(_f) To determine variations due to seasonal influences, samples 

 were collected for two seasons, November-December 1979 and May 1980. 

 Significant differences were found in all of the faunal parameters as well 

 as species composition between sampling periods. Saloman C1976) also 

 revealed pronounced seasonal fluctuations. Physical parameters such as 

 temperature and wave intensity show pronounced seasonal variation within 

 the study area and undoubtedly influence infaunal community characteristics 

 within the nearshore zone. The two sampling periods of this study do not 

 adequately address temporal variations.. However, in conjunction with. 

 Saloman's (1976) data (four seasonal samplings) the importance of seasonal 

 variation was assessed. 



(g) To make valid comparisons of studies conducted at different 

 times or places, the methods used should be identical, where practical, or 

 yield analogous results. All the sampling and processing methods used for 

 this study were identical to those used by Saloman with the following 

 exceptions: 



(1) A 5.08-centimeter PVC core was used to obtain sediment 

 samples instead of 8-ounce (227 grams) jars. 



(2) Percent organic carbon and percent carbonate present 

 in the sediment samples were determined by combustion (500° 

 Celsius for organic carbon and 1,000° Celsius for carbonate). 

 Saloman (1976) used a Leco 750-100 90-second carbon analyzer. 

 These methods have been shown to yield comparable results 

 (Carver, 1971). 



(h) Taxonomic procedures followed standard literature keys and 

 expert confirmations. Additionally, a reference collection of species 

 collected during the 1974-75 study was provided for comparative purposes. 



(i) Sediment samples have been analyzed by standard geological 

 methods, tabulated and svramiarized for each station. Analytical methods 

 and numerical indices were chosen on the basis of their widespread use in 

 scientific literature and their ability to provide data summaries. 



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