for the effect of soaktime (number of days between pothauls) and the catch of competing species that 

 significantly affected CPUE. 



The size of the local lobster population was estimated during 1976-84 using the method of Jolly (1965) 

 as modified by Seber (1965)(NUSCo 1984, 1985). This multiple census method uses tag and recapture 

 data to estimate the size of the entire population at various points in time. Due to the low accuracy of 

 the Jolly-Seber population estimates relative to the annual CPUE values, the use of .lolly-Seber estimates 

 was discontinued in 1985 (see Appendix to NUSCo 1986). The annual CPUE (lobsters caught per pot) 

 is a reliable index of relative population abundance, is interpreted more readily than a composite estimate, 

 and has a reliable and well known estimate of variance. 



Methods for the collection of lobsters on the intake traveling screens are described in the Fish Ecology 

 section of this report under Methods and Materials- Impingement. 



Initially, lobster larvae were enumerated from entrainment samples as part of the ichthyoplankton 

 (IP) monitoring program (see Fish Ecology); however, the methods were not designed for sampling lobster 

 larvae. larger volumes of water must be sampled to adequately quantify lobster larvae density because 

 of their patchy distribution in the water column. Beginning in 1984 a special lobster larvae entrainment 

 study was initiated to provide better estimates of the number of lobster larvae entrained through the plant's 

 cooling water systems. Lobster larvae sampling was conducted during the period of their occurrence (May 

 through July) at Units 1 and 2 discharges. Samples were collected with a 1.0 x 6.0 m conical plankton 

 net of 1.0 mm mesh deployed using a gcintry system described previously (NUSCo 1978). Sample volumes 

 were averaged from those calculated from the readings of four General Oceanic flowmeters. Four day and 

 four night samples were collected weekly (1 day, 1 night on each of 4 days). Each sample was placed in 

 a large 1.0 mm mesh sieve and kept in tanks supplied with a continuous flow of seawater. Samples were 

 sorted shortly after collection in a white enamel pan and larvae were examined for movement and classified 

 as either alive or dead. Ix)bster larvae were also classified by stage according to the criteria established by 

 Ilerrick (1911) and stored in 70% ethyl alcohol. 



Since some of the catch and population data collected prior to 1979 were incomplete, they do not 

 provide long term continuity. Therefore, in some of the following Results and Discussion sections, only 



