130 



stage. Stage I was found at multiple stations in all three reference areas, but only seven 

 replicates had active feeding voids at depth to indicate the presence of Stage III individuals. 



The OSI median values ranged from +5 to +10, with an overall average of +6.7. 

 These were very similar to values observed in 1997 (+6.8). No replicates had low 

 dissolved oxygen conditions, although a few replicates from NE REF did portray dark, 

 sulfidic sediments. No methane gas pockets were detected in the images obtained from the 

 reference areas in July 1998. 



Monitoring Cruise at the New London Disposal Site, 1992 - 1998 



