Ecological studies on benthic and planktonic assemblages in lower Delaware Bay
Date
1976
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
College of Marine Studies University of Delaware, Lewes, Delaware
Abstract
This study was undertaken to obtain baseline ecological data
in Delaware Bay. During the summers of 1972 and 1973 the first
bay-wide quantitative survey of benthic organisms was conducted.
The survey consisted of 207 samples distributed over 26 transects
from the bay mouth to Woodland Beach, Delaware. Based on the
results of the bay-wide survey reported herein, it was decided to
conduct an intensive study in the oil lightering area in lower
Delaware Bay (1974-1975). The intensive study included quantitative
monthly investigations of phytoplankton and zooplankton
together with quarterly investigations of the benthos. Two 12hour
plankton studies were also conducted. In addition to the
quantitative benthic studies, there were extensive samples with
dredge hauls. Data from dredge hauls and grabs were compared to
determine whether a useful method of community analysis could be
developed based on dredge data alone. It was concluded, that such
a method was feasible but that it required additional refinement.
Some of the survey data were never reported for Delaware Bay prior
to this study.
Description
Keywords
Benthic invertebrate assemblages, Impact of human activities, Crude oil, Refineries, Marine Animals -- Delaware Bay, Marine Animals -- Delaware Bay