(2) The transects should be continued into the coastal waters to a 

 depth of 30 to 50 feet, where the data from oceanographic vessels is assumed 

 to apply. The sampling must, of course, be from a boat and should be stra- 

 tified to include representative bottom types. Proper collections of epi- 

 phytes and the fauna and flora of hard bottoms is possible only by divers who 

 cannot work safely in waters around Nantucket in winter. A cruise of the 

 R.V. Verr-lll, or an equivalent vessel (from MBL) , to Nantucket is planned for 

 the week of January 10 to complete this sampling. The total sampling with 

 modifications indicated by this experience should be repeated at least quar- 

 terly to account for seasonal variations. 



(3) More measurements of "heterotrophic potential" are required. We 

 were able to do only 5 measurements (out of 12 possible) because of lack of 

 time and manpower. The "heterotrophic potential" measurement has two parts: 

 (a) measurement of the rate of incorporation of the organic substrate (e.g., 

 glutamic acid - ■^'^C) into particulate matter; and (b) rate of release of 

 ^'*C02 from the organic matter (mineralization) . We were able to do only part 

 (a) and only on a limited number of samples. Part (b) should be run as well. 



(4) If the oil comes ashore we will have the following control data: 

 (a) preoiling survey data from these studies; (b) unoiled sites nearby; and 

 (c) a comprehensive survey of earlier studies in the area. A sampling plan 

 is being designed to appraise the effects, both shore and long-term. 



V-45 



