13-11 



panels did not show clear species-richness seasonal patterns. In some 

 years, high summer species-richness values on long-term panels occurred 

 (1977) , but spring or fall maxima were equally prevalent over the entire 

 seven-year study period. The number of taxa was usually lower at Long 

 Wharf (inner harbor) than Harbor Station or Fort Hale (outer harbor) . 

 Though species richness on long-term panels showed annual increases from 

 1971 through 1976 and a decrease in 1977, the changes appear to reflect 

 taxonomic refinements, panel losses and length of sampling period, rather 

 than any real change in species richness. 



Short-term fouling panel dominants were similar to those on 

 long-term panels. Most species settled from June through October during 

 and after the reproductive season, with maximum species-richness values 

 in July, August and September for all years. As with long-term panels, 

 an increase in short-term panel species-richness values from 1971 

 through 1977 was probably a result of taxonomic refinements, but could 

 also be indicative of some water quality improvements as was the case 

 with species diversity at Niantic Bay (Battelle, 1978) . For most years, 

 settlement on short-term panels was greater at New Haven Harbor Station 

 and Fort Hale than Long Wharf, probably reflecting deteriorated water 

 quality at Long Wharf. 



Impaats 



Species composition, distribution and abundances of fouling 

 community members remained relatively consistent in New Haven Harbor 

 throughout the study period. None of the dominant species showed 

 changes in distribution or abundance that could be related to station 

 operation. Both because its disappearance was not localized at Harbor 

 Station and because it has been recorded in high numbers in recent 

 (1978) data. Teredo's absence from 1976 to 1978 is not considered to be 

 related to New Haven Harbor Station operation. Fluctuation in seasonal 

 and annual distributions of panel-community members in New Haven Harbor 

 is characteristic of the assemblage; similar patterns have been seen in 



