The interticial region in the vicinity of Millstone Point is exposed to a potential thermal impact from 

 MNPS. Response to an impact may be obvious or subtle, and may occur at a community, population, 

 or species level. The Rocky Shore monitoring program was designed and implemented with the following 

 objectives: 



1. to identify the attached plant and animal species found on nearby rocky shores, 



2. to identify and quantify temporal and spatial patterns of occurrence and abundance of benthic species 

 on these shores, and 



3. to identify the physical and biological factors that induce variability in these intertidal areas. 



To achieve these objectives, the rocky intertidal studies include qualitative algal collections, abundance 

 measurements of intertidal organisms (percent of substratum covered), measurement of rates and patterns 

 of recolonization following small-scale perturbation, experimental exclusion of grazers and predators for 

 selected areas, and growth studies of Ascophyllum nodosum. These studies permit determination of potential 

 biological perturbation from operation of Units 1 and 2 and construction of Unit 3. These studies also 

 provide base-line data that will pennit prediction and assessment of additional impact, if any, from 

 operation of Unit 3. 



The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of results from all rocky shore studies performed 

 during 2-unit operation. Space limitations required considerable condensation of information; c<5mplete 

 data arc included in Appendix RS la-d. 



MATERIALS AND METHODS 



I'hc rocky intertidal sampling program at MNPS began in May 1968 (Fig. I; NU'SCo 1982); the 

 initial surveys were primarily qualitative in nature. In August 1978, the sampling program was evaluated, 

 and extensive modifications were proposed (Appendix RS II, Proposed ('hanges for Intertidal Rock 

 Sampling at Millstone Point). Modified sampling procedures were instituted in February 1979, incorporating 

 non-destructive sampling, emphasizing more frequent qualitative and quantitative collections. This report 



