12-38 



Subtidal Benthos 



Results from data collected under the supervision of NAI 

 (1973-1977) for United Illuminating and from studies conducted by Rhoads 

 and Michael (1975, 1976, 1977) show the eastern half of New Haven Harbor 

 to be dominated by polychaete woinns with fewer numbers of bivalves and 

 amphipods also present. The subtidal areas adjacent to the Long Wharf 

 flats are dominated by pollution tolerant polychaetes and small numbers 

 of clams and snails. Data for the western side of the outer harbor are 

 scarce but it is likely these areas also are dominated by polychaete 

 worms. 



There appear to have been no significant changes in subtidal 

 benthic populations since plant start-up. Annual variations in popula- 

 tions have been continuous since the beginning of the study and do not 

 appear to have been affected by plant operation. [The only exception is 

 a chronic decrease in inner harbor populations during August; the exact 

 extent and cause of this is presently unclear.] 



SUMMARY 



Bird utilization of New Haven Harbor was typical of a large, 

 shallow urbanized estuary: the harbor provided shelter and feeding 

 grounds for shorebirds, gulls and migratory waterfowl. There was no 

 indication that any portion of New Haven Harbor served as a nesting area 

 for birds which utilize the shallows for feeding and shelter from 

 storms. Overall bird abundance fluctuated similarly both prior to and 

 after plant start-up while seasonal abundance remained fairly constant. 

 Number of waterfowl fluctuated with no discernible pattern from 1971- 

 1977 and did not appear to be affected by plant operation. Gull numbers 

 also fluctuated with a general trend toward increasing populations. 

 Shorebird numbers also fluctuated, with highest numbers observed in 1976 

 and 1977. 



