A final modification to the sampling program to date occurred in 

 May 1982. Prior to this time, qualitative algal collections were made 

 at various locations in the effluent quarry, but only at irregular 

 intervals. As of May, collections are made monthly, at three sites 

 within the quarry, and along the west bank of the discharge cut 

 (Fig. 3). 



RESULTS AND EVALUATION 



Qualitative Collections 



At the rocky shore stations that have been sampled monthly since 

 February 1979, 129 species of algae have been identified, exclusive of 

 diatoms and blue-green algae (Appendix III) . Not all species were found 

 at any one station, nor were they all found in any one collection 

 period, but the annual flora has been characterized, and has remained 

 consistent with time. 



One measure of consistency in the flora is the ratio of numbers of 

 species in each major algal division. Of the 129 species found, 59 were 

 reds (Rhodophyta) , 33 browns (Phaeophyta) , and 37 greens (Chlorophyta) . 

 These values are compared to those reported from previous years (NUSCo 

 1980, 1981, 1982) in Table la. Regardless of the number of species, the 

 relative proportions are virtually identical. When the 1981 data are 

 analysed by station (Table lb), the same proportions are apparent, again 

 independent of species number. 



To illustrate the applicability of qualitative species proportions 

 in assessing rocky shore flora over a wide range of conditions, Table lc 

 presents the same pattern in results from other studies in New England. 

 With elevated temperatures, however, the relative proportions alter. 

 Schneider (1981) sampled algae from the Millstone effluent quarry over 

 an 18 month period, and found 42 species in the 3 major algal 



