6.2 Chemical Processes 



Selected water, sediment, and fish samples will be analyzed at the NMFS 

 National Analytical Facility by gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer techni- 

 ques to complete the studies on the fate and weathering of the Avgo Mevehant 

 oil. In addition, samples will continue to be processed as the Endeavov re- 

 turns to the scene of the wreckage to measure the extent of bottom contami- 

 nation in that area. 



6.3 Biological Processes 



The Avgo Mevehant oil spill in its passage over Nantucket Shoals and 

 southeast Georges Bank encroached on the spawning grounds of cod, haddock, 

 pollock, herring, flounders (yellowtall, blackback, four-spot, sanddab) and 

 important scallop and silver hake fishing grounds. Considering the impor- 

 tance of the area, fish, shellfish, ichthyoplankton and benthos assessments 

 will be made by the NMFS Northeast Fisheries Center through extension and 

 augmentation of ongoing MARMAP surveys during the next 18 months to determine 

 the actual or potential impact. It is intended through Center reprogramming 

 and temporary reassignments to complete six to nine MARMAP surveys over the 

 area of the spill. These will provide important statistical infomation on 

 species composition and relative abundance, but these data will provide 

 little substantive information on the sublethal effects of the spill on the 

 "health" or condition of the stocks. 



If the impact of petroleum hydrocarbons on the fisheries resources of 

 the area is to be assessed with any reasonable probability of success, it is 

 essential to process selected species of fish, shellfish, benthos and ich- 

 thyoplankton for genetic damage, disruption of normal physiological proces- 

 ses, pathobiological conditions, and for levels of petroleum hydrocarbon 

 contaminants. 



Plans have been developed to carry forward a comprehensive long-term 

 assessment, which will include the following studies: 



Two NMFS cruises are planned to assess changes in populations of impor- 

 tant benthos and shellfish. Specimens of several shellfish species will be 

 collected for evidence of pathological conditions and toxic effects from 

 petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment. 



Expanded monitoring of larval and juvenile fish will encompass the area 

 of the oil spill to assess changes in population levels. 



Ongoing cooperative efforts between NMFS (Drs. Laurence and Kuhnhold, 

 Narragansett) and EAP (Jackim and Lefcourt, Narragansett) will be augmented 

 to determine effects of No. 6 fuel oil on pelagic fish eggs and larvae. In 

 addition, eggs and larvae of cod, and other demersal species such as winter 

 flounder will be used to test for responses of eggs and larvae to treatment 

 with "surrogate" Avgo Mevehant oil. 



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