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The dominant species on the ocean beach were Emerita talpoida, Scolelepis 

 squamata, Donax sp., and Parahaustorius longimerus. Three communities were 

 defined on the beach by a factor analysis of physical and biological param- 

 eters measured. The Emerita community was confined to the swash zone and 

 the inner edge of the surf zone on the beach. It was characterized by high- 

 stress conditions, high densities of E. talpoida, and low densities of all 

 other species. The Scolelepis community ranged outward from the margin of 

 the surf zone to approximately 45 to 50 meters offshore. It was characterized 

 by high densities of S. squamata and also had high densities of other 

 organisms including P. longimerus and Donax sp. The Parahaustorius community 

 extended from 50 to 60 meters offshore to an undetermined offshore point. It 

 was characterized by high densities of P. longimerus. and lowered densities 

 of S. squamata. Donax sp. and Bathyporeia quoddyensis also attained their 

 highest densities in this area. Species diversities on the beach were low. 



The sound beach was characterized by three distinct faunistic commu- 

 nities. The Scoleaolepides community was characterized by high densities 

 of Scoleaolepides viridis , Chironomid larvae, and Peloscolex sp. and the 

 presence of Rangia cuneata. It extended from 90 to 140 meters to at least 

 300 meters offshore, with the nearshore boundary the edge of the wind tide 

 exposed beach and the offshore boundary probably the margin of the dense 

 stands of Rupea in deep water. The zone between the beach margin and the 

 edge of the Scolecolepides community was characterized by the burrowing 

 amphipod Lepidactylus dystious. This was the only abundant species in this 

 zone which was frequently exposed by wind tides. A small developing marsh 

 community, characterized by higher organic content, higher temperatures, 

 lower salinities, increased numbers of species and higher species densities 

 was the third community on the site. Species diversities were low as is 

 characteristic of most oligohaline areas. 



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