5-9 



evaluate trends in certain parameters over time. Collections were 

 ranked in chronological order and the parameter being examined was 

 ranked according to its position in the range of values expressed in the 

 time scries. A reflection renjion of 0.05 was usc>d consistently in this 

 procedure. 



Numbers of taxa and individuals per sample were analyzed for 

 differences by years, seasons and stations via three-way ANOVA. This 

 analysis was j^e^^foi^med by the NAI Technical Data Processing & Analysis 

 Group. In order to incorporate the most temporally extensive but con- 

 sistent data base possible into this analysis, only data from the spring 

 and summer samplings at Stations 5N, 8N and 13N over the 1973-1977 

 period were used. All data were standardized by a log (X + 1) trans- 

 formation. The null hypotheses under consideration were: 1) the exper- 

 imental stations in general would not exhibit changes over years, or 2) 

 that Stations 5N and 8N would show changes with the inception of station 

 operation while the Morris Cove Station 13N would not. 



CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NEW HAVEN HARBOR BENTHIC INFAUNA 



As might be expected in a temperate, shallow, estuarine embay- 

 ment, the subtidal benthos in New Haven Harbor is spatially and season- 

 ally variable in terms of species composition, faunal densities and 

 species richness. In addition, the New Haven Harbor benthos has been 

 characterized by extreme year-to-year variability in these parameters. 

 The most abundant fauna are either opportunistic, have short life spans, 

 or are highly mobile species that are rarely present through a full 

 annual cycle. The parameters of species richness, faunal density and 

 diversity are considered in detail and examined for spatial and seasonal 

 patterns, particularly as they are related to changes in the environ- 

 mental condition of the harbor. Those species commonly found in the 

 area which, on the basis of abundances and frequencies of occurrence, 

 best characterize the benthic assemblage of New Haven Harbor are dis- 

 cussed in greater detail. Faunal groupings are identified and their 



