UNCLASSIFIED 



SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGEfWhan Dmtm Entered) 



The benthic invertebrates were represented by 170 species in 26 major 

 taxa. The taxon with the most abundant species (69) was the phylum 

 Polychaeta. The fauna was dominated by 14 species which constituted 80 

 percent of the collected individuals. The number of species and the 

 diversity index were lowest in the swash zone and highest at the offshore 

 stations at a depth of 30 feet. Number of individuals was highest in May 

 and August and lowest in November and February. Of the invertebrate species, 

 21 may be new to science; 15 of the 21 are amphipods and 4 of these are 

 among the most abundant species occurring in the nearshore zone. Correlation 

 of animal abundance to selected sedimentological parameters was low. Mean 

 grain size was the most significant sediment factor tested. 



The effect of Hurricane Eloise on Panama City Beach was extensive. The 

 beach and primary sand dune were severely eroded. The number of individuals 

 continued to increase for 6 days following the storm; thereafter, it decreased. 

 The number of species increased also, reaching a peak on the third day after 

 the storm, and then it decreased. 



SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS P *GE(When Data Ent, 



