Since phytoplankton rapidly reproduce, a population could easily re- 

 cover from most losses. 



Zooplankton 



Zooplankton drift with the currents off the New England 

 coast and feed on phytoplankton. They, in turn, are the primary 

 food source for some fish and benthic species. The eggs and larvae of 

 several commercially important fish and shellfish are included in 

 this category. An oil spill would particularly affect the eggs and 

 larvae of species concentrated near the surface. Short-lived species 

 would be most vulnerable. 



Benthos 



Benthic communities play an important role in the cycling of 

 nutrients and food through the marine ecosystem for they feed on detrital 

 material and are then in turn consumed by fish and other organisms. Commer- 

 cially important benthic organisms of the area include clams, quahogs, 



crabs, lobster and scallops. Physical characteristics of the sedi- 

 ment, available organic matter and mode of attachment govern the dis- 

 tribution of benthic organisms. Rates of accumulation of hydrocarbons 

 in the sediments are not really known. For the Georges Bank area 

 the Council on Environmental Quality (1974) estimates that the re- 

 covery time for sandy areas (highest productivity) would be two to 

 three years. 9 The sublethal effects of oil on the benthos are not 

 known. There is a possibility that reproductive behavior could be 

 disturbed. Oil will affect the taste and color of the shellfish. In 

 fact, MIT (1973) predicted that a large offshore spill on Georges Bank 



18 



