65 



Upon review of the benthic community assessment data collected at WLIS since 

 1984, a trend of shallow RPD depths, indications of low DO, and poor benthic habitat can 

 be associated with mid-summer monitoring efforts. The results obtained during the July 

 1996 and otiier recent surveys (Jime 1991 and July 1992) suggest the completion of benthic 

 community assessment operations in early summer, before the development of hypoxia and 

 the deterioration of conditions provide a more realistic perspective into the condition of the 

 benthic environment. 



Prior DAMOS experience has determined that intensive recruitment of 

 opportunistic, pioneering polychaetes (Stage I individuals) occurs 1-2 weeks after the 

 completion of disposal activity (Germano et al. 1994). Therefore, it is recommended that 

 future survey operations at WLIS requiring the assessment of benthic infaunal 

 recolonization be scheduled for late June or early July. Monitoring surveys conducted 

 within this time frame should provide adequate recruitment time on the surface of a new 

 dredged material deposit, as well as avoid the negative effects of summer hypoxia in the 

 region. 



Monitoring Cruise at the Western Long Island Sound Disposal Site, July 1996 



