HomeMy WebLinkAboutOriginal Townsite Block 4 - Thomas Oil Eelgrass Survey 1993.12.00a
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THOMAS OIL EELGRASS SURVEY
1993
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2730.C WASHTNCTON ST., P.O. BOX 14S, PORT TOWNSEND, WA 98368; 206 . 385 . 7976
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THOIT,IAS OIL EEI,GRASS SURVEY
1993
Prepared For:
The VERTEX Corporation
Prepared By:
Dale B. Bonar, Ph.D.
Aquatic Environmental Services
2730 Washington Street, Suite C
Port Townsend, WA 98368
December, 1993
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A benthic survey of the littoral zone in the vicinity of the Thomas Oil Site in Port
Townsend, Washington was conducted to characterize the eelgrass beds and the algal and
macrofaunal communities. Ten transects, established between the Point Hudson Jetty and the
City Dock, were surveyed by SCUBA teams.
A continuous eelgrass bed is present between Point Hudson Jetty and City Dock. The
seaward margin of the this zone is demarcated at a depth of approxim ately -20' MLLW by the
dropoff to deeper water. The shoreward margin is quite variable and is affected by the
presence of the Jetty, the Thomas Oil Dock and City Dock. The major impacts of the
Thomas Oil and City Docks are shading, while the impact of the Jetty appears to be reduced
flushing.
The existing eelgrass appears healthy and exists primarily in an even distribution that was
judged to be dense or very dense. At the shoreward and seaward margins the distribution
becomes patchy.
A diverse and luxuriant algal community exists in the area, coinciding mainly with the
eelgrass zone. Below a depth of approximately -2' MLLW, the algal community covers 75-
100% ofthe bottom area.
Seaperch, sole and sculpin were commonly seen during the transect surveys. A variety of
other fish species were noted to be present in redtrced numbers.
A healthy, though modest, invertebrate fauna was observed in the area. Representative
crabs, shrimp, bivalves, starfish and anemones were commonly seen along the transects.
These species represent an assemblage that would be expected to occur in areas that are not
substantially impacted by pollution.
Large debris that was encountered during the survey inoluded many submerged pilings
and discarded tires.
THOMAS OIL EELGRASS SURVEY
INTRODUCTION
The VERTEX Corporation has proposed construction of the Kur Ort, a hotel and health
spa, on a two-acre site currently occupied by Thomas Oil. The property is located just west
of the Point Hudson Marina and east of the City Dock in the Civic District of downtown
Port Townsend, Washington. The proposed project includes construction of a public
aquarium facility and reconstruction of the existing Thomas Oil dock that extends
approximately 200 feet into Port Townsend Bay. A voluntary Environmental Impact
Statement (EIS) is being prepared for the project as part of the SEPA process. As part of that
EIS, this report provides an environmental assessment of the near-shore benthic environment
and examines, in particular, the eelgrass beds that exist on the site. The field survey was
designed to quantify the eelgrass, submerged aquatic vegetation and macrofaunal component
of the nearshore habitat (to a depth of approximately 50 feet) between the southwestern
breakwater of the Point Hudson Marina and the City Dock.
Shoreline Description: The shoreline at the Thomas Oil site is composed of coarse sand
and fine gravels between the mean higher high water line and a tide level of approximately
+3.0 feet above mean lower low water (MLLW). Below the +3.0 feet MLLW level the
sediments grade to finer sands. The beach slope is relatively consistent over the 225 foot
distance between the extreme high water level (+10.3 feet MLLW) at the bulkhead to the
furthest extent of the dock (-9 feet MLLW). The concrete launch ramp of the Port
Townsend Salmon Club ocoupies part of the foreshore just past the western boundary of the
Thomas Oil property line. Beyond the launch ramp and reaching most of the remaining
distance to the City Dock, a rock outcrop in front of Pope Marine Park extends into the
intertidal to a tide level of approximately +6.0 feet MLLW. The shoreline is exposed to wave
action from flre southeast but is partially protected by the Point Hudson rubble mound jetty.
This lateral protection appears to minimize seasonal movements of sand and gravel on the
upper shore.
METHODS
Transect Layout: A series of transects extending outward from the shoreline was established
between the Point Hudson Jetty and the City Dock (see Figure 1). A linear baseline oriented
at 50o N was established along the approximate mean higher high water line and ten, 300
foot, marked transect lines were established perpendicular to this baseline, extending seaward
at an angle 1400 N. Distances between transects ranged from 75' to 1.25', with those on the
Thomas Oil property being closest together.
1
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SCUBA Survey: A two-diver team surveyed lO-foot wide swaths of bottom along the length
of each transect, beginning at the shoreward edge and continuing to a water depth of
approximately 50 feet. Observations and collected data (see below) were noted on underwater
plastic writing slates. At the conclusion of each transect survey, data and additional notes or
observations were transferred to field forms. Exact times and water depths for each
observation were recorded so that actual depths (elevations) in relation to MLLW could later
be calculated from tide tables.
Eelqrass Evaluation: At each 25-foot mark along the transect divers noted the distribution
and density of any visible eelgrass in the following semi-quantitative manner. Distribution
was noted as Even (< I m separation), Patchy (l-3 m separation) or Scattered (> 3 rn
separation). Density was noted as Very Dense, Dense, Moderate, Low or Sparse. The
field determination of density was made by subjective visual evaluation of apparent density
Quantification of the visual determinations of density was later performed by analyzing all
of the eelgrass turions within triplicate,0.l sq. meter quadrats taken in areas previously
scored at very dense, dense and moderate densities. At each site, a quadrat was placed on the
bottom and all turions within the quadrat were counted, cut off with scissors at their base,
transferred to labeled plastic bags and returned to the surface for later laboratory analysis. In
the laboratory, the contents of each bag was blotted on paper towels, weighed and the
individual blades counted and measured for length.
Results of these analyses were used to produce estimates of eelgrass biomass and
density/distribution diagrams for the area. Density/distribution diagrams were created with
AutoCAD, which was also used to determine percent coverage.
Flora and Faunal Analysis:
Qualitative observations were made along the entire length of each transect by noting all
species of algae, invertebrates and fish seen in the l0-foot wide swath. Unidentified species
were returned to the surface for identification. When appropriate, soms estimation was made
of numbers or distribution of species of interest, such as for the many shrimp that were seen
in several areas but because of their motility could not be quantified by quadrat analysis.
Quantitative analysis of benthic organisms was performed by counting all organisms
within a 1.0 sq. meter quadrat placed on each transect line at S0-foot intervals. When
possible, mobile organisms within the quadrat area were counted or estimated.
Sediment Characterization :
At each 1.0 square meter quadrat site, sediment characteristics were noted by estimating
the percentages of different grades of mud, sand, gravel or rocks in the quadrat area.
3
{
Other Observptions:
Additional observations such as evidence of scouring or stagnation, or the presence of
pilings, miscellaneous debris, freshwater springs, artifacts, etc., were noted.
4
RESULTS
BOTTOM CHARACTERISTICS
Sediment characteristics were noted along each of the transects. From a coarse
sand/gravel mixture in the lower intertidal the bottom grades to a muddy sand or sandy mud,particularly to the west of the Thomas Oil Dock. An artificial reef is present in
approximately 40' of water to the south of the Dock.
Throughout the area there are substantial numbers of old creosote pilings and tires lying
on the bottom.
EELGRASS
Transect data on eelgrass characteristics, shown in Table l, were used to produce the
graphic representation of eelgrass distribution and density shown in Figure 2. The edge of the
eelgrass bed between transect lines and the lines of demarcation between a.rsas of differing
density were interpolated, and may in actuality vary slightly from those shown.
Distribution: Eelgrass is abundant throughout much of the area between the Point
Hudson Jetty and City Dock to a depth of approximately -20 feet MLLW. This seaward edge
of the eelgrass bed occurs at the point where the bottom contour steepens and depth increases
rapidly. The depth profile of each transect can be seen in Figure l. The nearshore limit of
eelgrass distribution is much more variable, ranging from a tide level of -i .2' near the Jetty
to +1.8 ' in front of Pope Marine Park. The major discontinuity in the eelgrass bed occurs
under, and adjacent to, the Thomas Oil Dock.
Throughout most of the eelgrass zone the distribution of individual turions is relatively
even. Along both the nearshore and seaward margins, however, distribution becomes patchy
and clumps of eelgrass turions are more widely separated. Occasional patchiness seen within
the main zone of eelgrass was correlated to small gravelly or rocky areas that were usually
covered with attached algae.
To the east of transect I the eelgrass bed naffows toward the tip of the Point Hudson
Jetty. To the west of transect 10, the eelgrass zone abruptly ends near City Dock.
Densitv: An initial, qualitative evaluation of eelgrass density was performed during the
transect surveys by assigning subjective judgements of density ranging from low to very
dense. This qualitative evaluation, shown graphically in Figure 2, indicated that the majority
of the eelgrass zone between the Point Hudson Jetty and the City dock consists of dense
eelgrass (60yo), followed by very dense areas (260/o), moderately dense areas (l2Yo), and a
small low density area (2o/o). These percentages were determined by calculating the areas
delineated in Figure 2.
5
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Quantitative determination of eelgrass densities was performed by replicate analysis of
0.1 sq. meter quadrats taken in areas previously scored as very dense, dense and moderate
densities. Table 2 presents the turion number, blade number and darnp weight data from
these analyses, adjusted to values per square meter. Raw and processed data for these
analyses can be found in the Appendix A.
TABLE 2. Quantification of Subjective Density Assignments
Verv Dense Dense Moderate
Turions/sq. M. avg: 177 143 83
range: 130-220 130-160 70-100
Blades/sq. M.
Wt (gms/sq. M. avg
avg:
range:
I 170
1720-1260
1330
980-1820
6s0
410-800
I 150
599-1917
t8t2
l16I-2645
t744
I4t8-2195range:
Examination of the data in Table 2 reveals the difficulty in subjective field estimations of
eelgrass density. While the quantitative difference between moderate and higher densities is
clear, there is no significant difference between the dense and very dense delineations that
were used in the field. This is due to the wide range of values seen in replicate samples.
Additional replicate sampling, or quantification of the epifauna and epiflora present on the
eelgrass, would probably reduce this variability. For this reason the graphic depiction shown
in Figure 2 was retained.
MACROALGAE
The quadrat survey sheets included in Appendix B detail the species recorded along each
transect. A rich. variety of algal species was observed at this site, particularly in the eelgrass
zones. Below a depth of approximately -2'MLLW, 75-90o/o of the eelgrass zone was covered
with various algal species, especially Alaria, Agarum. Gigartina. Heteroph]rllum. Laminaria
and Ulva. Additional species that were commonly encountered included Costaria.
Desma{estia. Gracilaria. Iridaea, Porphyra, Nereocystis and Pterogophera. Many other
unidentified species of red algae, as well as diatoms films, were present as epiphytes on the
eelgrass blades. There did not appear to be any significant degeneration of algae, probably
due to the extended mild weather in the late summer and early fall.
8
MACROFAUNA
Qualitative examination of fish and macroinvertebrates during the transect surveys
revealed the area between Point Hudson Jetty and City Dock to be sparsely populat.a ','ittt uvariety of species. Most of the macrofauna was observed within the eelgras*on.. Thequadrat survey sheets included in the Appendix detail the species recordid along each
transect. The original intent of quantifying invertebrates within the 1.0 square meter quadrats
was made very difficult by the extensive algal and eelgrass cover that was encountered overmuch of the site. Consequently, a qualitative presenoe/absence approach was taken, andnotations made as to abundance where possible.
Seaperch, sole, and sculpins were seen along most transects. Large sole were particularly
common between the Point Hudson Jetty and the Thomas Oil Dock, both in the ..igtus roo.
and in deeper water. Other species noted occasionally included gunnels, pipefish, kelp
greenlings and poachers. A single ronquil was also seen.
The most commonly seen crustaceans were coon-stripe shrimp (PanOalus AaneD ,largenumbers of which were presenet within the eelgrass zone in almost all transects. Helmet
crabs (Telmessus chiragonus), hermit crabs (PASUS spp.) and a variety of cancroid crabs,
including Cancer magister, Cancer productus, and other small Cancer speoies were also
present in most transects. Kelp and decorator crabs (Pup!ti4 sp.other majids) were commonin the algal beds. At several sites with muddy sand bottoms, burrows of ghost or mud shrimp
(Callianass4 or Upogebia) were sesn.
Horse clams (Tresus capax) and chitons (Crvtptochiton stetld, and Mopalia lignosa) were
the most commonly seen molluscs in the area, however several pink scallops (Chla$ys
rubidd and the nudibranchs Dirona and Phidiana were ssen within several transects. None of
these species were present in substantial numbers, however.
Tho large sunstar, Pycnopodia helianthoides, was the most commonly seen echinoderm in
the area and individuals were seen in almost every transect. Other starfish, including
Evasterius troschelii and Pisaster brevisoinus were present in several transects, as were the
sea cucumbers Cucumaria miniata, Leptosynapta clarki and Paraqtichopus californicus.
All of the annelids seen during the transect surveys were sedentary, infaunal species
including members of the terebellid, maldanid, cirratulid, sabellid and serpulid families.
Large masses of spionid tubes were seen at several sites, although it was not ascertained if
they were inhabited. Spionids are common in the region, however, and it is likely these tube
masses represent active colonies.
Other invertebrates which were present, but seen in only a few transects include several
tunicate and coelenterate species.
9
)
DISCUSSION
The subtidal area between Point Hudson Jetty and the City Dock contains a healthy
eelgrass bed that appears to be relatively productive. The luxuriant algal growth that is
present in the eelgrass zone attests to this productivity, and suggests there rnay be significant
nutrient loading occurring in the area. Any number of factors could contribute nutrients at
the site, including the Point Hudson Marina, the stormwater outfall at the end of Monroe
Street adjacent to the boat ramp, or undocumented outfalls west of the site. The proximity of
deeper water relatively close to shore and the lack of backwater areas containing lighter
bottom debris indicates most of the area is well flushed. This is another characteristics that
has been noted to contribute to good produotivity in many Puget Sound sites.
The distribution of eelgrass is clearly demarcated to seaward by the dropoff to deeper
water that occurs at approximately -20' MLLW. On the shoreward side of the eelgrass zone,
the most obvions limitation to eelgrass growth is the presence of the Thomas Oil Dock. The
effects of shading structures on littoral zone marine vegetatiou have been well documented
(Pentilla and Doty, 1990), and eelgrass distribution at this site corresponds to that seen at
other similar sites; e.g., no eelgrass grows beneath or immediately adjacent to shading
structures.
Native eelgrass (Zostera marina) typically occurs up to tidal levels of approximately +1.0
feet MLLW, as it does to the west of the Thomas Oil Dock. The reason eelgrass is not
present in the intertidai area east of the Dock may be a result of reduced flushing due to the
presense of the Point Hudson Jetty, whieh creatos a flow barrier . As shown in Figure 2, the
densest areas of eelgrass are near the end of the Thomas Oil Dock and extending toward the
tip of the Point Hudson Jetty. This is the area that attained the highest current velocities we
noted during the 4 days of diving along the transects at this site.
The fish and invertebrate populations seen during this survey suggest it is a relatively
healthy, productive area. Although the numbers of species and individuals seen in the
qualitative ovaluation was modest, they represent an assemblage that would be expected to
occur in areas that are not substantially impacted by pollution.
REFERENCES
Pentilla, Dan and Dan Doty. 1990. Results of 1989 eelgrass shading studies in Puget Sound.
Washington Department of Fisheries Progress Report. (Draft), 41 pp.
10
APPENDD( A
Quantitative Analysis of Eel Grass Density
11
THOMAS OIL EELGMSS DATAQuantiative Analysis$ample CodeDateDensity#Turions/O.1 sq.M.# BladesE.l sq.M,Wt. (gmsllO.1 sq.M.Avg. Blad LengthBladesffurionAvg. Wt.ffurionPer Square Meter# Tur{ons# BladesWt. (gms)M3c10/9/93Moderate8.0(Averaqe: 8.3374,4OAverage: 65.00191.68Average: 115.05M3b10/9/93Moderate7.0041.0059.90M3a10t9t93Moderate10.0080.0093.57D2c1019/93Dense16.00AveraEe: 14.33182.00219.48Averaqe: 174.3!D2b10/9/93Dense13.00119.00Averaqe: 133.00141.76D2a10/9/93Dense14.0098.00161.81VD-1c10/9/93V. Dense13.00Averaqe: 17"67112.00Average: 117"O02M.48Average: 181"25VD-b11t1t93V. Dense18"00126"00116^O711t1t93V. Dense22.00113.00163.2022.73Average: 18.249.257.7023.96Average: 13.9618.495.868.5613.498.009.3619.55Average: 17.4511.389.13.72Average: 12.0615.899.1510,9016.907.0011.5621.Q8Averaqe: 18.518.62Average: 6.9220.34Average: 11-4016.037.OO6.4518.415.147.42740916.8410650.001I118202194117.6141618.1171112026M.811160.72111170.001181
)
)
APPENDX B
Benthic Survey Transect Data
13
THOMAS OIL EELGRASS SURVEY
Date: Sept.26, 1993
TRANSECT#Bearing: gLength (ft) 225 Transect Area
TotalArea (sq.
(sq.M.)
M.):
Shore ReferencrAdiacentto Pt. Hudson Jettv
Distance from Baseline:
Depth in Feet (adj. to MLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bacterial Mat (Beggiatoa|
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seapereh
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
1_0 t Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area100150200225254
-1.5 -7.5 -47.5
3o/o
1 Oo/o 3o/o 7Oolo
909a 3o/o 300/o 3Ao/o
)OYo
++
+
+
++
+
++
+
+++
+
++
++++
+++
+
M ry M ffi
++
+
++
++
Crustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annelida
Spionid worm tubee
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Goelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunlcates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy;
Other Tunicates
Sponges
Halocynthia
+
++
++
+++
+
+ffi Fmmffiffire
+
+
+
+
++
+
M ffi
+
re++w tw
+
+
++
+
ffiW
++
+
ffi ffi wffi
++
ffi @ @ @ @ww
NOTES: a. Below -10 feet about 90o/o of the bottom was covered with macroalgae
THOMAS OIL EELGRASS SURVEY
Date: Sept.29, 1993
TRANSECT#2 Bearino: 140 Lenoth (ft) 250
Shore Referenq Between JetW and Thomas Oil Dock
Distance from Baseline:
Transect Area (sq. M.l
TotalArea (sq. M.):
Depth in Feet (adJ. to MLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
$and-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bac'terial Mat (Beggiatoa)
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
io. M.)Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area101150200225250
-4.2 -7.2 -16 .43.5
9Oo/o
950/o 95Yo
9506
5o/o do/a
5o/o io/o
5o/o
+++
+
++
+++++
+
++++
++
++++
++++
+++
+++
++++
++
+
Grustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annellda
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Coelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Bolienia (Hairy)
Other Tunicates
Sponges
Halocynthia
+
+++
++
+
+++
+
+
+@ +w M
+#
ffi EM +@
+
+
f,M @ wffi
t,' I ri: r,i.;: i ;i : :tr i.i, i it;;jirtiili;i1r1
NOTES: a. Dense algal cover (100o/o) to approx -14' depth, then rapidly thins as slope steepens.
THOMAS OIL EELGMSS SURVEY
date: Sept.29, 1993
TRANSECT#3 Bearino: 140 Lenoth (ft) 25O
Shore Referencr Between Pt. Hudson Jetty and Thomas Oil Dock
Transect Area (sq. M.l
TotalArea (sq. M.):
-)
Distance from Baseline:
Depth in Feet (adJ. to MLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bac{erial Mat (Beggiatoa)
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefishffubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
QUADRATS (1.0 Sq. M.)Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area1001502001 22sl 250
-o -€-19.8M -40.8
ffireffi
ffiffi
507o 75o/o 9070 ffiffigs%re
25o/o 12o/o 4o/o ry2o/o
25o/o 13o/o 4o/o W2o/o2o/o ffi17offi
ffi
NE@ESmffi
+re +
+ffi +
ffi
+M +
+ffi +ffire +re
+ro
+++w +
ffi +
Gffirc
ffi
+++ru +
++ffi+ffi
ffi
++ffi
++m 1
+EEGWI++++ryEryM
+ffi 1
ffi
ffi
+m+Iffi++
)
Crustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer producfius
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annellda
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Coelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
Other Tunicates
Sponges
NOTES: a. algae dense to -13', then thin
b. No eelgrass under docks
c. many large flounder
++
+
+
+++++
++
ffi rtru[
++
+
++
++
+
ffi @++
+
+
+
++
++
++
+
++
++
THOMAS OIL EELGMSS SURVEY
Date: Sept.29, 1993
TMNSECT#4
Shore Referenct East of Thomas OilDock
Bearino: 14O Lenoth (ft) 200 Ttansect Area (sq. M.l'TotalArea (sq. M.):
Distance from Baseline:
Depth in Feet (adj. to MLLW
SedimentType
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medlum
Sand-coarse
GraVel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bac'terial Mat (Beggiatoa)
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrase (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnets
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area'lOO 150 200 225 250
-7.6 41.4 -32.6 42.7
lOOo/o lOOo/o
95Vo
2.5o/o
2.50/o
W+W+W W
+
++
+
+
+f +
+++
+
+
+++
++++
+
+
+
m m
+m
++
+
++++
Crustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer produc,tus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annelida
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Coelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
Other Tunicates
Sponges
NOTES: a. algae density/distribution from -0.5 to -13,5 rich; then drastic drop off
b. artificial reef at 225'
c. No eelgrass under dock
++
+
+
+
ffi ffi+
ffi
++
ffi
++
++eoo case +
+
+
++
+
M @ @+++
++
m
+ru 6tE mm
+
+
+
+
+
+
@ ilM wd M trFffi
THOMAS OIL EELGRASS SURVEY
Date: Sept.30. 1993
TMNSECT#5 Bearing: -___llqLength (ft) 250 Transect Area (sq. M.)
TotalArea (sq. M.):
Shore Referencr West of Thomas Oil Dock
Distance from
)
Depth in Feet (adj. to MLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bacterial Mat (Beggiatoa)
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
;o. M.)
100 150 200 225 250
Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area
-4.5 -5'2 -20 -41
lOOo/o lOOo/o
957o
50o/o
5Oo/o
5o/o
+
W mil#xffiwslw
+
++
+++
+++
++
+++
++
++
+
+
++
+++
+
+
+++
Grustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpat$
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Geratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annelida
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Goelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
Other Tunicates
Sponges
Halocynthia
1
3
++
1l
++
2
@ ffire nffiryffi
2
2
1
1
mrc ++
++
mre +
Mre mW ffi
NOTES: a: Dense algae to about 100'where eelgrass begins.
THOMAS OIL EELGRASS SURVEY
Date: Seot.30. 1993
-
TRANSECT #o Bearinq: 140 Lenoth (ft) 250 TransectArea (sq. M.)
TotalArea (sq. M.):
Shore Referenq Just East of Salmon Club ramo
Distance from Baseline:
)
Depth in Feet (adj. to MLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
GraveFmedium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bacterial Mat (Beggiatoa)
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
100 150 200 225 250
Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area
-4 -8 -15 -38.8
8Oo/o lOOo/o
9590
50o/o
5oo/o 18o/o 5o/o
to/o
(25o/o\
aw
+
ffi ffi
++
+
++
++
++++
++
+++
+++
+++
++
+++
++
++
+
+
++++
)
Crustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annelida
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cin:atulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Coelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiac'tus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
Other Tunicates
Sponges
NOTES: a.: Dense Algae from 75'-150', then tapers off quickly to none.
b.: Lots of tires and pilings at approx. 45' depth
++
++
++
++
+++
Tffi
+
ffi ffi
+
+
+
++
ffi
+w++m++
M M
+++
ffi+
IM ffi+m rc
m em @ tffi
++
THOMAS OIL EELGMSS SURVEY
Date: Sept.30, 1993
TRANSECT #7 Bearino: 140 Lenoth (ft) 2250 Transect Area (sq. M.)
TotalArea (sq. M.):
Shore Referencr East of Salmon Club Ramo
Distance from Baseline:
Depth in Feet (adj. to MLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bacterial Mat (Beggiatoa)
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
M.
1
Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area
-2.4 -5.8 -10.7
95o/o 1$OVo OOo/o
2Oolo
80o/o
5o/o
(5olol
+
+++
+++++
+
+++
++++
+
++
++++
++1
1
+1
+++
)
Crustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Grabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annelida
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Goelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
Other Tunicates
Sponges
Halocynthia
+
+
+++
++
++
++
++
ggffi sffi++
+
+
+
+
++
++
++
+
+
+M IEMM M
NOTES:
THOMAS OIL EELGMSS SURVEY
Date: Sept.30, 1993
TRANSECT#8 Bearino: 140 Lenoth (ft) 250
Shore Referenc.
Distance from Baseline:
Depth in Feet (adj. to lttLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bacterial Mat (Beggiatoaf
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
Transect Area (sq. M.)
TotalArea (sq. M.):
OUADMTS (1.0 So. M.)Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area1001502001 225 250
-3.7 -7.7 -14.7 40.7
1$OVo IOOVo 1O0o/o
907o
5o/o
5o/o
ffi ffi ffi ffi w
+
+
++++
+
+
+
++++
+++
+++
+++
m
+++
++
++
+
Crustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Burrowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Barnacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepastedas
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annellda
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Goelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiac'tus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
OtherTunicates
Sponges
++
++
++
TW ffi
++
@ @ ffi ffi ffi8Mw
++++
+++
++
M M M w
+
ffi
NOTES: a. algae dense to -23'depth, thins quickly
THOMAS OIL EELGRASS SURVEY
Date: Oct.9. 1993
TRANSECT#9 Bearino: 140 Lenoth (ft) 25O Transect Area (sq. M.)
TotalArea (sq. M.):
Shore Referencr ln front of Pope Marine Park
Distance from Baseline:
Depth in Feet (adj. to MLLW)
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bacterial Mat (Beggiatoal
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera|
Fieh
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronquil (?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area100150200225250
4.2 €.4 -13.4 41.
9Oo/o lOOo/o lOOo/o
49o/o
49Vo lOVo
2o/o
ffi ru ffi ffi ffi
+
+
+
+++
++
++++
+
++++
++++
+m+
+tm+
+ffi+R m++m Htffi
++++
1
+1
+3
Crustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
HermitCrab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Bunowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annelida
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Coelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
Other Tunicates
Sponges
NOTES: a. pilings @ 50'& 125'
b. tire @ 75'
+
+
w ffi
+m
!M M +EE+ffi ru
+
+w++ffi+m nmffi
+
M M ffi
THOMAS OIL EELGMSS SURVEY
Date: Oct.9, 1993
TRANSECT#10 Bearino: 140 Lenoth (ft) 25O Tnansecl Area (sq. M.)
TotalArea (sq. M.):
Shore Referencr Just East of Citv Dock
Distance from Baseline:
Depth in Feet (adJ. to MLLW|
Sediment Type
Mud
Sandy Mud
Muddy Sand
Sand-fine
Sand-medium
Sand-coarse
Gravel-fine
Gravel-medium
Gravel-coarse
Rocks-small
Rocks-medium
Rocks-Large
Woody Debris
ShellDebris
Bacterial Mat (Beggiatoa)
Algae
Agarum
Alaria
Conaline (Crustose)
Costaria
Desmarestia
Gigartina
Gracilaria
Heterophyllum
lridaea
Laminaria
Nereocystis
Porphyra
Prionitis
Pterogophera
Ulva
Other Reds
Other Browns
Diatom Films
Eelgrass (Zostera)
Fish
Seaperch
Sole/flounder
Kelp Greenlings
Pipefish/Tubesnouts
Gunnels
Poacher
Ronqull(?)
Sculpins
Shiner Seaperch
Eelgrass
Band Totals
No. per
Area100150200225250
-3.5 -6.4 -12.4 -45.3
98o/o
lOOo/o lOOo/o
90o/o
lOVo
2o/o
ffi w w ffi
++
++
+
++
+++
+++++
++
++++++
++++++
+
+
+
+
+
+m++ffi ffi
+++t
+
++
Grustacea
Cancer magister
Cancer productus
Telmessus
Other Cancer Crabs
Decorator Crabs
Kelp Crabs
Hermit Crab
Coon-Stripe Shrimp (Pandalus)
Burrowing Shrimp (Mud/Ghost)
Bamacles
Mollusca
Tresus
Nucella
Lacuna
Limpets
Cryptochiton
Mopalia
Scallops
Ceratostoma
Dirona
Pododesmus
Phidiana
Echinodermata
Pycnopodia
Evasterius
Lepasterias
Pisaster brevispinus
Cucumaria
Parastichopus
Leptosynapta
Annelida
Spionid worm tubes
Terebellids
Maldanids
Cinatulids
Sabellids
Serpulids
Coelenterates
Halcampa (bunowing)
Epiactus
Metridium
Anthopleura
Urticina
Tunicates
Halocynthia
Cnemidocarpa
Boltenia (Hairy)
OtherTunicates
Sponges
NOTES: a. algae fades quickly @2OO' when slope starts
b. pilings at about 50' intervals along bottom
c. eelgrass ends - 5' west of linel
+
++
+
++
+
++
+
+w E ffi m ffi re
+
+@+
+
ffi +ffi ffi wru
++
M M ffi
+
@
+
+
TABLE 1. Eelgrass Dislribution/Density Data
THOMAS OIL SITE
Eelgrass (Zostera) Bed
All Depths Relative to Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW = 0.0)
Distance From Baseline
')
50 75 12s 150 175 225 2soTransect
No.Dcpth Oensrty Distr,b.DeDth Dengty Disnb.Deoth Densily Distnb.Oepth Densty Distrib.Depth Densitv Distob.Deoth Dens[v Distrib Depth Oensily Distnb Depth Density Distnb.Deplh Densitv Distrb.DeDih Dgnsitv Disirib.
Shoreward
Edoe (Ft)
Seaward
Edoe (Ft)Breadth (Ft)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
3.8 P M 1.8
-1.5
M
D
P
P
-1.8
-2.8
-1,2
-2.5
;
M
D
D
;
P
EV
E
-4.2
-2.8
-3.8
-4.2
-3.5
;
D
M
M
D
EV
EV
P
P
E
-7
-5.2
-5
-3.8
-4.8
-5.2
-5.5
VD
\ID
D
D
D
M
D
E
EV
P
EV
EV
P
E
-t.5
-7.2
-8
-12
-7.2
-8
-5.8
-7.8
-o-z
-6.5
VD
VD
VD
VD
VD
D
D
D
D
VD
EV
EV
E
E
EV
P
P
P
P
E
-14
-14
-11
-13
-12
-9
-6.8
-9.8
-9.2
-8.5
D
VD
L
VD
VD
VD
D
D
D
D
P
EV
P
E
EV
EV
P
EV
P
E
-20
-16
-20
-33
-20
-15
-11
-15
-'13
-13
V'
SP
D
VD
D
D
ML
M
:
P
P
P
EV
P
P
P
P
-48
-28
-26
-43
-34
-29
-24
-28
-25
D P
-41
-39
-35
-42
-42
-35
-44
-41
140
100
115
150
90
110
75
80
30
50
165
200
200
180
2',lo
200
225
220
210
210
4b
100
85
30
120
90
150
140
180
160
J