13-7 



characterized by substantial seasonal abundance peaks. Early copepod 

 developmental stages (i.e., nauplii and copepodites) have been season- 

 ally important and during time of high abundance are numerically domi- 

 nant. Though relatively scarce in 1977 collections, cyclopoid copepods 

 of the genus Oithona have occurred in New Haven Harbor on a fairly 

 regular and essentially year-round basis. 



iGhthyoplankton 



More than 45 ichthyoplankton taxa were identified in New Haven 

 Harbor from 1974 through 1911 , with a distribution among dominant taxa 

 similar to those reported for Long Island Sound and adjacent waters from 

 various studies between 1943 and 1975. Anchovy and cunner eggs, and 

 anchovy and sand lance larvae were numerical dominants, while fourbeard 

 rockling (possibly mixed with hake) eggs were also important. Though 

 New Haven Harbor may be an important nursery area for weakfish and 

 winter flounder, neither eggs nor larvae of these fish were abundant in 

 the ichthyoplankton. 



During each year from 1974 through 1977, total fish egg abun- 

 dance generally peaked during June and July — anchovy eggs were domi- 

 nant. During the remainder of the year, fish egg abundances were rela- 

 tively low. Fish-egg densities were generally higher at outer harbor 

 stations except during 1977, when fish eggs were more abundant at mid- 

 harbor, channel stations. Dominant taxa were cunner (1974-1976) , ancho- 

 vies (1975, 1977) and mackerel (1977) . Seasonal abundance patterns of 

 the dominant taxa did not vary much over the four-year study period and, 

 the inter-year variation of dominants that was observed was consistent 

 over all stations. 



Larval fish were most abundant during July and August when 

 anchovies predominated. In addition to anchovies, sand lance (February- 

 April) and winter floiinder (April-May) larvae, though present only in 

 low densities, were seasonal dominants. Overall, fish larval densities 

 were highest for most years just outside the breakwaters and were lowest 

 near the West River entrance. 



