serve as metabolic yardsticks that will be both analytically feasible and 

 environmentally significant. 



4.1.7 Biological Samples for Hydrocarbon Analysis 



The first of two groups of samples were sent to the NOAA National 

 Analytical Facility in Seattle, Washington, for detailed hydrocarbon anal- 

 ysis. The fish and invertebrate species selected for analyses are listed in 

 Table VII-20 in Appendix VII. In addition, the stomach contents of one cod 

 suspected of containing oil were sent. 



4.1.8 Phytoplankton Studies 



Two phytoplankton tows were conducted by S. French, URI, aboard the 

 Endeavor Cruise EN-002. He obtained material from a "clean" area (Station 1) 

 and from a "contaminated" area (Station 2). Since tows are not quantitative, 

 he and P. Hargraves were only able to compare the species composition of 

 large diatoms and dinof lagellates. There was no obvious difference between 

 the two areas. Both were very abundant in Coscinodiscus species, Thalassio- 

 nema species, Ceratium species, and the tintinnid Stenosemella . Station 2 

 had small oil droplets in low numbers. There was considerable similarity in 

 species composition with a tow taken in the same area during a previous 

 cruise of the Endeavor in early November. On the basis of these two samples, 

 there was no obvious response of phytoplankton to the oil spill. These data 

 are far from conclusive, and future efforts will include quantitative sampl- 

 ing of phytoplankton, estimates of productivity rates, and examination of 

 benthic microbiota. 



4.2 Seabird Observations 



Observations of seabirds were made both as a part of routine, ongoing 

 activities and in response to the Argo Merchant oil spill. The Manomet Bird 

 Observatory (MBO) , Manomet, Massachusetts, has been conducting routine 

 studies in the Nantucket and Georges Banks areas since February 1976 by 

 having observers aboard USCG patrol vessels as well as other ships. Most of 

 this effort is supported by private donations and foundation grants, but part 

 of the funding for 1976 was supplied by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 (USF&WS). Other seabird observations were also made on all the research 

 cruises conducted in connection with the spill, and the State of Massachu- 

 setts instituted a special seabird collection and clean-up effort. 



4.2.1 Manomet Bird Observatory Report 



L. Loughlin of MBO was fortuitously stationed aboard the USCGC Vigilant 

 when the vessel was in the vicinity of the grounded tanker. His observations 

 were funded partly by USF&WS and partly by private donations to MBO. The 

 following is extracted from his report, dated January 3, 1977. 



"The vessel usually stayed within 3 miles of the tanker, often much 

 closer. Bird density in the area was generally low, probably due to the lack 

 of fishing activity. The dominant species were Herring Gulls, Great Black- 



114 



