of the area (see "Spacial Variability of Coastal Waters" and "Processes 

 Influencing Coastal Waters" above). 



Fishes are found primarily in the subtidal zone, but frequent intertidal areas 

 at high tide or when sufficient water and food are present. Demersal fishes 

 are more closely associated with specific bottom types than pelagic fish. A 

 variety of fish are commonly found in subtidal unconsolidated bottom habitats 

 (and intertidal flats and beaches at high tide) in inshore marine waters in 

 Maine, including alligatorf ish, American sand lance, wrymouth, lumpfish, 

 Atlantic cod, the flounders, the skates, scup, the sturgeons, haddock, and 

 silver hake. Fishes are discussed in detail in chapter 11, "Fishes." 



Class: rock bottom . While subtidal rock bottoms are uncommon along the 

 East Coast of the United States, they are relatively common in the 

 characterization area. These areas were not specifically considered in the 

 NWI . It may be assumed that, except for a band of varying width that 

 parallels rocky shores, the total area of this habitat is relatively small and 

 it occurs in an insular fashion, separated by unconsolidated bottom. 



Subtidal rock bottoms are formed by the submergence of coastal areas underlain 

 by bedrock. The surficial sediments are removed by waves, as the swash zone 

 moves landward. Wave-generated subtidal currents, however, may continue to 

 expose bedrock in water depths up to 66 feet (20 m) , the depth limit of storm- 

 wave influence along the Maine coast (Farrell 1972). 



Subtidal rock bottom is the most important habitat along the Maine coast with 

 regard to macroalgal biomass, because it provides the stable substratum 

 required by these plants. Vegetated rock bottoms fall into the NWI aquatic 

 bed class. This habitat probably accounts for the majority of macroalgal 

 productivity in coastal Maine. Unfortunately, little attempt has been made 

 yet to quantify the subtidal flora of Maine. 



The subtidal vegetation of rocky bottoms is dominated by large brown 

 laminarians (kelps), principally of the genus Laminaria . These plants, which 

 appear to exert a stabilizing influence on sublittoral macroalgal populations, 

 are perennials and live many years. While brown algae dominate the algal 

 biomass, red and green algae are present in low biomass and the reds account 

 for most of the species. Many of these species are annuals and may appear for 

 only brief periods during the year. Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), however, 

 may be locally abundant. In water deeper than 66 feet (20 m) smaller, slow- 

 growing forms are dominant. Due to the paucity of information on subtidal 

 macroalgae, geographic variations cannot be considered. Large scale 

 variations do not appear to be present, however, and the above pattern remains 

 the same from Cape Elizabeth to Eastport. 



Few studies have been conducted on invertebrates of subtidal rock bottoms in 

 the characterization area. Available information includes a qualitative study 

 by Verrill (1874) in Casco Bay and impact-related studies in Casco Bay 

 (Normandeau Associates 1974) and Penobscot Bay (Normandeau Associates 1975). 

 In addition, Marine Research Associated (1979) conducted subtidal studies in 

 the Passamaquoddy/Deer Isle area adjacent to region 6. Normandeau Associates 

 (1974) describe the fauna of rocky outcrops of Casco Bay as sparse, with two 

 species, the barnacle Balanus crenatus and the amphipod Unciola irrorata , 

 being numerical dominants. 



4-74 



