*) 
a 
i) 
FORT MACON 
EMERALD ISLE 
NOURISHMENT 
NUMBER PER m2 
Figure 26. Seasonal variations in H. canadensis densities from 
the nourishment beach at Fort Macon, June 1977 to 
August 1978, and the comparison beach at Emerald Isle, 
September 1977 to August 1978. The actual period of 
nourishment is represented by a slashed line below 
the X-axis. 
were recruited from the calmer inlet waters or sound beaches. Dexter (1967, 
1969) indicated that H. canadensts were very abundant on the protected Radio 
Island beach inside the inlet. This could explain the disparate densities 
between the study beach and the comparison beach before nourishment. 
This amphipod remained absent from any nourished part of the beach once 
nourishment began. It first reappeared on the nourished beach at a point very 
near the inlet. No other H. canadensis had been found at any other location 
by the end of this study. The life history and behavior of this organism does 
not favor a quick return to the nourished area. Density will remain low until 
enough of a "seed" population of H. canadensts can diffuse into the area. 
d. Scolelepts squamata. This indirect selective deposit-feeding spionid 
worm has widespread distribution (J. McDermott, Franklin Marshall College, 
Lancaster, Pennsylvania, personal communication, 1978) and has been reported as 
important in the lower swash zone (Matta, 1977). Results of this study indi- 
cate that while it was an important member of the Fort Macon macrofauna, it 
was virtually absent from the Emerald Isle beach. The S. squamata density at 
Fort Macon declined from a prenourishment maximum of 120 individuals per square 
46 
