the F ratios. Determination of expected mean squares and all calculations 

 were completed using the computer program PROC ANOVA from SAS79. 



Several nonparametric (distribution free) statistical tests were 

 used to detect and/or evaluate changes in the shore-zone finfish to 

 avoid having to assume a normal distribution. The Kruskal-Wallis nonpara- 

 metric analysis of variance and a multiple range test based on ranks 

 (Zar 1974) were also applied to the data. 



RESULTS 

 Since 1969, 190,394 fish representing 39 taxa have been collected 

 from the shore-zone samples. The species caught, their abundance, and 

 relative percent composition are presented in Table 4. Silversides 

 (Menidia spp.) were the dominant shore-zone species, making up 77% of 

 the total catch. This group includes representatives from two species, 

 the inland silverside (M. beryllina ) and the Atlantic silverside (M. 

 menidia), because they were not distinguished during some times of the 

 study. Killifishes ( Fundulus spp.) were the second most abundant shore- 

 zone fish. The juveniles of the mummichog (JF. heteroclitus ) are indistin- 

 guishable from those of the killifish (F. majalis ) . For this reason all 

 killifishes were grouped together. The taxonomic literature on the 

 third most abundant taxon, sand lance ( Ammodytes sp.), is in a state of 

 flux. Evidence indicates that only one species is present but the 

 correct name remains obscure. Atlantic menhaden ( Brevoortia tyrannus ) 

 and f ourspine stickleback ( Apeltes quadracus ) as separate taxa have 

 contributed at least 1 % to the total catch since 1969. These five 

 taxonomic groups were considered 'important' and selected for further 

 analysis. 



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