benthk; infauna 



INTRODUCTION 



Ecological monitoring programs investigating the impacts of 

 man-induced stress on aquatic ecosystems frequently include studies of the 

 nearby infaunal communities (ConEd. 1977; LILCo 1983; Boston Edison Co. 

 1983). These communities are studied for two reasons. First, benthic 

 organisms provide an excellent monitoring tool, since they are discretely 

 motile and can not escape any man-induced physical or chemical change to 

 the natural environment. The sensitivity of infaunal organisms to 

 environmental change and the predictable manner in which they respond to 

 stress (Boesch 1973; Reish 1973; Reish et al. 1980; Sanders et al. 1980; 

 Gray 1982), further enhance their usefulness in impact assessment studies. 

 Second, benthic communities are monitored due to their important role in 

 maintaining the functioning of marine ecosystems. For example, infaunal 

 organisms represent an important food source for demersal fish, 

 particularly juvenile flatfishes (Kuipers 1977; De Vlas 1979; VanBlaricom 

 1982; Woodin 1982). Sediment reworking by these organisms also contributes 

 to the energy recycling and nutrient regenerating processes that are 

 necessary for maintaining ecosystem productivity (Coldhaber et al. 1977; 

 Aller 1978; Hylleberg and Maurer 1980; Ralne and Patching 1980). For 

 example, Zeitzschel (1980) estimated that 30-100% of the nutrient 

 requirements of shallow water phytoplankton populations were derived from 

 sediments; the benthos played a major role in the release of inorganic 

 nutrients to the water column. Given the varied role these organisms play 

 in ecosystem functioning and the dependence of other communities upon them, 

 any changes in the abundance and composition of these communities could 

 result in system-wide changes in the ecology of the area. 



Infaunal studies have been performed throughout the construction and 

 operational phases of Millstone Unit 1 and 2 and are providing data that 

 are needed to assess possible long-term impacts of the two operational 

 units. In addition, such studies are providing the data base necessary for 

 assessing impacts that may occur when Unit 3 becomes operational. 



