stations, and physical conditions at these stations can be experimentally 

 altered to determine the relationships of intertidal organisms to each 

 other, and to various environmental factors. 



The initial objective of the Rocky Shore Survey was to observe the 

 dominant species of the sessile fauna and flora of the local intertidal 

 region. The survey was primarily qualitative in nature, but as time 

 went by, the objectives were expanded to include more quantitative data, 

 and the sampling procedures were modified accordingly. The present 

 objectives of the Rocky Shore Survey are to identify the attached plant 

 and animal species at sites in the vicinity of Millstone Nuclear Power 

 Station (MNPS) , to establish temporal and spatial patterns of occurrence 

 and abundance at these sites, and to recognize the physical and biological 

 factors that induce variability at these sites. More specifically, we 

 must determine if differences in the biota of these sites exist that 

 could be attributed to the, operation of the power station. 



Past History 

 The rocky intertidal sampling program (Fig. 1) began in May 1968; 

 five stations (White Point, Fox Island-South, Fox Island-North, Bay 

 Point, and Black Point) were to be visited five times per year (May, 

 July, Sept., Dec, Feb.). Qualitative observations were to be made 

 along undescribed horizontal transects. By September 1968, sampling 

 procedures had become more rigorously defined; 100 foot long transects 

 were established between MLW and +1 meter for qualitative observations. 

 Six randomly placed, permanently marked quadrats, 50 cm on a side, were 

 used for quantitative studies: percent coverage by dominant organisms, 



