Ix)bster larvae entrainment studies indicated that lobster larvae are susceptible to cntrainment from 

 mid-May through late-June. The occurence of lobster larvae in the cooling waters coincided with the 

 peak abundance of berried females caught in our traps. More lobster larvae were collected in night 

 samples (substantiated by two 24 h samplings in 1985). The fact that more larvae were collected at 

 night when surface densities have been reported to be lowest may result from a combination of larval 

 behavior and the intake structure curtain wall design. This design minimizes entrainment of lobster 

 larvae during day when larvae are surface oriented. Survival of lobster larvae after passing through the 

 plant's cooling water system was observed indicating that entrainment mortality is lower than the assumed 

 100%. 



Since 1975, an estimated 11,359 lobsters were caught on the intake traveling screens. The number 

 of lobsters impinged at Units 1 and 2 was highest in 1982, corresponding with the highest annual trap 

 catch, A fish return system (sluiceway) was constructed at Unit 1 and began operating in December 

 1983 which improved survival and minimized damage to lobsters associated with the impingement process 

 at MNPS. 



There is no evidence to date that MNPS has significantly affected the local lobster population. 

 I'luctuations in the annual abundance of lobsters throughout Long Island Sound and the variability in 

 annual (.TUE's of the local lobster population appear to be related to natural events. 



EXPOSURE PANEL PROGRAM 



Patterns of abundance and distribution of fouling and woodboring organisms on exposure panels 

 at ambient water sites, determined during 2-unit operation, have been consistent from year to year, and 

 were predictable based on seasonal water temperatures, and the life stages available for settlement. 

 Wood-loss was caused primarily by Teredo nax'alis, and was highest during the May-Nov exposure 

 period. Variation in identity and abundance of species that colonized the panel surfaces did not appear 

 to affect recruitment or abundance of woodborers. 



