersey Pinelands Commission. 2009. New Jersey Pinelands Electric-Transmission Rightof-Way Vegetation-Management Plan, Final Draft. R.G. Lathrop, and J.F. Bunnell, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. February.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). 1984. Final Environmental Statement related to the operation of Hope Creek Nuclear Generating Station, Docket No. 50-354, Public Service Electric and Gas Company, Atlantic City Electric Company. NUREG-1074. Washington DC, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Office of Nuclear Reactor Regulation.

December.

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 1983. Hope Creek Generating Station, Applicant's Environmental Report, Operating License Stage. Public Service Enterprise Group. March.

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 2004. Alloway Creek Watershed Phragmites-Dominated Wetland Restoration Management Plan. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group.

17 February.

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 2009a. Salem Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2, License Renewal Application, Appendix E: Applicant's Environmental Report - Operating License Renewal Stage. Lower Alloways Creek Township, New Jersey. August.

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 2009b. Hope Creek Generating Station, License Renewal Application, Appendix E: Applicant's Environmental Report - Operating License Renewal Stage. Lower Alloways Creek Township, New Jersey. August.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). 2010. Biosphere Reserve Information - New Jersey Pinelands. Accessed at http://portal.unesco.org/science/en/ev.php-URLID=6797&URLDO=DOTOPIC&URLSECTION=201.html on 24 February 2010.

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

2010. Web Soil Survey - National Cooperative Soil Survey. Accessed at http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/HomePage.htm on 10 February 2010.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 2010. National Wetlands Inventory website. U.S.

Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, D.C. Accessed at http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/ on 10 February 2010.

2.24-4?_ Potentially *Affected Fish and Shellfish Resources The Delaware Bay, Estuary, and River make up an ecologically and hydrologically complex system with many aquatic resources. Most estuarine species have complex life cycles and are present in the estuary at different life stages. Thus, many species play several ecological roles throughout their life cycles. Changes in the abundance of these species can have far-reaching effects, both within the bay and beyond, including effects on commercial fisheries.

Monitoring has been performed at Salem annually since 1977 to determine the impacts that entrainment might have on the aquatic environment of the Delaware Estuary. The 1977 316(b) permitting rule included a provision to select Representative Species (RS) to focus the investigations (the terms target species or Representative Important Species also have been used) (PSEG!1984, PSEG-i999a). RS were selected based on several criteria including:

susceptibility to impingement and entrainment at the facility, importance to.the ecological community, recreational or commercial value, and threatened or endangered status. PSEG currently monitors 12 species as RS. These species are described below in section XXX.

In addition to the 12 species monitored by PSEG, there are 17 species that have designated Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) in the upper portion of the Delaware estuary. EFH is defined as "those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding or growth to maturity" (16 United States Code [USC] 1802(10); 50 CFR 600.10). This definition includes all developmental stages of the particular fishes in question. Therefore, a larval stage of a species may require specific habitat for the completion of its development, whereas the adult stage may require a different habitat. Species with EFH for any developmental stage in the northern Delaware estuary are listed in table XX, and described in detail in section XXX.

A third category of important species in the Delaware Bay includes species managed by the regional fisheries commissions or councils. As many managed species are mobile and migrate seasonally, several of these species are managed coast-wide, others are managed by more than one council, and still others are managed for the entire coast by a single council. In Delaware Bay, fisheries are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASFMC), the New England Fisheries Management Council (NWMFC), the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC), and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC).

Several species are regulated by the states of New Jersey and Delaware as well, in some cases with more rigid restrictions than the regional councils' recommendations. Species managed by a governmental body that are likely to use Delaware Bay extensively during any stage of their life cycle are described in section XXX.

A final series of important species is presented in section XXX. These species include those that have been given special attention federally, regionally, or within state organizations. For example, the horseshoe crab, which has been the focus of several restoration efforts within the bay, due to its general decline and the fact that Delaware Bay is considered a major nursery and spawning area for this species.

Table XX; Table of species with EFH in Delaware Bay. Modified data from NOAA's website

'Summary of Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Designations Name of Estuary/ Bay/ River: Delaware Inland Bays, DE; accessed at: http://www.nero.noaa.,ov/hcd/del2.html

• Skate species are listed separately and were added to the table from information contained in NOAA's website 'Essential Fish Habitat Designations for New England Skate Complex' accessed at: http://www.nero.noaa.gov/hcd/skateefhmaps. htm

• • M designates the mixing zone of the estuary, S designates the saline portions of the estuary.

Species Eggs Larvae Juveniles Adults Spawning i Adults winter flounder (Pleuronectes M,S* M,S MS iM AS MlS americanus) windowpane flounder (Scopthalmus M,S MS MS IM'S MS aquosus)

American plaice (Hippoglossoides MS S .

platessoides) - i  !

Atlantic sea herring (Clupea harengus) M,S S I bluefish (Pomatomussaltatrix) M,S M,S i  ! 1 Atlantic butterfish (Peprilustriacanthus) S S summer flounder (Paralicthys M,S M,S M,S dentatus) scup (Stenotomus chrysops) S S black sea bass (Centropristusstriata) 2 MS king mackerel (Scomberomorus X X X X cavalla)

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus qX X X X maculatus) cobia (Rachycentron canadum) x x x x dusky shark (Charcharinusobscurus) X sandbar shark (Charcharinus X X plumbeus)

HA PC iHAPC HAPC clearnose skate (Raja eglantteria)

little skate (Leucoraja erinacea) winter skate (Leucoraja ocellata) . _

Representative Species Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus)

The blue crab is an important ecological, cultural, commercial, and recreational resource in Delaware Bay. It is found in estuaries on the east coast of the United States from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico (Hill et al. 1989). The blue crab is highly abundant in estuaries and, therefore, in addition to its economic importance, it plays an important role in the coastal ecosystem. It is an omnivore, feeding on many other commercially important species, such as oysters and clams. Young blue crabs are also prey items for other harvested species, especially those that use the estuary as a nursery area (Hill et al. 1989). Natural mortality rates for the blue crab are hard to define as they vary non-linearly with life stage and environmental parameters. The maximum age reached by blue crabs has been estimated to be eight years (Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission [ASMFC] 2004).

Blue crabs mate in low salinity portions of estuaries during the summer, usually from May through October (ASMFC 2004). Males can mate several times, but females mate only once, storing the sperm in seminal receptacles for subsequent spawning events (ASMFC 2004).

Once the female has been fertilized, she migrates to higher-salinity regions to complete the spawning process. The fertilized eggs are extruded over several months and remain attached to the abdomen of the female. The eggs hatch and are released after one to two weeks, initiating a series of larval transitions. The first larval stage is the zoea. Zoea larvae are planktonic filter feeders approximately 0.25 mm long and develop in higher-salinity waters outside of the estuary. These larvae molt seven to eight times in 31 to 49 days before progressing to the next stage, the megalops, which are more like crabs, with pincers and jointed legs (Hill et al. 1989).

Megalops larvae are approximately 1.0 mm in length and can swim but are found more often near the bottom in the lower estuary (ASMFC 2004). After 6 to 20 days, this stage molts into the first crab stage, resembling an adult crab. These juveniles migrate up the estuary into lower salinity regions (Hill et al. 1989). This migration takes approximately one year, after which the crabs are adults. Initially, sea grass beds are an important habitat, but crabs then make extensive use of marsh areas as nurseries (ASMFC 2004).

Adult male crabs usually stay in the upper estuary once they are mature, but females will migrate annually to higher-salinity areas to release their young. Crabs bury themselves in the mud during the winter months, and females will do this near the mouth of the estuary so they can release hatchlings in the spring. Adult crabs are unlikely to travel between estuaries, but they are good swimmers and can travel over land. Movements within an estuary are related to life stage, environmental conditions (temperature and salinity), and food availability. Growth and molting rates are controlled by environmental variables (Hill et al. 1989).

Blue crabs are an important species in the energy transfer within estuarine systems (ASMFC 2004). They play different roles in the ecosystem depending on their life stage. Zoea larvae consume other zooplankton as well as phytoplankton. Megalops larvae also are omnivorous and consume fish larvae, small shellfish, aquatic plants, and each other. Post-larval stages are also omnivorous scavengers, consuming detritus, carcasses, fish, crabs, mollusks, and organic debris. Blue crabs are prey for a variety of predators, depending on life stage. Crab eggs are

eaten by fish. Larval stages are eaten by other planktivores, including fish, jellyfish, and shellfish. Juvenile crabs are consumed by shore birds, wading birds, and fish, including the spotted sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), black drum (Pogonius cromis), and sheepshead (Archosargusrobatocephalus). Adult crabs are consumed by mammals, birds, and large fish, including the striped bass (Morone saxatitlis), American eel (Anguilla rostrata), and sandbar shark (Carcharhinusplumbeus) (Hill et al. 1989).

Blue crab population estimates are difficult, as recruitment is highly variable and dependent on temperature, dissolved oxygen, rainfall, oceanographic conditions, parasitism, and contaminant and predation levels (Hill et al. 1989 and ASMFC, 2004). Landings of blue crabs on the east coast were in decline in the early 2000s, prompting a symposium led by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) in an attempt to assess the status of the fishery and to assist in developing sustainable landing limits (ASMFC 2004). Declines in blue crab populations could be a result of attempts to increase populations of other fisheries species which prey upon crabs (ASMFC 2004).

Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis) and Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)

Blueback herring and alewife can be difficult to differentiate and are collectively known and managed as 'river herring'. Both species are currently listed as species of concern by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) (NMFS 2009). River herring are used for direct human consumption, fish meal, fish oil, pet and farm animal food and bait. The eggs (roe) are also canned for human consumption. River herring are managed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). They are ecologically important due to their trophic position in both estuarine and marine habitats. As planktivores, they link the zooplankton to the piscivores, providing a vital energy transfer (Bozeman and VanDen Avyle 1989).

River herring are anadromous, they migrate inshore to spawn in freshwater rivers and streams in a variety of habitats. They are reported to return to their natal rivers, suggesting a need for management more focused on specific populations as opposed to establishing fishery-wide limits. Spawning migration begins in spring, with the alewife arriving inshore approximately one month before the blueback herring (NMFS 2009). The adults of both species return to the ocean after spawning. While at sea, river herring are consumed by many species including marine mammals, sharks, tuna and mackerel. While in the estuaries, they are consumed by American eel, striped bass, largemouth bass, mammals and birds. Interspecific competition between alewife and blueback herring is minimized by several mechanisms including the timing of spawning, juvenile feeding strategies and diets and ocean emigration timing. Both blueback herring and alewife can be found in land locked lakes. These populations are genetically distinct from the anadromous ones (ASMFC 2009).

Blueback herring are found in estuaries and offshore along the east coast of the United States from Nova Scotia to Florida. They can reach 16 inches long and have an average life span of eight years. Males usually mature at three to four years of age, and females mature at five years. Young of the year and juveniles of less than two inches are found in fresh and brackish estuarine nursery areas, they then migrate offshore to complete their growth. This species migrates inshore to spawn in late spring, and spends winters offshore in deeper waters. It uses many habitats in the estuaries including submerged aquatic vegetation, rice fields, swamps and small tributaries outside the tidal zone (NMFS 2009). Blueback herring prefer swiftly flowing water for spawning in their northern range, but will use wider habitat types in the south, where the alewife is not found. Spawning is accomplished by a single female and two or more males whilst diving to the bottom. An adult blueback herring may spawn up to six times during its lifetime. Eggs hatch within five days and the yolk sac is absorbed within three days after hatching. The eggs are initially demersal but soon become pelagic. Juveniles feed on benthic

organisms and copepods, cladocerans and larval dipterans at or just below the water surface (ASMFC 2009). While offshore, blueback herring feed on plankton including ctenophores, copepods, amphipods, mysids, shrimp and small fish (NMFS 2009). During the spawning migration (unlike the alewife, which does not feed) the blueback herring feeds on copepods, cladocerans, ostracods, benthic and terrestrial insects, molluscs, fish eggs, hydrozoans, and stratoblasts. They are consumed in all life stages and in all habitats by other fish, birds, amphibians, mammals and reptiles. Adults in the ocean are consumed by spiny dogfish, American eel, cod, Atlantic salmon, silver hake, white hake, Atlantic halibut, bluefish, weakfish, striped bass, seals, gulls, and terns (ASMFC 2009).

Alewife have a smaller range than the blueback herring, from Newfoundland to North Carolina.

They reach maturity at approximately four years and can live 10 years, reaching up to 15 inches long (NMFS 2009). They spawn over gravel, sand, detritus and submerged aquatic vegetation in slow moving water. Spawning is more likely to occur at night and a single female may spawn with 25 males simultaneously. Alewife can participate in seven or eight spawning events during their lifetimes. The eggs are initially stuck to the bottom, but they soon become pelagic, hatching within 2 to 25 days. The yolk sac is absorbed within five days and the larvae may remain in the spawning areas or migrate downstream to more brackish waters. Juveniles are found in the brackish areas in estuaries, near their spawning location. As they develop, and the temperature drops, they migrate towards the ocean, completing this process in the beginning of the winter months. Eggs and juveniles are eaten by white perch, yellow perch, shiners, American eel, grass pickerel, walleye and alewife; larvae are consumed by a variety of fish, birds and mammals. Young alewife are also a high quality food source for turtles, snakes, birds and mink. Juveniles are opportunistic feeders, consuming midges, cladocerans, chironomids, odonates, epiphytic fauna, ostracods, and oligocheates (ASMFC 2009). Alewife are schooling pelagic omnivores while offshore, feeding mainly on zooplankton, but also small fishes and their eggs and larvae (NMFS 2009). Food items include euphausids, calanoid copepods, hyperiid amphipods, chaetognaths, pteropods, decapod larvae, salps, Atlantic herring, other alewife, eel, sand lance, and cunner (ASMFC 2009). Alewife not only migrate seasonally to spawn in response to temperatures, but also migrate daily in response to zooplankton availability (NMFS 2009). Adult alewife are eaten by bluefish, weakfish, striped bass, dusky shark, spiny dogfish, Atlantic salmon, goosefish, cod, pollock, and silver hake. Alewife are additionally important as hosts to parasitic larvae of freshwater mussels, some species of which are threatened or endangered (ASMFC 2009).

The river herring fishery has been active in the United States for 350 years. Until the 1960s, it was mainly an inland fishery, but thereafter expanded offshore. Alewife landings peaked in the 1950s and the 1970s, then abruptly declined (NMFS 2009). Blueback herring landing data are limited, but a severe decline was observed in the early 2000s. In addition to the commercial industry, there is an extensive recreational fishery which harvested over 350,000 fish in 2004.

Herring spawning runs had declined by up to 95 percent in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and North Carolina in the mid 2000s. These states currently have issued moratoriums on the possession of river herring. Commercial landings declined from over 50 million pounds before 1970 to under 1 million pounds in 2007. Blueback herring are exhibiting signs of overfishing in several of the estuary systems on the east coast, including the Connecticut, Hudson and Delaware Rivers. (ASMFC 2009). River herring population declines have been attributed to overfishing and the loss of historic spawning habitat all along the eastern coast of the United States (NMFS 2009). Reasons for habitat loss include dam construction, streambank erosion, pollution and siltation (ASMFC 2009). River herring are also often taken as bycatch in other fisheries, with an estimated 50,000 pounds in 2006 (NMFS 2009 and ASMFC 2009). New Jersey currently has a small commercial river herring small-mesh gillnet fishery, the catch is mostly designated as bait. Delaware also has a small river herring fishery, which is associated

with the white perch fishery. Neither state has specific regulations for river herring but pending legislation in Delaware could eliminate the fishery in this state. Although data are lacking, it is estimated that large numbers of river herring are harvested recreationally for use as bait (ASMFC 2009). The entire length of the Delaware River and portions of Delaware Bay are confirmed spawning runs for the river herring (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection [NJDEP] 2005).

American Shad (Alosa sapidissima)

American shad have been a commercially and culturally important species on the east coast of the United States since colonial times. The range of the American shad extends from Newfoundland to Florida (ASFMC 2007). They are most abundant between Connecticut and North Carolina (MacKenzie et al. 1985). Huge numbers of these fish were historically harvested during their annual spring spawning runs. Up to 1850, 41,000 metric tons were harvested annually in the Chesapeake Bay (Chesapeake Bay Program 2007). The Atlantic catch in 1896 was 22,680 metric tons (MacKenzie et al. 1985). By the end of the 1 9 th century, only 8000 metric tons were caught, representing a severe decline in the American shad stock, and the fishery began fishing in the waters of the lower bays. Stock has continued to decline, with only 1000 metric tons landed in the Chesapeake in the 1970s (Chesapeake Bay Program 2009). By 1983, the Atlantic catch was only 1585 metric tons. Several states, including Maryland, had closed the American shad fishery by 1985 (MacKenzie et al. 1985).

American shad are schooling anadromous fish, migrating to freshwater to spawn in winter, spring or summer, with the timing depending on water temperature. Mature shad can spawn up to six times over their lifetimes, with an average lifespan of five to seven years. Spawning is accomplished by one female and several males swimming to the surface to release their gametes. Preferred substrates include sand, silt, muck gravel and boulders. Water velocity must be rapid enough to keep the eggs off the bottom. Eggs are spawned in areas which will allow them to hatch before drifting downstream into saline waters. They hatch in approximately 8 to 12 days and the yolk-sac is absorbed when the larvae are between 9 and 12 millimeters long. At four weeks the larvae become juveniles, which spend their first summer in the freshwater systems (Mackenzie et al. 1985). The juveniles migrate towards the ocean in the fall months, cued by water temperature changes, and will remain in the estuary until they are on year old (ASMFC 1998). In the Delaware River, this happens when the water reaches 20 degrees Celsius (°C), usually in October and November. Juveniles remain in the ocean until they are mature, approximately three to five years for males and four to six years for females.

American shad are likely to return to their natal rivers to spawn (MacKenzie et al. 1985).

Ecologically, American shad play an important role in the coastal estuary systems, providing food for some species and preying on others. They also transfer nutrients and energy from the marine system to the freshwater areas as many shad die after they spawn (ASMFC 1998).

Young American shad in the river systems feed in the water column, on cyclopoid copepods, tendipedids, daphnia, bosnids, midge larvae, midge pupae, small crustaceans, cadisfly larvae and small insects. While at sea, they feed on copepods, mysids, euphausids, fish eggs, amphipods and small fish including striped anchovy (Anchoa hepsetus) bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchelli) and mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) (MacKenzie et al. 1985 and ASMFC 1998).

During the spawning run, shad consume mayflies and small fish. Shad are preyed upon by many species while they are small including juvenile bass (Morone saxatilis), American eels (Anguilla rostrata), and birds. Adults are eaten by seals, sharks, bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus),

kingfish (Scomberomorus regahni) and porpoises (Weiss-Glanz et al. 1986). Much of the American shad's life cycle is dictated by changes in ambient temperature. The peak of the spawning run and the ocean emigration happen when the water temperature is approximately 20 °C. Deformities develop if eggs encounter temperatures above 22 °C and they do not hatch

above 29 0C. Juveniles have been shown to actively avoid rises in temperature of 4 0C (MacKenzie et al. 1985).

American shad are managed by the ASMFC. A stock assessment completed in 2007 showed that American shad stocks are still severely depleted and are not recovering, with Atlantic harvests of approximately 500 metric tons. The shad coastal intercept fishery in the Atlantic has been closed since 2005, additionally there is a 10 fish limit for the recreational inshore fishery.

The reasons for their decline include dams, habitat loss, pollution and over fishing (ASMFC 2007). Increased predation by the striped bass has also been named as a factor in their decline (ASMFC 1998). The entire length of the Delaware River is a confirmed spawning run for the American Shad. There is no confirmed information available on Delaware Bay itself, although shad would have to migrate through the bay to get to the river (NJDEP 2005). Adults are highly abundant in Delaware Bay, potentially confirming the American shad's use as part of the spawning run (ASMFC 1998).

Bay Anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli)

The bay anchovy is an abundant forage fish found along the Atlantic coast from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, including the Yucatan Peninsula. It is a small schooling euryhaline fish which grows to approximately 10 centimeters and can level several years (Morton 1989 and Smithsonian Marine Station 2008). It can be found in freshwater and in hypersaline water over almost any bottom type including sand, mud and submerged aquatic vegetation. It is highly important ecologically and commercially due to its abundance and widespread distribution (Morton 1989). It plays a large role in the food webs that support many commercial and sport fisheries by converting zooplankton biomass into food for piscivores (Morton 1989 and Newberger and Houde 1995)

Bay anchovy spawn almost all year typically in waters of less than 20 meters deep. In the Mid Atlantic region, spawning occurs in estuaries in water of at least 12 "C and over 10 ppt salinity.

The eggs are pelagic and hatch after about 24 hours2.777778e-4 days <br />0.00667 hours <br />3.968254e-5 weeks <br />9.132e-6 months <br />, the yolk sac is absorbed after another 25 hours2.893519e-4 days <br />0.00694 hours <br />4.133598e-5 weeks <br />9.5125e-6 months <br />. Larvae must encounter an adequate food supply within 2.5 days of hatching. Newly hatched fish move upstream into lower salinity areas to feed, eventually migrating to the lower estuary in the fall. Young bay anchovies feed mainly on copepods and adults consume mysids, small crustaceans, mollusks and larval fish. Copepods have been reported as the primary food source of bay anchovies in Delaware Bay. Adult bay anchovies are tolerant of a range of temperatures and salinities and moves to deeper water for the winter. (Morton 1989)

There is no bay anchovy fishery, so they are not directly economically important. These fish, however, support many other commercial fisheries as they are often the most abundant fish in coastal waters (Morton 1989). They have been reported to be the most important link in the food web and are a primary forage item for other fish, birds and mammals including bluefish, weakfish, striped bass, summer flounder, chain pickerel (Esox niger), North Carolina royal terns (Sterna maxima) and sandwich terns (S. sandvicensis)(Morton 1989, Smithsonian Marine Station 2008 and Newberger and Houde 1995). Eggs are consumed by various predators including juvenile fish and gelatinous predators such as sea nettles (Chrysaora quinquecirrha) and ctenophores (e.g., Mnemiopsis leidyi). Bay anchovy often account for over half the fish, eggs or larvae caught in research trawls (Smithsonian Marine Station 2008). Studies in the Chesapeake Bay found that striped bass are heavily dependent on bay anchovies, as larvae, juveniles and adults, especially since the menhaden and river herring populations have declined in recent years (Chesapeake Bay Ecological Foundation, Inc. 2010).

White Perch (Morone americana)

White perch are members of the bass family. They are a commercially and recreationally important species, found in coastal waters from Nova Scotia to South Carolina, with their highest abundance in New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (Stanley and Danie 1983).

They have become an invasive species in inland waters, arriving through the Erie Canal to the Great Lakes in the 1950s, accidentally introduced further inland in the 1960s and are currently stocked (sometimes illegally) for recreational fishing in many other areas (Indiana Department of Natural Resources [IDNP] 2010). The largest landings were made at the turn of the century, then catch levels decreased, rising sporadically to reflect large year classes. White perch are a popular recreational fish in freshwater and in estuaries. They are often the dominant species caught recreationally in the northern Atlantic states. White perch fill a vital trophic niche as both predator and prey to many species (Stanley and Danie 1983). They are managed by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, but not by the ASMFC. Populations in Maryland are considered stable with approximately 1.:5 million pounds harvested commercially and 0.5 million pounds harvested recreationally in 2004 (Maryland Department of Natural Resources

[MDNR] 2008).

White perch are schooling fish that can grow up to 10 inches in freshwater and 15 inches long in brackish water, living up to ten years (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 2010 and MDNR 2008). They spawn in a wide variety of habitats such as rivers, streams, estuaries, lakes and marshes, usually in freshwater. Water speed and turbidity are not important in choosing a location. Spawning is induced by rising water temperature and occurs in April through May in freshwater and May through July in estuaries (Stanley and Danie 1983). Marine and estuarine populations migrate to freshwater areas to spawn and thus are anadromous (Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 2010). Spawning is accomplished by a single female and several males, the eggs attach to the bottom immediately. Females may spawn two or three times per season and older fish produce many more eggs than younger ones. Eggs hatch in 30 to 108 hours0.00125 days <br />0.03 hours <br />1.785714e-4 weeks <br />4.1094e-5 months <br />, depending on water temperature. Hatchlings remain in the spawning area for up to 13 days, they then drift downstream or with estuarine currents, becoming more demersal as they grow.

Larvae can tolerate up to 5 ppt salinity, adults can tolerate full seawater. Juveniles are often found in upper estuarine nurseries, where they may stay for a year, preferring habitats with silt, mud or plant substrates. Older juveniles have been reported move to offshore beach and shoal areas during the day, but return to the more protected nursery areas at night. Maturity is usually reached by year two, but may take up to four years. Growth to maturity and beyond is affected by temperature, food supply and population density, with growth becoming stunted in high density areas (Stanley and Danie 1983).

Ecologically, white perch play several important roles throughout their lifecycle. The white perch is omnivourous, depending on age, season, and food availability. It will feed on both plankton and benthic species, but concentrates on fish after it is fully grown. Freshwater populations feed on aquatic insects, crustaceans, fishes and detritus (Stanley and Danie 1983). Estuarine populations consume fish including alewife, gizzard shad and smelt, amphipods, crayfish, shrimp, squid, crabs and fish eggs (Stanley and Danie 1983 and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission 2010). White perch are preyed upon by Atlantic salmon, brook trout, chain pickerel, small mouth and largemouth bass, and other piscivorous fish and terrestrial vertebrates. Juveniles are often eaten by copepods (Stanley and Danie 1983).

Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis)

Striped bass are historically one of the most important fished species along the Atlantic coast from Maine to North Carolina, with recreational landings exceeding commercial landings (ASMFC 2003 and ASMFC 2008). Their population has recovered since a precipitous decline from its peak in the 1970s of 15 million pounds to 3.5 million pounds by 1983 (ASMFC 2008). In 1981 ASMFC approved a management plan focusing on size limits and spawning season

closures to recover population levels. This plan proved ineffective, and several states closed the fishery entirely, reopening in the early 1990s once the population had grown. Several amendments were made to the management plan, and the fishery was declared recovered in 1995 (ASMFC 2003 and ASMFC 2008). The most recent amendment in 2003, focused on increasing the proportion of the population over 15 years of age and creating a biomass target and threshold (ASMFC 2003). The 2007 stock assessment declared the fishery recovered, fully exploited and not overfished. This recovery is considered one of the greatest successes in the fisheries management field, with commercial and recreational landings totaling 3.8 million fish (29.3 million pounds recreationally) in 2006 (ASMFC 2008). The recovery of the striped bass fishery has been hypothesized to be the cause of the decline in weakfish due to their voracious appetites (Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control [DNREC]

2006). Striped bass are found on the Atlantic coast from the St. Lawrence River in Canada to northern Florida. They were introduced to the Pacific coast in the late 1800s, and its range on this coast now extends from British Colombia to Mexico. It has also been introduced to many inland freshwater bodies in the United States and to the waters of France, Portugal and the former Soviet Union. They are highly abundant in both the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays.

Females can grow up to 65 pounds and live for 29 years whereas males over 12 years old are uncommon (Fay et al. 1983).

Striped bass migrate along the coast seasonally and are anadromous, spawning in rivers and estuaries after reaching two (males) to four (females) years old (ASMFC 2008). Populations residing south of North Carolina are belived to be year round residents who do not participate in the ocean migrations (ASMFC 2003). There are known riverine and estuarine spawning areas in the upper Delaware and Chesapeake Bays. Spawning occurs in April through June in the mid-Atlantic region, with some of the most important spawning areas found in the upper Chesapeake Bay and the Chesapeake-Delaware Canal (Fay et al. 1983). In the Delaware River, the main spawning grounds are located between Wilmington Delaware and Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania (Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife. 2010). Males arrive in the spawning area first, up to 50 males will spawn with a single female at the water surface. The eggs are pelagic and hatch from 29 to 80 hours9.259259e-4 days <br />0.0222 hours <br />1.322751e-4 weeks <br />3.044e-5 months <br /> after fertilization, depending on the temperature. The yolk sac is absorbed in three to nine days, during which time water turbulence is required to keep the larvae from sinking to the bottom. The larvae then develop into the finfold stage, lasting approximately 11 days, then transform to the postfinfold stage, lasting up to 65 days. Both eggs and larvae tend to remain in the spawning area throughout these developmental stages. Fish are considered juveniles in between the lengths of 1 and 12 inches for males and 1 and 20 inches for females. Most juveniles also remain in the estuaries where they were spawned until they reach adult size, tending to move downstream after the first year. Juveniles and young adults will exhibit schooling behavior, but larger adults are usually found as individuals. On the Atlantic coast, some adults leave the estuaries and join seasonal migrations to the north in the warmer months, while others remain in the estuaries. Some of these adults will also migrate into coastal estuaries to overwinter. Reproduction is highly variable with several poorly successful seasons between each strong year class. Variability in adult and juvenile behavior and the unpredictable importance of strong year classes makes management of the fishery challenging. There are four different stocks identified along the Atlantic coast including the Roanoke River-Albemarle Sound, Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River and Hudson River stocks (Fay et al. 1983).

Striped bass are tolerant of a wide variety of environmental variables, but require specific habitats for successful reproduction. Adults spawn in a large variety of habitats, but only some of these produce an adequate amount of surviving young. Higher water flows and colder winters are hypothesized to produce successful year classes. Eggs are tolerant of temperatures between 14 and 23 'C, salinities of 0 to 10 ppt, dissolved oxygen of 1.5 to 5.0

mg/L, turbidity of 0 to 500 mg/L, pH of 6.6 to 9.0 and a current velocity of 30.5 to 500 cm/sec.

Larvae are slightly more tolerant of variables outside these ranges and juveniles are even more tolerant. These factors may be linked to other estuarine processes which provide adequate food sources for the larvae and juveniles (Fay et al. 1983). Young and juveniles tend to be found over sandy bottoms in shallow water, but can also inhabit areas over gravel, mud, and rock. Adults are found in a wide variety of bottom types such as rock, gravel, sand and submerged aquatic vegetation (ASMFC 2010). Larvae and juveniles consume Cyclops nauplii, copepods, chironomid larvae, and fish eggs and larvae. Young striped bass eat mysids (Neomysis americana), insect larvae, gobies (Gobiosoma bosci), shrimp (Palaemonetesspp.

and Crangon septemspinosa), amphipods (Gammarus and Corophium spp.) and small fish including bay anchovies. Adults are primarily piscivorous, consuming schooling bait fish such as bay anchovy, Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) and croaker (Micropogonias undulatus) but they will also consume invertebrates in the spring, including blue crabs amphipods and mysids (Fay et al. 1983 and DNREC 2006). Young striped bass are fed upon by weakfish, bluefish, white perch and other large fishes, larvae and eggs are eaten by a variety of predators. Adult striped bass probably compete with weakfish and bluefish and juveniles are likely to compete with white perch in the nursery areas (Fay et al. 1983).

Striped bass do not feed while on spawning runs (DNREC 2006).

Striped bass eggs and larvae may be able to survive impingement at certain velocities, but data were highly variable, making solid conclusions as to the relationship between survival and current speed difficult. Juveniles have also been shown to be able to avoid impingement, depending on the size of the fish and the current velocity. Thermal pollution can also affect striped bass populations by causing premature spawning in inappropriate areas when significant rises in temperature are experienced during a run. Sudden drops in temperature can halt spawning completely. Mortality of early life stages is also sensitive to sudden changes in temperature (Fay et al. 1983). General threats to striped bass habitat include dams, thermal discharges, pollutants, water withdrawal facilities, metals and land use within the watershed (ASMFC 2010).

Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis)

Weakfish are part of a mixed stock fishery that has been economically vital since the early 1800s (ASMFC 2009b). They were highly abundant in Delaware Bay; weakfish topped commercial landings in the state of Delaware until the 1990s, and recreational landings were consistently within the top five species (DNREC 2006b). Biomass has declined significantly in recent years, with non-fishing pressures such as increased natural mortality, predation, competition and environmental variables hypothesized as the cause for the decline (ASMFC 2009b). Commercial landings have fluctuated since the beginning of the fishery, without apparent trend of sufficient explanation (ASMFC 2009b and Mercer 1989). Landings along the Atlantic coast peaked in the 1970s at 36 million pounds, then declined throughout the 1980s, ending in a low of six million pounds in 1994. Management measures increased stock and commercial harvest until 1998, when the fishery declined again, this time continuously until 2008 (ASMFC 2009b). Between 1995 and 2004, commercial landings in Delaware dropped by 82% and the recreational harvest dropped by 98%, reflecting a coast wide drop of 78% (DNREC 2006b). The results of the 2009 stock assessment defined the fishery as depleted, but not overfished, with natural sources of mortality listed as the cause of the low biomass levels. The ASMFC is currently developing an amendment to the management plan to address the decline using the 2009 stock assessment as guidance (ASMFC 2009b). Delaware is currently investigating a weakfish tagging program, as the numbers of juvenile and young fish in Delaware Bay have been relatively consistent throughout the decline, raising concerns regarding where the adult population is being lost (DNREC 2006b).

Weakfish range along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to southern Florida, but are more common between New York and North Carolina (ASMFC 2009b). Their growth varies, with northern populations becoming much larger (up to 810 mm) and living longer (11 years) than the more southern populations (710 mm and 6 years). Within Delaware Bay, a survey in 1979 found the oldest females (age nine) to be an average of 710mm long, and the oldest males (six years) to be an average of 681 mm long (Mercer 1989). More recent research suggests that differences from north to south in the age and size of weakfish is related to their migration patterns. Larger fish are older, and can travel longer distances, thus, more large fish would reach the northern end of the range from the overwintering area off North Carolina every year.

Additionally, aging fish by scales has been shown to underage fish, and the oldest weakfish caught in Delaware Bay (previously estimated to be seven years old in 1985) now appears to be 17 years old when age is measured by otolith growth rings (Lowerre-Barbieri et al. 1995).

Spring warming induces inshore migration from offshore wintering areas and spawning (ASMFC 2009b). Weakfish are batch spawners, continuously producing eggs during the spawning season, allowing more than one spawning event per female (ASFMC 2002). Larval weakfish migrate into estuaries, bays, sounds and rivers to nursery habitats where they remain until they are one year old, after which they are considered mature (ASMFC 2009b and Mercer 1989).

Spawning occurs in estuaries and nearshore areas between May and July in the New York Bight (Delaware Bay to New York). Eggs are pelagic, and hatch between 36 and 40 hours4.62963e-4 days <br />0.0111 hours <br />6.613757e-5 weeks <br />1.522e-5 months <br /> after fertilization, larvae become demersal soon after this, when they have reached eight mm in length. Juvenile weakfish use the deeper waters of estuaries, tidal rivers and bays extensively, but are not often found in the shallower areas closer to shore. Surveys in North Carolina determined that they are most often found in secondary nursery areas (over sandy of sand and grass bottoms, in moderate depth water with somewhat higher salinities) than in primary nursery habitats (mud or mud and grass bottoms in shallow tributaries of lower salinity). Within the Delaware Bay juvenile weakfish have been shown to migrate towards lower salinities in the summer, and then towards higher salinities in the fall, migrating offshore for the winter months by December. Adults migrate inshore seasonally to spawn in large bays or the nearshore ocean. Spawning is initiated with warming water temperatures. As temperatures cool for the winter, weakfish migrate to ocean wintering areas, the most important of which is the continental shelf between the Chesapeake Bay and North Carolina (Mercer 1989).

Weakfish play an important ecological role as both predators and prey in the estuarine and nearshore food webs (Mercer 1989). Adults feed on peneid and mysid shrimps, anchovies, clupeid fishes, other weakfish and a variety of other fishes including butterfish, herrings, sand lance silversides, Atlantic croaker, spot, scup and killifishes. Younger weakfish consume mostly mysids and other zooplankton and invertebrates including squids, crabs, annelid worms and clams (Mercer 1989 and ASMFC 2002). More fish species are taken as the fish grow to larger sizes. In Chesapeake Bay eelgrass beds, weakfish have been shown to be important top carnivores, feeding mostly on blue crabs and spot. They are reported to be able coexist with other predatory fish in both the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays including silver perch (Bairdiella chrysoura), spot, croaker (Micropogoniasundulatus), and black drum (Pogonias cromis), by using different special and temporal habitats and having different food sources.

Weakfish are tolerant of a relatively wide variety of temperatures and salinities. In Delaware Bay, weakfish have been collected in temperatures between approximately 17 and 28 'C and salinities of 0 to 32 ppt (Mercer 1989).

Spot (Leiostomus xanthurus)

Spot are not only an important commercial and recreational fish species on the Atlantic coast, they also support many other important fisheries as a forage species (ASMFC 2008b). They are used for human consumption and as part of the scrap fishery. Spot make up a major portion

of the general fish biomass and numbers in this region's estuarine waters (Phillips et al. 1989).

They are also a large component of the bycatch in other fisheries, including the South Atlantic shrimp trawl fishery. The ASMFC management plan has not been updated since 1987, and no coast-wide stock assessments have been completed to date due to insufficient data. The landings are reported and reviewed each year and management amendments will be addressed if required. There have been bycatch reduction devices developed for the shrimp industry, however, which appear to have lowered bycatch landings by 50 to 75 percent. Commercial landings fluctuate widely, due to the fact that they are a short-lived species (four to six years) and most landings constitute a single age class (ASFMC 2008b). Commercial landings fluctuated between 3.8 and 14.5 million pounds between 1950 and 2005 (ASMFC 2006). They are also a very popular recreational species, with recreational landings sometimes surpassing commercial ones. Recreational harvests have also fluctuated, varying from 1.6 million pounds to 6.9 million pounds between the years of 1981 and 1999 (ASMFC 2008b). The 2006 management plan review estimated spot landings in 2005 at approximately 7.9 million pounds.

Several state and fisheries management level studies are ongoing in an effort to collect enough data on the population dynamics of the spot to create an amendment to the 1987 management plan (ASMFC 2006).

The spot's range along the Atlantic coast stretches from Maine to Florida. They are most abundant from Chesapeake Bay to North Carolina (ASMFC 2008b). During fall and summer, they are highly abundant in estuarine and near shore areas from Delaware Bay to Georgia (Phillips et al. 1989). These fish migrate seasonally, spawning offshore in fall and winter at two to three years of age, and spending the spring months in estuaries (ASMFC 2008b). Spawning occurs offshore, over the continental shelf, from October to March. The eggs are pelagic and hatch after approximately 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br />, producing buoyant preflexion larvae. During the flexion stage, larvae become more demersal, migrating from the mid depths during the day to the surface at night. These larvae move slowly towards shore, entering the post-larval stages when they reach nearshore areas and developing into juveniles when they reach the inlets. (Phillips et al. 1989). Juveniles move into the low salinity coastal estuaries where they grow, moving into higher salinity areas as they mature (ASMFC 2008b). Seagrass beds and tidal creeks are important nursery habitat for spot, they often make up 80 to 90 percent of the total number of fish found in these habitats. Juveniles remain in the nursery areas for approximately a year, migrating back to the ocean in September or October (Phillips et al. 1989).

Due to their large numbers and use of a variety of habitats throughout their lifetimes, spot are an ecologically important species as both forage and as predators. Spot may significantly reduce zooplankton biomass during their migration to the ocean. Juvenile and young spot eat pteropods, larval pelecypods and cyclopoid copepods. Juveniles are benthic opportunistic feeders, preferring sand and mud bottoms, but capable of feeding anywhere. Larger spot will consume calanoid, harpacticoid and cyclopoid copepods, mysids, nematodes, clam siphons, dipterans and amphipods. Adult spot are also benthic feeders, scooping up sediments and consuming large numbers of polychaete annelids, copepods, decapods, nematodes, and diatoms. Over the continental shelf, cheatognaths are both predators and competitors with early larval spot stages. Large predatory fish are more likely to eat adult spot than juveniles as these are found in the estuarine shallows. Larger spot are an important source of food for cormorants, spotted seatrout (Cvnoscion nebulosus) and striped bass. Spot are tolerant of a wide variety of environmental variables. They have been found in temperatures between 8 and 31 0C and salinities between 0 and 61 ppt (Phillips et al. 1989).

Atlantic Croaker (Micropogonias undulates)

Atlantic croaker are an important commercial and recreational fish on the Atlantic Coast. They are the most abundant bottom dwelling fish in this region, but data are lacking for management

purposes. They have been taken as part of a mixed stock fishery since the 1880s. Commercial landings appear to be cyclical, with catches ranging between 2 and 30 million pounds. This is may be due to variable annual recruitment, which appears to be dependent on natural environmental variables. Recreational landings have been increasing, with 10.6 million pounds caught in 2005. The 2003 stock assessment (reported in 2004) determined that Atlantic croaker were not overfished in the Mid-Atlantic region (ASMFC 2007b). An amendment to the management plan was developed in 2005 using the 2004 stock assessment data, establishing fishing mortality and spawning stock biomass targets and thresholds. There are no recreational or commercial management measures in this amendment, but some states have adopted internal management measures for the Atlantic croaker fishery (ASMFC 2005).

Atlantic croaker are a migratory species, although movements have not been well defined.

They appear to move inshore in the warmer months and southward in winter (ASMFC 2007b).

They range from Cape Cod to Argentina and are uncommon north of New Jersey. Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic populations appear to be genetically seperate (ASMFC 2005). They are estuarine dependant at all life stages, especially as postlarvae and juveniles (Lassuy 1983).

Spawning occurs at one to two years of age in nearshore and offshore habitats between July and December (ASMFC 2007b). Atlantic croaker can live for up to 12 years, and will spawn more than once in a season. Eggs are pelagic and are found in polyhaline and euryhaline waters. Larvae have been found from the continental shelf to inner estuaries, recruitment to the nursery habitats in the estuaries depends largely on currents and tides. Recruitment of young fish to the shallow marsh habitats of estuaries is variable but appears to show seasonal peaks depending on latitude. This peak is in August through October in the Delaware River. The long spawning period and the variable recruitment peaks make the aging of recruits to estuary areas difficult, ages could vary from two to ten months of age at recruitment. Larvae complete their development into juveniles in brackish shallow bottom habitats. Juveniles slowly migrate downstream, preferring stable salinity regimes in deeper water, and eventually enter the ocean in late fall as adults. They prefer mud bottoms with detritus and grass beds, which provide a stable food source, but they are considered generalists (ASMFC 2005).

Atlantic croaker are bottom feeders eating benthic invertebrate fauna such as polychaetes, mollusks, ostracods, copepods, amphipods, mysids, and decapods, and fish. Larave tend to consume large amounts of zooplankton, and juveniles feed on detritus. Their predators include striped bass, southern flounder, bluefish, weakfish, and spotted seatrout. They are able to live with other competitive fishes (such as spot) by utilizing temporal and spatial habitat niches within the overall bottom environment. Juvenile Atlantic croaker are sensitive to pollution and anoxic areas as these conditions deplete or change the composition of their prey. Shoreline alterations such as bulkheads and rock jetties can also negatively affect juvenile populations.

Adult croaker are usually found in estuaries in spring and summer and move offshore for the winter, their distribution is related to temperature and depth. They prefer muddy and sandy substrates that can support plant growth, but have also been found over oyster coral and sponge reefs. They are euryhaline, depending on the season, and are sensitive to low oxygen levels (ASMFC 2005).

Atlantic Menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus)

Atlantic menhaden have been an important commercial fish along the Atlantic Coast since colonial times. Ecologically, they are a vital forage fish for larger piscivorous species including fish, birds and mammals, and play an important role in the aquatic system as filter feeders (ASMFC 2005b). They are used in the reduction industry (producing fish meal and oil) and are as bait by both commercial and recreational fisheries. This species has been fished since the early 1800s and landings increased over time as new technologies developed. They were used for fertilizer in the late 1600s and early 1700s (Rogers and Van Den Ayvle 1989). In 1811, the

first menhaden oil industry was developed in Rhode Island. By the 1920s, they were used less for fertilizer and more often for farm animal feed (ASMFC 2001). They contributed 25 to 40 percent of the national menhaden fishery in 1984, the largest fishery by weight in the United States, and the eighth largest by monetary value (Rogers and Van Den Avyle 1989). Their population numbers suffered in the 1960s when they were severely overfished, but they recovered in the 1970s. The reduction fishery landed 184,450 metric tons in 2004 and the bait fishery has become increasingly important, with the most bait fish landed in New Jersey and Virginia. A stock assessment completed in 2003 declared the Atlantic menhaden not overfished, and a review in 2004 resulted in a decision not to require an assessment in 2006 (ASMFC 2005b). An amendment to the original management plan was approved in 2001, to date, there have been four addendums to this amendment, the last approved in 2009 (ASMFC 2005b and ASMFC 2009c). The 2008 Atlantic menhaden fishing season resulted in a catch of 141,133 tons for the reduction industry (NOAA 2009).

Atlantic menhaden are small schooling fish found along the Atlantic Coast from Nova Scotia to northern Florida in estuarine and nearshore coastal waters. They migrate seasonally, spending early spring through early winter in estuaries and nearshore waters, with the larger and older fish moving further north during the summer (ASMFC 2005b). Spawning occurs almost year round along the Atlantic Coast (ASMFC 2001). They spawn offshore in fall and early winter between New Jersey and North Carolina (ASMFC 2005b). Spawning is concentrated over the continental shelf off of the North Carolina Capes, in water 100 to 200 meters deep at mid-depths, between December and February. The eggs are pelagic and hatch in one to two days.

Larvae begin to feed at four days old on plankton, once the yolk sac is absorbed. This period may be critical in establishing year class strength, as larvae are not able to peruse prey, but must encounter them by accident. Areas that do not have sufficient plankton densities may not produce many surviving larvae, leading to a poor year class. Larvae enter estuary nursery areas after one to three months between October and June in the Mid-Atlantic. Prejuvenile fish use the shallow low-salinity areas in estuaries as nurseries, preferring vegetated areas in fresh tidal marshes and swamps, where they become juveniles (Rogers and Van Den Ayvle 1989).

Juveniles spend approximately one year in the estuarine nurseries before joining the adult migratory population in late fall. (ASMFC 2005b). Larvae that entered the nursery areas late in the year may remain until the next fall. Once juveniles metamorphose to adults, they switch from individual capture to a filter feeding strategy. Young fish leaving the estuaries tend to migrate south along the North Carolina coast during the winter months. Fish are mature at age two or three and will then begin the spawning cycle (Rogers and Van Den Ayvle 1989). They can live up to eight years, but fish older than six years are rare (ASMFC 2001).

Due to their high abundance and positioning in the nearshore and estuarine ecosystems, they are ecologically vital along the Atlantic coast (Rogers and Van Den Ayvle 1989). Atlantic menhaden are filter feeders, straining plankton from the water column. They provide a trophic link between the primary producers and the larger predatory species in nearshore waters.

(ASMFC 2005b). It has been hypothesized that due to their abundance and migratory movements, Atlantic menhaden may change the assemblage structure of plankton in the water column. Larvae in the estuaries feed preferentially upon copepods and copepodites, and they may eat detritus as well. As young fish and adults, they filter feed anything larger than seven to nine micrometers including zooplankton, large phytoplankton and chained diatoms (Rogers and Van Den Avyle 1989). Atlantic menhaden provide a food source for bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), striped bass (Morone saxatilis), bluefin tuna (Thunnus thvnnus), king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, pollock, cod, weakfish, silver hake, tunas, swordfish, bonito, tarpon and sharks and sandbar sharks (ASMFC 2001 and Rogers and Van Den Avyle 1989). They establish a direct link between the phytoplankton primary producers and the higher level predators, including transferring energy in and out of estuary systems and on and off the coastal

shelf (Rogers and Van Den Avyle 1989). They are especially important in this aspect as most marine fish species cannot use phytoplankton as a food source (ASMFC 2001). Their filter feeding habits have also lead to a variety of physiological characteristics such as high lipid content, enabling survival during periods of low prey availability (Rogers and Van Den Avyle 1989).

There are fall and spring spawning peaks along the coast, providing for the existence of sub-populations. Up to five sub-populations have been suggested with some genetic evidence to support at least two, but sub-populations hybridize easily. Although Atlantic menhaden are found in a wide variety of environmental conditions, larval processes can be sensitive to changes in salinity and temperature during the developmental stages (Rogers and Van Den Ayvle 1989).

Atlantic Silverside (Menidia menidia)

Atlantic silverside are a highly abundant forage fish on the Atlantic coast, providing a food resource for many commercially and recreationally important fish species such as striped bass (Morone saxatilis), Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus), and bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix).

Atlantic silverside are found in salt marshes, estuaries and tidal creeks along the Atlantic coast from Nova Scotia to Florida. It can be the most abundant fish in these habitats. There is no direct commercial or recreational fishery for this species, although many recreational fishers net and use these minnows as bait (Fay et al. 1983b)

Spawning is initiated by a combination of water temperature, photoperiod, tidal cycle and lunar cycle. Spawning occurs in the intertidal zones of estuaries between March and July in the Mid-Atlantic region. The initial spawning event is during the daytime, usually accompanied by a high tide and a full or new moon. Subsequent events are spaced by 14 or 15 days, tracking the lunar cycle (Fay et al. 1983). Most fish die after their first spawning season (fish may spawn between 5 and 20 times in one season), but some individuals do return for a second season (New York Natural Heritage program [NYNHP] 2009). Atlantic silverside spawning is a complex behavior, fish swim parallel to the shore until the appropriate tidal level is reached, then the school rapidly turns shoreward to spawn in the shallows in areas where eggs may attach to vegetative substrates. Oxygen can become so depleted in these spawning schools that other fish species (predatory) may not be able to enter the spawning area, protecting both the spawners and the fertilized eggs. Eggs are demersal and adhesive, sticking to eel grass, cordgrass and filamentous algae. They hatch from 3 to 27 days, depending on temperature. The yolk sac is absorbed between two to five days later. Atlantic silverside become either males or females, but the sex of an individual fish is determined by water temperature during the larval stage.

Thus, a fertilized egg's sex is undetermined until the larval stage, colder temperature produce more females and warmer ones produce more males. Larvae usually inhabit shallow low salinity (eight to nine ppt) water in estuaries and are most often found at the surface.

Transformation to the juvenile stage is usually at 20 millimeters in length, and juveniles continue to grow until late fall, when they reach adult size. Juveniles and adults are found in intertidal creeks, marshes and shore areas in bays and estuaries during spring summer and fall. In the Mid-Atlantic region they often migrate to deeper water within the bays or offshore during the winter (Fay et al. 1983b)

Ecologically, the Atlantic silverside is an important forage fish and plays a large role in the aquatic food web and in linking terrestrial production to aquatic systems. Little is known about the larval diet. Due to their short life span and high winter mortality (up to 99 percent), they play a vital part in the export of nutrients to the near and offshore ecosystem. Juvenile and adult fish are opportunistic omnivores and eat copepods, mysids, amphipods, cladocerans, fish eggs, squid, worms, molluscan larvae, insects, algae, diatoms, and detritus. They feed in large

schools over gravel and sand bars, open beaches, tidal creeks, river mouths and tidally flooded zones of marsh vegetation. As forage, eggs. Larve, juveniles and adults are eaten by striped bass, Atlantic mackerel, bluefish, egrets, terns, gulls, cormorants, blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), ruddy turnstones (Arenariainterpres morinella), semipalmated sandpipers (Ereunetes pusillus), and mummichogs (Fundulusheteroclitus) (Fay et al. 1983b).

Eggs and larvae tolerate wide degree of environmental conditions, but rapid increases in temperature can prevent eggs from hatching and kill larvae. Juveniles and adults appear to.

prefer temperatures of between 18 and 25 °C. The optimum salinity for hatching and early development id 30 ppt, but a wide variety of salinities is tolerated by juveniles and adults (0 ppt to 37.8ppt) (Fay et al. 1983b).

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)

Bluefish are a highly important recreational fish species, popular since the 1800s, but there is not a large commercial fishery associated with them. They are commercially harvested for human consumption, but there is no commercial bluefish industry. In the early 1980s, an average of 7.4 million kilograms of bluefish per year were caught, making up only 0.5 percent of the Atlantic finfish landings. As of 1989, bluefish made up 15 percent of recreational landings on the Atlantic coast, and 90 percent of these.were caught in the mid-Atlantic region. Slightly less than half the recreational catch is in inland bays and estuaries. A management plan was developed in 1984, but was rejected as bluefish represent such a small portion of the commercial fisheries, therefore, federal regulation was deemed unnecessary (Pottern et al.

1989). Recreation landings averaged 60 million pounds per year between 1981 and 1993. A bluefish management plan was developed in 1990, due to the continuous decline in landings since the early 1980s (ASMFC 2006b and 1998). By 2002, bluefish landings had declined to 11 million pounds per year, but recent numbers have been rising in response the management amendment that was developed in 1998. This amendment sets targets and regulations in order to build the population to support maximum sustainable yields by 2008 (ASMFC 2006b).

Although it is unknown if bluefish are estuarine dependent, NOAA has designated essential fish habitat (EFH) as all major estuaries from Penobscot Bay, Maine to St. Johns River, Florida for juvenile and adult bluefish (NOAA 2006 and 2010).

Bluefish are a migratory schooling fish, found in estuaries and over the continental shelf in tropical and temperate waters globally. They occur in the Atlantic from Nova Scotia to northern Mexico. Adults migrate north during the summers, between Cape Hatteras and New England, winters are spent to the south, near Florida in the Gulf Stream. They reach sexual maturity at age two and spawn in the open ocean (Pottern et al. 1989). Previously it was thought that there were two spawning seasons; the south-Atlantic stock spawning in spring (April and May between North Carolina and Florida) and the mid-Atlantic stock spawning in summer (June through August between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras) (Pottern et al. 1989 and ASMFC1998b).

More recent studies have shown that there is a single spawning event which begins in the south in the late winter and continues northwards into the summer as the fish migrate (ASMFC 1998b). Eggs are pelagic, hatch in approximately 48 hours5.555556e-4 days <br />0.0133 hours <br />7.936508e-5 weeks <br />1.8264e-5 months <br />, and larvae drift with the offshore currents until coastal water become warmer (Pottern et al 1989 and ASMFC 1998b). These larve transform to a pelagic-juvenile stage at 18 to 25 days, improving swimming ability (NOAA 2006). Spring spawned juveniles then migrate into bays and estuaries at one to two months old, where they complete their development, joining the adult population in the fall (Pottern et al.

1989). Summer spawned juveniles only enter the estuaries for a short time before migrating south for the winter (ASMFC 1998b). Some juveniles will spend a second summer in the estuaries (Pottern et al. 1989). Bluefish can live for up to 12 years, reach lengths of 39 inches and weights of 31 pounds (ASMFC 2006b).

Due to their large size and numbers, bluefish probably play a large role in the community structure of forage species along the Atlantic coast. As they are pelagic, larval bluefish consume available zoQplankton in large quantities in the open ocean, mostly copepods (Pottern et al. 1989 and NOAA 2006). Juveniles in the estuaries eat small shrimp, anchovies, killifish, silversides and other available small prey, depending upon availability. Adult bluefish are mostly piscivorous, but a wide array of prey items have been found in the stomachs of adult bluefish including sand dollars (Echinarachniusparma), sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus),

various sharks and rays, northern puffer (Sphoeroidesmaculatus), common squid (Loligo peahi),

various shrimp and crabs, alewives (Alosa pseudoharengus),shad, herrings, Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortiatyrannus), silver hake (Merluccius bilinearis), pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), and butterfish (Perilustriacanthus). Consumers of bluefish eggs and larvae are specifically unknown, but presumably exist. Adults are preyed upon by large coastal and estuarine species, such as sharks, tuna and swordfish. Bluefish would compete with other large piscivorous species in the Atlantic region such as striped bass (Morone saxatilis), spotted sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus), and weakfish (C. regalis) (Pottern et al. 1989). Recent studies have hypothesized that juvenile and adult bluefish eat whatever is locally abundant (ASMFC 1998b). [Discuss EFH]

Bluefish are highly sensitive to temperature regimes, with an optimum range of 18 to 20 °C.

Temperatures above or below this range can induce rapid swimming, loss of interest in food, loss of equilibrium and changes in schooling and diurnal behaviors. They are relatively euryhaline, found in estuaries on 10 ppt and waters of up to 38 ppt in the ocean. As they are pelagic they are not well adapted to the periodic low oxygen levels that are occasionally found in estuaries (Pottern et al. 1989). They have been excluded from estuarine areas where Atlantic silversides are spawning due to the low oxygen levels induced by the high activity of such a large number of fish (ASMFC 1998b).

EFH Species Winter Flounder (Pleuronectesamericanus)

Winter flounder are highly abundant in estuarine and coastal waters and therefore are one of the most important commercial and recreational fisheries species on the Atlantic coast (Buckley 1989). They are managed by the New England Fisheries Management Council (NEFMC) [and ASMFC?] as part of the multi-species groundfish fishery. This plan manages a total of 15 demersal species (NEFMC 2010). The winter trawl fishery was established in the 1920s when northern trawlers began to make use of the waters off Cape Hatteras. This fishery targets multiple species and landings between 1974 and 1978 totaled approximately 8.4 million kilograms annually (Grimes et al. 1989). Winter flounder are also very popular recreational fish, with the recreational catch sometimes exceeding the commercial catch (Buckley 1989).

Biomass in the New England-Mid Atlantic winter flounder stock declines from 30,000 million tons in 1981 to 8500 million tons in 1992 and the fishery was declared overexploited. As of 1999, biomass remains significantly lower than prior to overexploitation (NOAA 1999). As part of the management program, EFH has been established for the winter flounder along the Atlantic coast. Delaware Bay's mixing and saline waters are EFH for all parts of the winter flounder lifecycle including eggs, larvae, juveniles, adults and spawning adults (NEFMC 1998).

There are two major populations of winter flounder in the Atlantic, one is found in estuarine and coastal waters from Newfoundland to Georgia, the other is found offshore on Georges Bank and Nantucket Shoal (Buckley 1989). In the Mid-Atlantic it is most common between the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and Chesapeake Bay (Grimes et al. 1989). They spawn in coastal waters beginning in December in the south Atlantic through June in Canada (February and March in the Delaware Bay region). Spawning occurs in depths of 2 to 80 meters over sandy substrates

in inshore coves and inlets between 31 to 32.5 ppt (Buckley 1989 and NOAA 1999). Sexual maturity is dependent on size, rather than age, with southern individuals (age two or three) reaching spawning size more rapidly than northern fish (age six or seven). The eggs are demersal, stick to the substrate, and are most often found at salinities between 10 and 30 ppt (Buckley 1989). They hatch in two to three weeks, depending on water temperature (NOAA 1999). The yolk sac is absorbed at 12 to 14 days, and metamorphosis to the juvenile stage is complete in 49 to 80 days, also dependant on temperature (Buckley 1989). Larvae are planktonic initially, but become increaingy benthic with developmental stage (NOAA 1999).

Juveniles and adults are completely benthic, with juveniles preferring a sandy or silty substrate in estuarine areas (Buckley 1989). Juveniles move seaward as they grow, remaining in estuaries for the first year (Buckley 1989 and Grimes et al. 1989). Adult movements appear to be dictated by water temperature as well, with three distinct population ranges, Georges Bank, and north and south of Cape Cod. South of Cape Cod, winter flounder will spend the colder months in inshore ad estuarine waters, moving further off shore in the warmer summer months (Buckley 1989). Winter flounder can live for 15 years and may reach 58 cm in length (NOAA 1999).

As larvae, winter flounder feed on copepods, nauplii, harpacticoids, calanoids, polychaetes, invertebrate eggs, and phytoplankton, moving on to larger prey such as small polycheates, nemerteans and ostracods and they grow larger (Buckley 1989 and NOAA 1999). Adults feed on benthic invertebrates including polycheates, cnidarians, mollusks and hydrozoans. They find their prey by sight, therefore are more active in the daylight and in shallow water. They have few competitors due to their use of the highly productive estuarine and coastal habitats, and their omnivorous diet. Due to their high abundance, they re preyed upon by many other large coastal species. Larvae are eaten in large numbers by hydromedusae (Buckley 1989).

Juveniles are eaten by bluefish, (Pomatomus saltatrix), gulls, cormorants, sevenspine bay shrimp, (Crangon septemspinosa), summer flounder, (Paralicthysdentatus), sea robins (Prionotusevolans), and windowpane (Scophthalmus aquosus) (NOAA 1999). Adults and juveniles are an important food source for striped bass (Morone saxatilis), bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), goosefish (Lophius americanus),spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias), oyster toadfish (Opsanus tau), sea raven (Hemitripterusamericanus), great cormorant (Phalacrocoraxcarbo),

great blue heron (Ardea herodias)and the osprey (Pandion haliaetus)(Buckley 1989).

Winter flounder are found at temperatures of between 0 and 25 0C, but will burrow into the sediments above 22 °C, and higher temperatures for extended periods can cause wide-scale mortality. They are relatively euryhaline, tolerating salinities of 5 to 35 ppt (Buckley 1989).

Larvae are susceptible to thermal shock, four minutes at temperatures elevated by 28 to 30 0 C will produce 100 percent mortality (Buckley 1989). Increases of less than 27 °C, however, appear to be well tolerated if the shock lasts for less than 32 minutes (NOAA 1999).

Additionally, winter flounder catch has been negatively correlated with high temperatures in the preceding 30 months, and a minor increase in temperature of mess than 0.5 'C may cause a decrease in recruitment (Grimes et al. 1989).

Windowpane flounder (Scopthalmus aquosus)

Windowpane flounder is one of the 15 groundfish species managed by the NEFMC under the multispecies plan (NEFMC 2010) [and ASMFC?]. Although it is not directly targeted by the fishery, it is caught as bycatch in the groundfish trawls, although they are exploited for human consumption (NOAA 1999b and Morse and Able 1995). The ground fish fishery has been highly important for the economy of the New England region, with 100 million dollars in landings reported in 2000 (NEFMC 2010). Due to their demersal habitat, windowpane flounder are found in close association with other groundfish species such as yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea), ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus), little skate (Raja erinacea), northern

searobin (Prionotuscarolinus), and spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias)(NOAA 1999b). Between 1975 and 1982, landings of windowpane flounder fluctuated between 532 and 838 million tons.

Between 1984 and 1990, landings increased to between 890 and 2065 million tons, after which they gradually declined to between 39 and 85 million tons during the time range of 2002 to 2007 (Northeast Fisheries Science Center [NEFSC] 2008).

Windowpane flounder are found in estuaries, coastal waters and over the continental shelf along the Atlantic coast from the Gulf of Saint Lawrence to Florida. They are most abundant in bays and estuaries south of Cape Cod in shallow waters over sand, sand and and silt or mud substrates (NOAA 1999b). They spawn from April to December, but in the Mid-Atlantic region spawning occurs with two peaks in spring and fall, in may and September (NOAA 1999b and Morse and Able 1995). They tend to spawn on the bottom of the water column in waters of 16 to 19 °C (Morse and Able 1995). The eggs are pelagic and buoyant and hatch at approximately eight days. Larvae begin life as plankton, but soon settle to the bottom (at 10 to 20 mm in length) and become demersal. This settling occurs in estuaries and over the shelf for spring spawned fish, and these individuals are found in the polyhaline portions of the estuary throughout the summer. Fall spawned fish settle mostly on the shelf. Juveniles will migrate to coastal waters from the estuaries as they grow larger during the autumn, they overwinter in deeper waters. Adults remain offshore throughout the year, and are highly abundant off of southern New Jersey. Sexual maturity is reached between three and four years of age, and growth generally does not exceed 46 cm (NOAA 1999b).

Juvenile and adult windowpane flounder have similar food sources including small crustaceans such as mysids and decapod shrimp, and fish larvae including hake, tomcod and windowpane flounder. Juvenile and small windowpane flounder are eaten by spiny dogfish, thorny skate, goosefish, Atlantic cod, black sea bass, weakfish and summer flounder. (NOAA 1999b)

Adult windowpane are tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and salinities, from 0 to 26.8 'C, and 5.5 to 36 ppt. They are, however, sensitive to low oxygen concentrations, they have not been found in areas where dissolved oxygen was below 3 mg/L. Adults and juveniles are abundant in the mixing and saline zones of the Delaware Bay, and are common in the inland bays (NOAA 1999b). Both the Delaware Bay mixing and saline zones and the inland bays have been established for all life stages of the windowpane flounder, including eggs, larvae, juveniles, adults and spawning adults (NEFMC 1998b).

American plaice (Hippoglossoides platessoides)

[Not in Delaware Bay - northern species - see NEFMC 1998]

Atlantic sea herring (Clupea harengus)

Atlantic sea herring are an important fish in the Mid-Atlantic region both as a commercially fished species and as a forage species for other fished species as well as marine mammals and seabirds. Herring are canned as sardines, steaks and kippers, and are used as bait for lobster, blue crab, and tuna (ASMFC 2007c). Sardine canning began in Maine in 1875, with juvenile herring as the main catch (Kelly and Moring 1986). The ASMFC regulates the fishery in state waters and the NEFMC regulates federal waters. The herring fishery developed around the same time as the canning industry, I the late 1800s, when they were also used as bait for lobsters. Landings through the 1950s averaged 60,000 metric tons per year. In the 1960s a foreign fishery developed off Georges Bank, significantly increasing the landings to a high of 470,000 metric tons in 1968 (ASMFC 2007c). Subsequently, the fishery crashed in 1977, with current landings averaging 90,000 metric tons (ASMFC 2007c and Kelly and Moring 1986).

Current landings fluctuate around 100,000 metric tons and foreign fishing is not longer allowed

within 200 miles of the U. S. coast. As of 2006, Atlantic herring were not considered overfished by the ASMFC and the fishery was considered to have begun its recovery in thel990s (ASMFC 2006c). Essential Fish habitat has been established by the NEFMC in the lower Delaware Bay for juveniles in the mixing and saline zones and for adults in the saline zone (NEFMC 1998c).

Atlantic herring are schooling pelagic planktivorous fish found in along the Atlantic shore in coastal and continental shelf waters from Labrador to North Carolina (ASMFC 2007c and 2006c). They are more abundant north of Cape Cod, and are rare south of New Jersey (Kelly and Moring 1986). They spawn in the northern Atlantic in Nova Scotia, eastern Maine, southern Gulf of Maine, Georges Bank, and Nantucket Shoals, between August and November (ASMFC 2007c). Spawning occurs over rock, gravel or sand, in depths between 50 to 150 feet, in aggregations that can be 80 kilometers long and 13 kilometers wide (ASMFC 2007c and Kelly and Moring 1986). Atlantic herring generally spawn in waters of 10 to 15 'C and in high salinities, but can spawn in relatively shallow water, as long as it is not brackish (ASMFC 2006c). Eggs are adhesive and demersal, sinking to the bottom, and hatch in 10 to 12 days (ASMFC 2007c). Water current is important for hatching as eggs are laid in dense mats, and siltation and lack of oxygen in stagnant water would lead to egg death (ASMFC 1006c). Larvae are pelagic and are disbursed by ocean currents, moving into estuaries and embayments shortly after hatching. Yolk sac larvae may remain in vegetated areas for several days if the spawning habitat included this substrate. Larval stages last six to eight months (Kelly and Moring 1986). Larvae are transported long distances and may overwinter in bays and estuaries (ASMFC 2006c). After reaching 50 to 55mm in length, larvae metamorphose into juveniles, at which time schooling behavior begins. Juveniles may migrate seasonally inshore for the warmer months, often spending time in estuaries, and move offshore for the winter (ASMFC 2007c).

Sexual maturity is reached by age three or four, and fish can live for 15 to 18 years and reach a length of 36 cm (Kelly and Moring 1986 and ASMFC 2006c).

Atlantic herring provide forage for several commercially important species and play a major ecological role on the Atlantic coast. Species that feed upon various life stages of Atlantic herring include spiny dogfish, cod, haddock, silver hake, finback whales, minke whales, common squid, short finned squid, striped bass, tuna, salmon, mackerel sharks, Atlantic white sided dolphins, harbor porpoises, rorqual whales and sooty shearwaters (Kelly and Moring 1986 and ASMFC 2006c). Groundfish and other bottom feeders are responsible for the high mortality of Atlantic herring eggs. Due to their large numbers and schooling behavior, Atlantic herring can also affect zooplankton populations. Newly hatched larvae feed on copepodites and copepod nauplii, shifting to copepods cirriped larvae, crustacean eggs, tintinnids, and copepods as they grow. Juvenile herring eat copepods, larval decapods, cirripeds, larval pelecypods and cladocerans. Adults feed on specific zooplankton, including the euphausiid Meganyctiphanes norvegica, several chaetognaths and the copepod Calanus finmarchius (Kelly and Moring 1986).

Additional EFH species for inclusion:

Bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)[In RS section]

Atlantic butterfish (Peprilustricanthus)[MAFMC]

Summer flounder (Paralicthys dentatus) [ASMFC]

Scup (Stenotomus chrysops) [ASMFC]

Black sea bass (Centropristus striata) [ASMFC]

Spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) [ASMFC]

King mackerel (Scomberomorus cavalla) [SAFMC]

Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus maculatus) [ASMFC]

Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) [SAFMC]

Sand tiger shark (Odontaspis taurus)

Atlantic angel shark (Squatina dumerili)

Dusky shark (Charcharinus obscurus)

Sandbar shark (Charcharinus plumbeus)

Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizopriondon terraenovae)

Scalloped hammerhead shark (Sphyrna lewini) [Managed by the NMFS under Highly. Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan]

Red hake (Urophycis chuss)

Long finned squid (Loligo pealei)

Additional species for possible inclusion:

Managed species: Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

American Lobster iue h estuarine dependent on food supply - bluefish amendment 1 ASFMC-1998 Northern Shrimp I a.rAn rlk4L4p

- also EHF also EFH? Rely on estuary for prey Winter Flounder [see EFH spp]

Managed Species'NEMFC: (New England)

Groundfish - multispecies COD HADDOCK POLLOCK REDFISH WHITE HAKE Winter Flounder [see EFH spp]

AMERICAN PLAICE WITCH FLOUNDER ATLANTIC HALIBUT OCEAN POUT Scallops Monkfish Atlantic Herring Small mesh multispecies Dogfish Red crab Skates Atlantic salmon

Managed Species: .MAMFC (mid Atlantic)

Atlantic Mackerel, Scomber scombrus Long-finned Squid, Loligo pealei Short-finned Squid, Illex illecebrosus Butterfish, Peprilus triacanthus Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix Spiny Dogfish, Squalus acanthias Surfclam, Spisula solidissima Ocean Quahog, Arctica islandica Summer Flounder, Paralichthys dentatus Scup, Stenotomus chrysops Black Sea Bass, Centropristis striata Tilefish, Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps Monkfish, Lophius americanus Horseshoe crab Oyster Invasives Blue crab diets: dinoflagellates and copepod nauplii Vegetation in marshes - see URS reports in PSEG biological monitoring reports.

4.5'E-Entrainmen-fit Fish and Shellfish in Early Life Stages Entrainment occurs when early life stages of fish and shellfish are drawn into cooling water intake systems along with the cooling water. Cooling water intake systems are designed to screen out larger organisms, but small life stages, such as eggs and larvae, can pass through the screens and be drawn into the plant condensers. Once inside, organisms may be killed or injured by heat, physical stress, or chemicals.

Entrainment of fish and shellfish in early life stages is a Category 1 issue at power plants with closed-cycle cooling systems and a Category 2 issue at plants with once-through systems.

Category 2 issues require a site specific analysis of impacts for license renewal. Hope Creek uses a closed-cycle cooling system with a cooling tower. This type of cooling system significantly reduces the volume of water used by the plant and therefore also significantly reduces entrainment. Entrainment at Hope Creek is a Category 1 issue and does not require further analysis to determine that the impacts from entrainment at this site are SMALL. The cooling water intake system at Salem is a once-through cooling system and thus entrainment is a Category 2 issue which requires site specific analysis. Entrainment at Salem is discussed in the following sections.

Regulatory Background Section 316(b) of the Clean Water Act of 1977 (CWA) requires that the location, design, construction, and capacity of cooling water intake structures reflect the best technology available for minimizing adverse environmental impact (33 USC 1326). In July 2004, U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the Phase II Rule implementing Section 316(b) of the CWA for Existing Facilities (69 FR 41576). The rule became effective on September 7, 2004 and included numeric performance standards for reductions in impingement mortality and entrainment that would demonstrate that the cooling water intake system constitutes the Best Technology Available (BTA) for minimizing impingement mortality and entrainment impacts.

Existing facilities subject to the rule were required to demonstrate compliance with the rule's performance standards during the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit renewal process through development of a Comprehensive Demonstration Study (CDS).

EPA officially suspended the Phase II rule on July 9, 2007 leaving permit writers to utilize Best Professional Judgment (BPJ) for determining BTA in compliance with Section 316(b).

The EPA delegated authority for NPDES permitting to New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) in 1984. In 1990, NJDEP issued a draft permit that proposed closed-cycle cooling as BTA for Salem under their New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES). In 1993 NJDEP concluded that the cost of retrofitting Salem to closed-cycle cooling would have costs wholly disproportionate to the environmental benefits realized and a new draft permit was issued in 1994 (PSEG 1999a).

In 1994 the Salem NJPDES permit was issued stating that the existing cooling water intake system was BTA for Salem with some conditions. Conditions of the 1994 permit included improvements to the screens and Ristroph buckets, a monthly average limitation on cooling water flow of 3,024 million gallons per day (MGD), and a pilot study for the use of a sound deterrent system. In addition to the technology and operational measures, the 1994 permit required restoration measures including a wetlands restoration and enhancement program

designed to increase primary production in the Delaware Estuary and fish ladders at dams along the Delaware River to restore access to traditional spawning runs for anadromous species such as blueback herring and alewife. A Biological Monitoring Plan (BMP) was also required to monitor the efficacy of the technology and operational measures employed at the site and the restoration programs funded by PSEG.

The 2001 NJPDES permit required continuation of the restoration programs implemented in response to the 1994 permit, an Improved Biological Monitoring Plan (IBMP), and a more detailed analysis of impingement mortality and entrainment losses at the facility (NJDEP 2001 b). The 2006 NJPDES renewal application responded to this requirement by including the CDS required by the Phase II rule and an assessment of alternative intake technologies (AIT).

The AIT includes a detailed analysis of the costs and benefits associated with the existing intake configuration and alternatives along with an analysis of the costs and benefits of the wetlands restoration program that PSEG implemented in response to the requirements of the 1994 NJPDES permit (PSEG:2006a, Section 5).

Salem's NJPDES application in 2006 included a CDS because the Phase II rule was still in effect at that time. The CDS for Salem was completed in 2006 and includes an analysis of impingement mortality and entrainment at the facility's cooling water intake system that shows that the changes in technology and operation of the Salem cooling water intake system satisfied the performance standards of the Phase II rule and that the current configuration constitutes BTA (PSEG 2006a). In 2006 NJDEP administratively continued Salem's NJPDES permit (NJ0005622).

Entrainment Studies Monitoring has been performed at the plant annually since 1977 to determine the impacts that entrainment at Salem might have on the aquatic environment of the Delaware Estuary. The 1977 316(b) rule included a provision to select Representative Species (RS) to focus the investigations. Previous demonstrations used the terms target species or Representative Important Species (PSEG 1984, PSEG 1999a); the CDS uses the term RS to be consistent with the published Phase II Rule (PSEG 2006a). RS are selected based on several criteria including: susceptibility to impingement and entrainment at the facility, importance to ecological community, recreational or commercial value, and threatened or endangered status.

The original 316(b) demonstration was a five year study completed from 1978 to 1983 focusing on nine target species including seven fish species and two macroinvertebrates. These species are: weakfish (Cynoscion regalis), bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilh), white perch (Morone americana),striped bass (Morone saxatilis), blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis), alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus),American shad (Alosa sapidissima), spot (Leiostomus xanthurus), Atlantic croaker (Micropogoniasundulatus), opossum shrimp (Neomysis Americana), and scud (Gammarus sp.) (PSEG 1984).

This study included sampling at the cooling water intake system and in the Delaware River as well as survival studies. Projected weekly entrainment densities were estimated based on both river densities and intake densities. These projected densities were then used along with estimated weekly mortality rates to project annual entrainment for the facility (Table 4,-X). Bay anchovy was the dominant species entrained for all life stages, constituting 76.8 percent of total entrainment over the study period. Estimated annual entrainment for bay anchovy was 9,106.3 million eggs, 2,045.6 million larvae, and 354.3 million juveniles and adults.

Add"iribQut..config ration of CWlSat.time &,studY.

Table 4-1. Estimated Annual Entrainment Losses at Salem, 1978-1981 Estimated E Losses Taxon Life Stage (in Millions)

Spot Early juveniles 43.031 Low 0.231 Blueback Herring Early juveniles High 0.512 Low 0.087 Alewife Early juveniles High 0.193 Atlantic croaker Larvae 1.115 Juvenile 7.695 Striped bass Eggs 1.720 Larvae 0.801 White perch Prolarvae 0.942 Postlarvae 1.542 Bay anchovy Eggs 9106.3 Larvae 2045.6 Juveniles/adults 354.3 Weakfish Eggs 5.523 Prolarvae 12.949 Postlarvae 17.536 Juveniles 25.145 Opossum shrimp 222,110 Scud 6890 Low and high estimates are based on a range of entrainment mortality rates.

Source: Adapted from 316(b) Demonstration (PSEG 1984)

As a provision of the 1994 NJPDES permit PSEG developed a Biological Monitoring Work Plan (BMWP) which includes monitoring plans for fish utilization of restored wetlands, elimination of impediments to fish migration, bay-wide trawl survey, beach seine survey, entrainment abundance monitoring, and impingement abundance monitoring (NJDEP 1994). An Improved Biological Monitoring Work Plan (IBMWP) was developed to satisfy requirements of the 2001 NJPDES permit. What%:w:eire th*ei *im .preme inits?

As a part of the application for NJPDES permit renewal in 1999 PSEG submitted a 316(b) demonstration that assessed the effects of Salem's cooling water intake system on the biological community of the Delaware Estuary (PSEG 1999a). This study included the same RS fish species as the previous studies and added blue crab (Callinectessapidus). Scud and opossum shrimp were removed from the list of RS because they have high productivity, high natural mortality, and assessments completed prior to PSEG's 1999 NJPDES application concluded that Salem does not and will not have an adverse environmental impact on these macroinvertebrates (PSEG 1999a).

Entrainment monitoring was conducted annually in accordance with the BMWP. Total entrainment loss by species and life stage at Salem was calculated by summing the individual occurrences in samples taken at both the cooling water system (CWS) and the service water system (SWS) in Units 1 and 2; using correction factors for collection efficiency, recirculation (re-entrainment), and mortality; and then scaling for plant flow using the following equation (PSEG -1999a, Appendix F - Attachment 2).

D, t 4-R

+,,j where

= i'h water system, i.e., Unit I CWS, Unit I SWS, Unit 2 CWS, and Unit 2 SWS j = j" day of the year Dq = average concentration (number per m3 of intake water)

C = collection efficiency fu = daily through-plant mortality R = recirculation factor Qu = average daily plant flow forth water system (mi)

This calculation provides estimated entrainment for each species and life stage during the sampling period. These data are then used to compute weekly densities for each week of the year which are then scaled up using weekly plant flow to provide total entrainment losses for each year (Table 4-X). Bay anchovy was the most commonly entrained species from 1978 through 1998. Total entrainment loss of RS was highest in the 1985 with 45,000 million individuals entrained and lowest in 1996 with 75 million.

Table 4-2. Estimated Annual Entrainment Losses for RS at Salem, 1978 to 1998 Year Estimated Annual Entrainment Losses (in Millions)

American Atlantic Bay Blueback White Atlantic Alewife shad croaker anchovy herring Striped bass Spot Weakfish perch menhaden Silversides 1978 0.008 0.004 0.784 7,962.1 0.775 0.026 5.096 399.818 0.000 0.000 79.935 1979 0.050 0 14.515 3,535.1 0.019 0.020 1.095 23.193 0.625 0.072 18.083 1980 0.860 0.015 0.756 15,155.9 2.813 0 10.296 256.708 27.514 4.277 145.109 1981 2.002 0 8.157 11,714.1 11.853 0 5.418 45.765 0.969 9.207 113.240 1982 0 0 0 3,712.9 0.017 0 29.963 74.457 18.857 4.157 22.201 1985 0.163 0.126 0.933 29,463.7 1.151 0 0.184 63.616 0.447 0 0 1986 0.348 0.059 0.492 45,248.6 1.594 0 0.858 110.397 0.654 0 0 1987 0 0.062 0.000 40,172.4 0.082 0 0.055 61.267 0.628 0 0 1988 0.749 0 1.710 22,331.5 2.988 0 73.502 57.063 8.968 0 0 1989 0.541 0 56.341 10,163.5 2.395 47.946 1.027 3.026 192.131 0 0 1990 0.101 0 123.375 7,678.4 0.260 1.313 4.395 6.685 2.626 0 0 1991 0 0 131.798 19,506.6 0 0.778 1.096 72.478 1.108 0 0 1992 0.319 0 71.352 1,570.5 0.864 1.728 0.000 10.375 3.393 0 0 1993 0.676 0 75.030 11,774.2 2.340 108.065 0.585 122.672 37.635 0 0 1994 0.697 0 24.783 1,120.3 2.623 7.490 46.859 88.781 66.927 0 0 1995 0.477 0.014 31.454 1,404.5 0.082 0.579 0.071 335.083 2.039 177.221 31.019 1996 0.083 0.028 4.385 70.6 0.425 7.289 0.025 14.258 16.800 3.039 1.227 1997 0.053 0.747 71.819 1,811.8 0.318 6.505 0.007 12.601 7.865 16.668 6.919 1998 14.480 0 132.130 2,003.7 59.282 448.563 0.020 76.343 412.839 480.557 51.528 Source: PSEG NJPDES Application, Appendix L (PSEG 1999a)

The 316(b) demonstration submitted during the 2006 NJPDES renewal process included the CDS as required by the Phase II rule and a demonstration that the plant satisfies the impingement mortality and entrainment reductions required by the rule. The CDS includes an estimation of entrainment losses for the RS developed from data collected during annual entrainment monitoring conducted in accordance with the IBMWP. A revised RS list was developed for the IBMWP and subsequently used in the 2006 CDS that included the nine finfish and blue crab from previous studies and added Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia), Atlantic menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus), and bluefish (Pomotomus saltrix).

Annual entrainment for the years 2002 through 2004 was estimated using density results from sampling conducted at the intakes and scaling for total water withdrawal volume using the same methodology as described for the 1999 316(b) study above (Table:4-X). Entrainment losses are calculated by adjusting for estimated mortality (PSEG 2006a).

Table 4-3. Estimated Annual Entrainment and Annual Entrainment Losses for RS at Salem, 2002-2004 TOTAL ENTRAINED ENTRAINMENT LOSSES (in millions) (in millions)

Taxon 2002 2003 2004 2002 2003 2004 Alewife 9.8 5.2 2.5 9.4 4.5 2.4 American shad 0 0 0 0 0 0 Atlantic croaker 448.0 211.5 213.2 182.5 86.4 87.9 Bay anchovy 946.4 366.4 2,343.2 946.4 366.4 2,343.2 Blueback herring 1.1 1.7 1.1 1.0 1.6 0.934 Spot 2.3 0.047 0 0.454 0.009 0 Striped bass 403.6 120.3 35.7 159.5 37.6 14.3 Weakfish 29.2 11.9 46.8 19.2 8.5 32.8 White perch 18.7 19.5 25.8 18.0 13.9 23.9 Atlantic silverside 44.8 3.6 10.1 44.8 3.6 10.1 Atlantic menhaden 190.3 4.9 6.8 190.3 4.9 6.8 Source: Comprehensive Demonstration Study (PSEG 2006a)

Results of the annual entrainment monitoring from 1995 through 2007 for the RS and total entrainment density by life stage at Salem are summarized in Table 4-X. Values are a volume weighted mean density and are expressed in number per 100 cubic meters (n/100m3). Bay anchovy was the dominant species entrained in 8 of the 12 years of monitoring. In 1996 the white perch/striped bass complex was dominant. In 1998 and 2001 to 2003 naked goby was the dominant species entrained.

On average, the RS contribute to 71 percent of total entrainment from 1995 through 2007. Bay anchovy is an average of 49 percent of total entrainment during the same period. Total entrainment densities ranged from 70 to 795 per 1OOm 3 . Table 4-X is a list of species collected during the annual entrainment monitoring conducted at Salem from 1995 through 2007 and average densities in cooling water during that period.

Table 4-4. Entrainment Densities for RS at Salem, 1995-2007 Density (n/100m3)

Taxon 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Alewife 0.01 0.05 0.00 0.11 0.02 0.00 0.02 0.05 American shad 0.01 0.01 0.00 Atlantic croaker 3.03 1.60 8.19 9.48 15.45 6.70 4.17 12.52 2.62 5.05 5.56 10.51 5.88 Atlantic menhaden 2.91 0.38 0.46 1.68 2.23 1.34 1.04 4.92 0.20 0.47 1.06 5.01 1.47 Atlantic silverside 0.13 0.29 0.69 0.22 2.20 0.36 0.09 0.95 0.15 0.47 0.55 0.29 0.12 Bay anchovy 66.55 17.43 42.95 61.88 292.14 12.72 8.86 24.18 13.15 100.52 54.57 101.45 174.66 Blueback herring 0.02 0.00 0.01 0.09 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.01 Blueback herring/alewife 0.01 0.12 2.06 0.02 0.05 0.01 0.11 0.07 0.07 0.05 0.03 Bluefish 0.01 0.00 Spot 0.01 0.00 0.09 0.09 0.01 0.10 0.00 0.25 0.00 0.03 Striped bass 0.03 1.55 0.02 11.50 0.03 13.97 9.07 7.20 5.07 1.84 4.03 0.55 42.34 Weakfish 11.86 3.69 0.76 1.99 6.61 2.48 2.25 0.64 0.43 1.10 2.09 0.70 1.44 White perch 0.02 0.88 4.49 0.11 6.15 0.06 0.10 0.44 0.64 0.24 0.55 1.19 White perch/striped bass 0.06 1.10 3.63 0.00 0.00 0.87 0.44 0.40 0.11 10.69 Eggs 47.54 0.51 21.41 41.84 278.18 0.35 2.97 8.42 2.06 74.22 28.56 78.20 149.59 Larvae 48.46 26.52 31.66 78.64 97.93 47.13 29.13 67.53 46.10 51.12 62.67 82.92 103.57 Juveniles 11.84 7.87 19.15 13.11 21.17 11.10 7.27 16.74 5.67 7.84 9.46 15.99 10.79 Adults 0.14 0.07 0.20 0.23 0.29 0.18 0.13 0.15 0.15 0.20 0.27 0.26 0.25 Source: Biological Monitoring Program Annual Reports (PSEG 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999b, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004a, 2005, 2006b, and 2007b)

Table 4-5. Species Entrained at Salem During Annual Entrainment Monitoring, 1995-2007 Common Name Scientific Name Average Density (#/100m3)

Bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli 74.7 Naked goby Gobiosoma bosc 28.5 Striped bass Morone saxatilis 7.5 Atlantic croaker Micropogoniasundulatus 7.0 Goby Gobiidae 6.9 Weakfish Cynoscion regalis 2.8 Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyronnus 1.8 White perch/striped bass Morone spp. 1.7 White perch Morone americana 1.2 Unidentifiable silverside Antherinidoe 0.7 Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia 0.S Silversides Menidia spp. 0.3 Blueback herring/alewife Alosa spp. 0.2 Northern pipefish Syngnathus fuscus 0.2 American eel Anguilla rostrata 0.1 Inland silverside Menidia beryllina 0.1 Unidentifiable fish 0.1 Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum 0.1 Quillback Carpiodes cyprinus 0.1 Summer flounder Paralichthysdentatus 0.1 Unidentifiable larvae 0.1 Black drum Pogonias cromis 0.1 Atlantic herring Clupea harengus 0.1 Carps and minnows Cyprinidae 0.1 Hogchoker Trinectes maculatus 0.1 Spot Leiostomus xanthurus 0.1 Herrings Clupeidae 0.05 Rough silverside Membras martinica 0.05 Alewife Aloso pseudoharengus 0.03 Smallmouth flounder Etropus microstomus 0.03 Threespine stickleback Gasterosteusaculeatus 0.03 Northern searobin Prionotuscarolinus 0.02 Blueback herring Aloso oestivalis 0.02 Spotted hake Urophycis regia 0.01 Yellow perch Percaflavescens 0.01 Killifishes Fundulus spp. 0.01 Unidentifiable eggs 0.01 Silver perch Bairdiellachrysoura 0.01 Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus 0.01 Oyster toadfish Opsanus tau 0.01 American shad Aloso sapidissima 0.01 Conger eel Conger oceanicus 0.01 Blackcheek tonguefish Symphurus plagiusa 0.01

Common Name Scientific Name Average Density (#/100m3 )

American sand lance Ammodytes americanus 0.01 Winter flounder Pleuronectesamericanus 0.01 Bluefish Pomatomussalatrix 0.01 Green goby Microgobius thalassinus 0.01 Northern puffer Sphoeroides maculatus 0.004 Windowpane Scophthalmus aquosus 0.004 Feather blenny Hypsoblennius hentz 0.004 Striped searobin Prionotusevolans 0.004 Striped anchovy Anchoa hepsetus 0.003 Eastern silvery minnow Hybognathus regius 0.003 Atlantic needlefish Strongylura marina 0.003 Common carp Cyprinus carpio 0.003 Perches Percidae 0.003 Northern stargazer Astroscopus guttatus 0.003 White crappie Pomoxis annularis 0.003 Striped cusk-eel Ophidion marginatum 0.003 Unidentifiable 0.003 Inshore lizardfish Synodusfoetens 0.003 Unidentifiable juvenile 0.002 Tautog Tautoga onitis 0.002 Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 0.002 Unidentifiable drum Sciaenidae 0.002 Banded killifish Fundulus diaphanus 0.002 Unidentifiable sucker Catostomidae 0.002 Northern kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis 0.002 Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus moculatus 0.001 Unidentifiable porgy Sparidae 0.001 Sheepshead minnow Cyprinodonvariegauts 0.001 Channel catfish Ictaluruspunctatus 0.001 Striped killifish Fundulus majalis 0.001 Unidentifiable sunfish Centrarchidae 0.001 White sucker Catostomus commersoni 0.001 Eggs 56.5 Larvae 59.5 Juveniles 12.2 Adults 0.2 Species in bold are RS at Salem.

Source: Biological Monitoring Program Annual Reports (PSEG 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999b, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004a, 2005, 2006b, and 2007b)

Entrainment Reductions and Mitiaation Due to the potential for entrainment to have adverse effects on the aquatic environment in the vicinity of Salem, and in response to the requirements of the 1994 NJPDES permit, PSEG has taken the following steps to reduce entrainment and to mitigate for its effects in the Delaware Estuary.

Technology and Operation PSEG has made many improvements to the cooling water intake system at Salem over the years to reduce the effects of impingement and entrainment on the aquatic environment in the Delaware Bay. In response to the requirements of the 1994 NJPDES permit, PSEG made modifications to the trash racks, intake screens, and fish return system (PSEG 1999a, Attachment G1).

The improved screen panels consisted of a smooth non-metallic mesh surface which allows fish to more easily slide across the panels. The new screens used a thinner wire in the mesh (14 gage instead of 12 gage) which in combination with smaller screen openings allows for a 20 percent decrease in through screen velocity. Screen openings were reduced from 3/8 inch square to 1/4 by 1/2 inch rectangular. The smaller screen openings function to reduce entrainment by preventing larger organisms from being drawn through the screens (PSEG 1999a, Attachment G 1).

The Ristroph buckets and screen wash system were modified to increase survival of impinged organisms. The new buckets are constructed from smooth non-metallic materials and have several design elements that minimize turbulence inside the bucket including a reshaped lower lip, mounting hardware located behind the screen mesh, a flow spoiler inside the bucket, and flap seals to prevent fish and debris from bypassing their respective troughs (PSEG 1999a, Attachment G1).

The screen wash system was redesigned to provide optimal spray pattern with low pressure nozzles to more gently remove organisms from the screens. In addition, the maximum screen rotation speed was increased from 17.5 feet per minute (fpm) to 35 fpm to reduce the differential pressure across the screens during times of high debris loading. The screens are continuously rotated and the rotation speed automatically adjusts as the pressure differential increases (PSEG 1.999a, Attachment GI).

The fish return trough was redesigned from the original rectangular trough to incorporate a custom formed fiberglass trough with radius rounded corners. The fish return system has a bi-directional flow that is coordinated with the tidal cycle to minimize re-impingement. The flow from the trough discharges on the downstream side of the cooling water intake system on the ebb tide and on the upstream side on the flood tide (PSEG 1999a, Attachment G1).

While most of these improvements to the cooling water intake system are targeted more for reducing impingement mortality, some improvement in entrainment rates is also realized. The smaller screen mesh excludes organisms that are then impinged and may be returned to the river alive. While impingement mortality rates for these smaller organisms are generally lower than those of larger organisms, they are still higher than the estimated entrainment mortality rates, and the modifications to improve impingement survival increase this difference (PSEG 1999a, Attachment G 1).

Est imra'tio"n -of reuci o n ýin entra'i-nm--e-n't d'ue to 'tec~hn'ology and operations?

Restoration In addition to the changes in technology and operations of the Salem facility, PSEG has implemented restoration plans that enhance the fish and shellfish populations in the Delaware Estuary. In compliance with Salem's 1994 and 2001 NJPDES permits PSEG implemented the Estuary Enhancement Program (EEP) which has preserved and/or restored more than 20,000 acres of wetland and adjoining upland buffers (Salem ER, Appendix %F). Approximately 10,000 acres of degraded wetlands were restored.

In particular 4400 acres of formerly diked salt hay farms were restored to reestablish conditions suitable for the growth of low marsh vegetation such as saltmarsh cord grass (Spartina altemiflora) and provide for tidal exchange with the estuary. These restored wetlands increase the production of fish and shellfish by increasing primary production in the detrital based food web in the Delaware Estuary. Both primary and secondary consumers benefit from this increase in production including many of the RS at Salem. PSEG estimated the increase in production of secondary consumers due to this restoration to be at least 18.6 million pounds per year (PSEG 2006a,Section VII CDS). These secondary consumers are species of fish and shellfish affected by impingement and entrainment at Salem along with other taxonomic groups.

In addition 13 fish ladders were installed at impoundments in New Jersey and Delaware (PSEG 2009a, Appendix F). The fish ladders eliminate blockages to spawning areas for anadromous fish species such as alewife and blueback herring (both RS at Salem). Fish ladders were constructed in New Jersey at Sunset Lake, Stewart Lake (2), Newton Lake and Cooper River Lake, and in Delaware at Noxontown Pond, Silver Lake (Dover), Silver Lake (Milford), McGinnis Pond, Coursey Pond, McColley Pond, Garrisons Lake, and Moore's Lake (PSEG.2009a, Appendix: F).

Since most anadromous fish exhibit spawning site fidelity, returning to the same areas where they hatched to spawn, PSEG undertook a stocking program which transplanted gravid adults into the newly accessible impoundments to induce future spawning runs (ER Appendix F).

Along with the active restoration programs described above, the EEP has provided funding for many other programs in the area including some managed by NJDEP and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). Examples of these funded programs are restoration of three common reed (Phragmitesaustralis)dominated areas in Delaware, State-managed artificial reef programs, revitalization of 150 acres of State-managed oyster habitat, restoration of 964 acres of degraded wetlands at the Augustine Creek impoundment (PSEG 2009a, Appendix F).

A requirement of the Salem 2001 NJPDES permit was to quantify the increased production associated with PSEG's restoration methods and compare it to the production lost due to impingement and entrainment at the facility. Section 7 of the 2006 permit renewal application (PSEG 2006a, Section 7) includes this assessment. Estimates of increased production associated with the restoration of 3 salt hay farms and 12 fish ladder sites were included in this evaluation. The restoration of the common reed dominated marshes, upland buffer areas, and artificial reefs were not included in this evaluation.

PSEG used an Aggregated Food Chain Model (AFCM) to estimate the annual production (pounds wet weight per year) of secondary consumers attributable to the restoration of the salt hay farm sites (PSEG 2006a). This method uses data for the biomass of aboveground

vegetation collected during the annual monitoring from 2002 through 2004 to estimate primary production (production of aboveground marsh vegetation). This primary production is then converted to production of secondary consumers through three trophic transfers: vegetation to detrital complex (dissolved and particulate organic matter, bacteria, fungi, protozoans, nematodes, rotifers, copepods, and other microscopic organisms) to primary consumers (macro-invertebrates and zooplankton) to secondary consumers (age-0 fish).

This method underestimates the total production that could be attributed to the salt hay marsh restoration in that it does not include below ground production or recycled production (production attributable to consumption of a secondary consumer by a primary consumer). The production of secondary consumers attributable to the restoration of the salt hay marsh sites was calculated to be 11,228,415 pounds wet weight per year (PSEG,2006a).

Annual production of river herring (blueback herring and alewife) attributable to the installation of fish ladders was estimated using results from surveys of juvenile fish in the impoundments which were then converted to weight using an age-1 average weight. The estimated production of river herring due to the fish ladders is 944 pounds wet weight per year (PSEG 2006a).

Estimates of production lost due to impingement and entrainment at Salem were calculated for the 13 target species of PSEG's monitoring program (i.e., American shad, alewife, Atlantic croaker, bay anchovy, blueback herring, spot, striped bass, weakfish, white perch and blue crab, plus Atlantic menhaden, Atlantic silverside, and bluefish). These target species comprise greater than 98 percent of the age-0 biomass lost to impingement and entrainment. Production lost was calculated using impingement and entrainment data from 2002 through 2004 in biomass and adding a projected production foregone for those organisms through the first year of life. Production foregone was projected using literature estimates of growth rates (PSEG 2006a).

Biomass lost to impingement and entrainment was estimated to be 138,057 pounds wet weight per year. Production forgone for was estimated to be 4,664,837 pounds wet weight per year.

Production lost was therefore estimated to be 4,802,894 pounds wet weight per year.

Production lost was also calculated separately for river herring to facilitate direct comparisons of loss to production gained from the fish ladders. The production of river herring lost to impingement and entrainment was estimated to be 6093 pounds wet weight per year (PSEG 2006a.).

The increase in production attributable to the salt hay farms is estimated to be 2.3 times the annual losses from impingement and entrainment at Salem. The installation of fish ladders at 12 impoundments in New Jersey and Delaware is estimated to be 1/6 of the production of river herring lost to impingement and entrainment at the facility.

Impact Assessment As part of the 2006 NJPDES application PSEG prepared an assessment of Adverse Environmental Impact for the Salem facility (PSEG 2006a, Section 5) which demonstrates that the Salem cooling water intake system has not caused and will not cause substantial harm to threatened and endangered species, the sustainability of populations of important aquatic species, or to structure and function of the ecosystem in the Delaware Estuary. This conclusion was reached through an analysis of the composition of the fish community in the vicinity of Salem, trends in the relative abundance of the RS, and the long term sustainability of fish stocks in the Estuary.

Data on the composition of the fish community in the Delaware Estuary over the period from 1970 through 2004 were analyzed for species richness and species density. Species richness is defined as the number of different species present in a community regardless of area analyzed, and species density is the number of species per unit of area or volume. Nearfield sampling using a 16 ft bottom trawl was conducted in most years since 1970. Data from 1970 to 1977, the pre-operational period, was compared to data from 1986 to 2004, the operational period. Both species richness and species density are generally higher in the 1986 to 2004 data than the 1970 to 1977 data, but there is no evident long-term trend in species richness or species density in the vicinity of Salem (PSEG 2006a).

Abundance data for the RS at Salem were evaluated to determine whether long term population trends exist. Several monitoring programs have been conducted in the Delaware Estuary for many years. Data from four monitoring programs were used for the analysis of trends: the DNREC Juvenile Trawl Survey, the NJDEP Beach Seine Survey, the PSEG Bay-side bottom trawl survey, and the PSEG Beach Seine Survey.

Results of the analysis indicate that seven species (alewife, American shad, Atlantic croaker, blue crab, striped bass, weakfish, and white perch) have increased in abundance, one species has shown declines (spot), and the remaining four species (Atlantic menhaden, Atlantic silversides, bay anchovy, and blueback herring) show no clear long term trends (PSEG 2006a).

Spot is the only species that was shown to have clear long-term declines in abundance in the Delaware Estuary over the period of operation of Salem. This species has also declined in the Chesapeake Bay since the 1970s (reference) indicating that the decline is not due to the operation of Salem.

A stock jeopardy analysis was performed to determine whether Salem has an impact on the long-term sustainability of fish stocks. The models used in this analysis evaluate the effect of impingement and entrainment losses on spawning stock biomass per recruit (SSBPR) and spawning stock biomass (SSB). These metrics are commonly used by fisheries managers to establish maximum fishing rates for managed fish populations. The stock jeopardy analysis compares estimated impacts of Salem on these metrics with the impacts of fishing on the same metrics. The analysis shows that for those species analyzed the effects of impingement and entrainment are negligible compared to the effects of fishing and reducing or eliminating impingement and entrainment at Salem would not measurably increase the reproductive potential or spawning stock biomass of any of these species (PSEG 2006a). Weakfish, striped bass, American shad, spot, The impact assessment concludes that the continued operation of Salem has not had substantial effects on fish populations or communities in the Delaware Estuary. For this reason and because of the demonstratedsuccess of the restorationprograms PSEG concludes that the impacts of entrainment on the importantfish and shellfish of the Delaware Estuary are SMALL and warrant no additionalmitigation.

NJDEP 1994. Final NJPDES Permit Including Section 316(a) Variance Determination and Section 316(b) Decision, Salem Generating Station, NJ0005622. Trenton, NJ, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

NJDEP 2001b. Final NJPDES Permit Including Section 316(a) Variance Determination and Section 316(b) Decision, Salem Generating Station, NJ0005622. Trenton, NJ, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Issue Date: June 29, 2001.

PSEG 1984. Salem Generating Station 316(b) Demonstration Project. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group. Publication date: February 1984.

PSEG 1995. 1995 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program. Publication date: June 1995.

PSEG 1996. 1996 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 1997. 1997 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 1998. 1998 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 1999a. Application for Renewal of the Salem Generating Station NJPDES Permit. Public Service Enterprise Group Publication date: March 4, 1999.

PSEG 1999b. 1999 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2000. 2000 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2001. 2001 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2002. 2002 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2003. 2003 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2004a. 2004 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2005. 2005 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2006a. Salem NJPDES Permit Renewal Application. NJPDES Permit No. NJ0005622.

Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group. Issue date: February 1, 2006.

PSEG 2006b. 2006 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG 2007b. 2007 Annual Report. Newark, New Jersey, Public Service Enterprise Group, Biological Monitoring Program.

PSEG Nuclear, LLC (PSEG). 2009a. Salem Nuclear Generating Station Units 1 and 2, License Renewal Application, Appendix E: Applicant's Environmental Report - Operating License Renewal Stage. Lower Alloways Creek Township, New Jersey. August 2009.

2.1.1 P-ow ri Taran-smission System Three Right of Way (ROW) corridors and five 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines connect Salem and HCGS to the regional electric grid, all of which are owned and maintained by PSE&G and Pepco Holdings Inc. (PHI). Each corridor is 350 feet wide, with the exception of two-thirds of both the HCGS-Red Lion and Red Lion-Kenney lines, which narrows to 200 feet. Unless otherwise noted, the discussion of the power transmission system is adapted from the environmental report (ER) (PSEG 2009a, PSEG 2009b) or information gathered at NRC's environmental site audit.

For the operation of Salem a transmission line was constructed to extend north, across the Delaware River, and to terminate at Keeney substation in Delaware. This line was previously identified as the "Salem-Keeney". After construction of HCGS, several changes were made to the Salem transmission line connections. A new substation (known as Red Lion) was built along the Salem-Keeney transmission line. The Salem-Keeney transmission line is now comprised of two segments: one from HCGS to Red Lion and the other from Red Lion to Keeney.

Consequently this line is now referred by two different names per segment of the transmission lines "HCGS-Red Lion" and "Red Lion-Keeney". The transmission line located within Delaware, "Red Lion-Keeney", is owned and maintained by Pepco (a regulated electric utility that is a subsidiary of PHI). Because the "Salem-New Freedom North" line was re-routed for operation of HCGS; it was necessary to construct a transmission line connecting Salem and New Freedom substation. This line is known as the "HCGS-New Freedom" line. Pre-existing the construction of HCGS, the "Salem-New Freedom South" line also connects Salem to the New Freedom substation.

The only new transmission lines constructed as a result of HCGS are the HCGS-New Freedom line, the tie line, and short reconnections for Salem-New Freedom North and Salem-Keeney.

The HCGS-Salem tie line and the short reconnections do not pass beyond the site boundary.

Transmission lines considered in-scope for license renewal are those constructed specifically to connect the facility to the transmission system (10 CFR 51.53(c)(3)(ii)(H)); therefore, the Salem-New Freedom North, Salem-Red Lion, Red Lion-Keeney, Salem-New Freedom South, HCGS-New Freedom, and HCGS-Salem lines are considered in-scope for this supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) and are discussed in detail below.

Mcontains a map of the Salem and HCGS transmission system. The five transmission lines are described below within the designated ROW corridor(*)

New Freedom North ROW

• Salem-New Freedom North - This 500-kV line, which is operated by PSE&G, runs northeast from HCGS for 63 km (39 mi) in a 107-m-(350-ft)-wide corridor to the New Freedom Switching Station north of Williamstown, New Jersey. This line shares the corridor with the 500-kV HCGS-New Freedom line.

• HCGS-New Freedom - This 500-kV line, which is operated by PSE&G, extends northeast from Salem for 69 km (43 mi) in a 107-m-(350-ft)-wide corridor to the New Freedom switching station north of Williamstown, New Jersey. This line shares the corridor with the 500-kV Salem-New Freedom North line. During 2008, a new substation (Orchard) was installed along this line, dividing it into two segments.

New Freedom South ROW

• Salem-New Freedom South - This 500-kV line operated by PSE&G extends northeast from Salem for 68 km (42 mi) in a 107-m-(350-ft)-wide corridor from Salem to the New Freedom substation north of Williamstown, New Jersey.

Red Lion ROW

" HCGS - Red Lion - This 500-kV line extends north from HCGS for 21 km (13 mi) and then crosses over the New Jersey-Delaware state line. It then continues west over the Delaware River about six km (four mi) to the Red Lion substation. In New Jersey the line is operated by PSE&G, and in Delaware it is operated by PHI. Two thirds of the 27-km (17-mi) corridor is 61 m (200 ft) wide, and the remainder is 107 m (350 ft) wide.

• Red Lion - Keeney- This 500-kV line, which is operated by PHI, extends from the Red Lion substation 13 km (eight mi) northwest to the Keeney switch station. Two thirds of the corridor is 70 m (200 ft) wide, and the remainder is 107 m (350 ft) wide.

Salem and. Hop'e Creek:Generatin~g ýStation Lu*eiU s*iem ancd l1ope C'ee-k G*eniaLihg OiaLiOnS Ubar, Are, r *n r1! -. F" ;

A Subvwtaioti *-PJnelm nid Tmnnrni*5ion Line analyzed in Hope Creek ER " ler

- "r-dritrnis5iori Linu arialyzod in Sa uri ER

=11 -ISe I-ounda,- Hope Creek Generating Station E:3jCoij Vy Boijndr y PSEG Prma.Try I-iglway ,..i LhLinMilod AccSIS License- Renewal Environmental Report Prdin- f-inhway FigLire 3.1-3 Transmission System Source:.(NRC 2009 Salem and HCGS ER)

The ROW corridors comprised approximately 149 miles and 6,019.2 acres; the lines cross within Camden, Gloucester and Salem counties in New Jersey and New Castle County in Delaware. All of the ROW corridors traverse the marshes and wetlands adjacent to the Salem and HCGS sites, including agricultural and forested lands.

All transmission lines were designed and built in accordance with industry standards in place at the time of construction. All transmission lines will remain a permanent part of the transmission system and will be maintained by PSE&G and PHI regardless of Salem and HCGS continued operation (PSEG 2009a, PSEG 2009b). The HCGS-Salem line, which connects the two substations, would be deactivated if the Salem and HCGS switchyards were no longer in use and would need to be reconnected to the grid ifthey were to remain in service beyond the operation of Salem and HCGS.

SSalem and HCGS Transmission Lines. Five 500 kV transmission lines connect electricity from Salem and HCGS to the regional electric transmission system via three ROW outside of the property boundary. "HCGS - Salem" tie-line is approximately 610m (2000 ft); this line does not pass beyond the site boundary and is not discussed as an off-site ROW.

Approximate Distance ROW width Approx. ROW area Line Owner kV mi (km) ft (M) ac (ha)

.New Freedom North ROW.

Salem - New Freedom North PSE&G 500 39 (63) 350(107) 1654.5 HCGS - New Freedom PSE&G 500 43 (69) 1824.2 New"Freedom South ROW:"

Salem - New Freedom South PSE&G 500 42 (68) 350 (107) 1781.8 Red 'Lion: ROW ......

HCGS Red - Lion PSE&G 500 17 (27) *200/350 (107) 515.7 Red-Lion Keeney PHI 500 8 (13) *200/350 (107) 243 Total acreage within ROW 6,019.2

• two - thirds of the corridor is 200 ft (70 m) wide Source: PSEG 2009a, PSEG 2009b