relate larval densities to adult population sizes and estimated egg 

 production. The 0.505-mm mesh sample was not processed after 1975 and 

 night samples weren't taken again until 1980. 



Winter flounder larvae were first collected in February 1975, 

 indicating spawning as early as mid- January (NUSCo 1977) . Highest 

 densities were found at station 2 in the Niantic River and 6 in Jordan 

 Cove during March and April with progressiveley less at more offshore 

 stations. Although numbers of larvae declines through late spring, some 

 yolk-sac larvae were still collected as late as June at offshore station 

 14. Catch curves similar to those of Pearcy (1962) were prepared for 

 each station in an attempt to localize areas of spawning or larval 

 retention. Densities of winter flounder larvae were plotted against 

 length at each station. The Niantic River and probably Jordan Cove were 

 thought to be spawning areas in 1976. 



Various analyses of the 1973 through 1975 entrainment data led to 

 major changes in the entrainment sampling program (see Plankton Program 

 Evaluation) . A 3-day and night, 3-replicate sampling scheme (18 samples 

 per week) was established at the Discharge station in July 1975. The 

 first winter flounder larval period under this sampling schedule was in 

 1976 and this program has remained in effect to date. 



Analysis of entrainment data showed the maximum density of winter 

 flounder larvae occurred at the plant from mid to late April, several 

 weeks after that in the Niantic River (NUSCo 1977) . Larvae were most 

 abundant at night, especially specimens 5.5 mm or larger during late 

 spring. Densities were also greatest during maximum tidal currents, 

 either ebb or flood. These findings suggested some changes in vertical 

 distribution of larvae by time and by tide. The entrainment catch curve 



69 



