The total population size, (33,205), using the Jolly-Seber 

 estimation technique, was within the range reported since 1975. The 

 estimated number of lobsters impinged at Units 1 and 2, (1496), was 

 within the range of previous years. Survival of impinged lobsters was 

 greater in 1983. 



FISH ECOLOGY 



Of the numerous finfishes found in MNPS impingment, plankton, trawl 

 and seine samples, nine species were discussed in detail. Young sand 

 lance, sticklebacks and silversides were permanent residents of the 

 Millstone Bight that prefer the shore-zone in summer and other nearby 

 habitats in winter. Tomcod, grubby and windowpane were permanent 

 residents that were available to capture year-round, although they were 

 slightly more abundant in some seasons than others. Gunner and tautog 

 were also year-round residents, but become torpid in winter making them 

 less susceptible to capture. Anchovies were seasonal residents that 

 were sporadically present in monitoring collections. 



Regression models, which included harmonic and autoregressive 

 terms, were used to forecast the 1983 abundances of selected species. 

 Models were fit to historical log-transformed finfish catches. Out of 

 56 models examined, 41 reliably described historical patterns (R^ 

 greater than 0.70). The highest R^ values were associated with models 

 that described very seasonal data. All models, however, were used to 

 make forecasts for 1983. The actual 1983 data were compared to the 

 forecasts to assess 1983 fluctuations, given historical patterns. Most 

 of the log-transformed 1983 catches did not exceed the forecast 95% 

 confidence limits. Of those that did, only tomcod catch fell below the 

 lower limit because its 1983 peak occurred later in the year than 

 expected. The data for anchovies, windowpane and cunner were above the 

 upper limit. These results were interpreted to mean that 1983 

 log-transformed finfish catches were within expected limits and did not 

 reflect effects due to power plant operations. This work provides the 

 basis for assessing impact under 3 unit operation. 



