U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
BUMMER OF 1990
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION
REGION 2
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10278
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NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
SUMMER OF 1990
Prepared By: United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 2 - Surveillance and Monitoring Branch
Edison, New Jersey 08837
Helen Taylor,^Environmental Scientist
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report is to disseminate technical
information gathered by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), Region 2, during the 1990 New York Bight
Water Quality Monitoring Program. The monitoring program
vas conducted using the EPA helicopter for vater quality
sample collection. During the period from May 22 to
September 26, 1990, approximately 152 stations were sampled
each week, weather permitting. The Bight sampling program
consisted of four separate sampling networks. Sampling was
conducted 5 days a week and extended to 6 days a week in
July and August.
Bacteriological data indicated that fecal coliform
densities at the beaches along both the New Jersey and Long
Island coastal waters were well within the acceptable
Federal guidelines and State limits for primary contact
recreation (a geometric mean of 200 fecal coliforms/lOOml).
Bacteriological data also indicated that the New Jersey and
Long Island coastal waters were well within the recommended
EPA criterion for enterococci in marine waters (a geometric
mean of 35 enterococci/lOOml). Based on fecal coliform and
enterococci data collected during the sampling period, the
coastal waters off Long Island and New Jersey were of
excellent quality.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations in 1990 were generally
good along the New Jersey perpendiculars, the Long Island
perpendiculars, and in the New York Bight Apex. In 1990,
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some depressed bottom dissolved oxygen levels occurred in
isolated areas of the Bight Apex and off the New Jersey
coast, however the low dissolved oxygen levels only
persisted a short time. The average dissolved oxygen
concentrations along the New Jersey perpendiculars, the
Long Island perpendiculars and in the New York Bight Apex
remained above 4.0 mg/1, with the exception of the northern
New Jersey perpendiculars which experienced an average low
of 3.9 mg/1 in mid August. Dissolved oxygen averages for
the Bight Apex and the New Jersey coast have ranged from
7-17 percent lower than the preceding four years. However,
the values remained higher than those of 1985 when, in mid
to late summer, approximately 1600 square miles of ocean
bottom off New Jersey were plagued with dissolved oxygen
concentrations considered stressful for aquatic life, over
extended periods of time.
During the summer, phytoplankton blooms were observed
over extensive areas. Most beaches along New Jersey were
affected by blooms of short duration, during the sampling
period. Algal blooms of longer duration occurred in the
intercoastal bays of New Jersey and Long Island. Red algal
blooms of the dinoflagellate Katodini"*p rotundet*""/ were
predominant in Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays. The green
tide, which occurred along the southern New Jersey coast in
1984 and 1985, did not recur in 1990. The 1984 and 1985
blooms were caused by the organism Gyrodinium aureolum.
Beach closures due to wash-ups of floatable debris
ii
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were less frequent in 1990 than in 1989. This was largely
due to the initiation of the "Short Term Action Plan for
Addressing Floatable Debris in the New York Bight" (USEPA,
1988). This was, and will continue to be, a cooperative
monitoring and response effort on the part of various
federal, state and local government agencies. Also in
1989, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
(NJDEP) initiated Operation Clean Shores, which effectively
removed 5.96 million pounds of floatable debris from
impacted shorelines. Continuing the program with
cooperation from the participating municipalities and state
and federal agencies, 9.55 million pounds of floatables
were removed in 1990. Removal of floatables from impacted
shorelines, prevents the material from resuspending into
the water column and washing up on other shorelines or
bathing beaches. Only one beach in New Jersey was closed
due to floatable debris, in 1990.
iii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. SAMPLE COLLECTION PROGRAM .... 6
III. DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING STATIONS 10
Beach Stations 10
New York Bight Stations 10
Perpendicular Stations .... 19
Phytoplankton Stations . 22
IV. DISSOLVED OXYGEN RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 23
Normal Trends in the Ocean 23
Dissolved Oxygen Criteria 25
Surface Dissolved Oxygen, 1990 27
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen, 1990 27
Long Island Coast 27
New York Bight Apex 28
New Jersey Coast 31
Dissolved Oxygen Trends 38
V. BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS 51
BIBLIOGRAPHY 52
APPENDICES
APPENDIX A - Microbiological Water Quality New York
Bight Summer 1990
APPENDIX B - Summary of Phytoplankton Blooms and
Related Conditions in New Jersey
Coastal Waters Summer of 1990
iv
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LIST OF FIGURES
Title Page
1 The New York Bight 2
2 Bight Apex and existing dump sites 3
3 Long Island coast station locations 12
4 New Jersey coast station locations - 16
Sandy Hook to Island Beach Park
5 New Jersey coast station locations - 17
Barnegat to Cape May Point
6 New York Bight station locations 18
7 Long Island perpendicular stations 20
and New Jersey perpendicular stations
from Sandy Hook to Seaside Heights
8 New Jersey perpendicular stations 21
from Barnegat to Strathmere
9 Generalized annual marine dissolved 26
oxygen cycle off the northeast U.S.
(From NOAA)
10 New York Bight bottom dissolved oxygen, 29
1990. Semimonthly average of all
New York Bight stations
11 New Jersey coast bottom dissolved oxygen, 32
1990. Semimonthly averages of all
northern (JC 14-JC 53) and southern
(JC 61-JC 85) perpendicular stations
12 Shore-to-seaward distribution of bottom 35
dissolved oxygen, 1990. Semimonthly
averages of all northern New Jersey
perpendicular stations (JC 14-JC 53),
at fixed distances from shore
13 Shore-to-seaward distribution of bottom 37
dissolved oxygen, 1990. Semimonthly
averages of all southern New Jersey
perpendicular stations (JC 61-JC 85),
at fixed distances from shore
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14 Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 39
4 mg/1, New Jersey coast, July 1990
15 Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 40
4 mg/1, New Jersey coast, August 1990
16 Dissolved oxygen concentrations below 41
4 mg/1, New Jersey coast, September 1990
17 Northern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved 42
oxygen, five year average of the individual
semimonthly averages, 1986 to 1990
18 Southern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved 43
oxygen, five year average of the individual
semimonthly averages, 1986 to 1990
19 Northern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved 45
oxygen, 1986*1990 comparison. Semimonthly
averages of all JC14-JC53 perpendicular
stations
20 Southern New Jersey coast bottom dissolved 46
oxygen, 1986-1990 comparison. Semimonthly
averages of all JC61-JC85 perpendicular
stations
21 Percent of bottom dissolved oxygen values 48
below 4 mg/1 off the New Jersey coast over
the last five years
22 New York Bight bottom dissolved oxygen, 49
1986-1990 comparison. Semimonthly average
of all New York Bight stations
vi
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LIST OF TABLES
No. Title Page
1 Outline of 1990 sampling program 7
2 Long Island coast station locations 11
3 New Jersey coast station locations 13
4 1990 New Jersey dissolved oxygen distribution 33
(bottom values)
vii
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I. INTRODUCTION
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared
this report to disseminate environmental data for the New
York Bight Apex and the shorelines of New York and New
Jersey. The New York Bight is an area of ocean bounded on
the northwest by Sandy Hook/ the northeast by Montauk
Point, the southeast by the 2000 meter contour line, and
the southwest by Cape May. Figure 1 shows the limits of
the New York Bight. The New York Bight Apex, which
contains the inactive sewage sludge and acid waste disposal
sites, and the active dredged material and cellar dirt
disposal sites, is shown in Figure 2.
This report is the seventeenth in a series and
reflects the monitoring period between May 22, 1990 and
September 26, 1990. The New York Bight Water Quality
Monitoring Program is EPA's response to its mandated
responsibilities as defined under the Marine Protection,
Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, the Water Pollution
Control Act Amendments of 1972 and 1977, and the Water
Quality Act of 1987.
Since its initiation in 1974, the New York Bight Water
Quality Monitoring Program has been modified several times
to be more responsive to the needs of the general public,
the states, the counties, and EPA; and to concentrate on
specific areas of concern during the critical summer
period. Most of these changes occurred after the summer of
1976, when anoxic conditions caused a fishkill in the Bight
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BIGHT APEX LIMITS
CHEMICAL
WASTES
DUMP SITE
THE NEW YORK BIGHT
Figure 1
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LONG ISLAND
SANDY HOOK-
ROCKAWAY POINT
TRANSECT
NEW JERSEY
ASBURY PARK/
DREDGED MATERIAL
CELLAR SEWAGE
.DIRT SLUDGE
(INACTIVE)
. WRECK
o
-3-
e
^—ACID
WASTES
(INACTIVE)
CL
<
o
CD
J»0°IO'
o
f\
o
Figure 2
BIGHT APEX AND EXISTING DUMP SITES
10
20 .
30
KILOMETERS
10
1.5
NAUTICAL MILES
3
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and an unusually heavy vash-up of debris occurred on Long
Island beaches. It was clear that summer conditions in the
Bight called for more intensive monitoring in order to
predict environmental crises, investigate the origins of
these crises, and direct any decisions regarding protection
of the Bight's water quality.
In 1986, the monitoring program vas modified to
intensify sampling activities along the southern Mew Jersey
beaches. During mid to late summer in 1985, beaches along
the southern Mew Jersey coast were affected by algal
blooms, which caused "green tide", and high bacterial
counts which resulted in beach closings. To improve
monitoring coverage, four additional beach stations between
Long Beach Island and wildwood were sampled weekly for
phytoplankton. In addition, bacteria samples were
collected weekly rather than bimonthly along the southern
Mew Jersey beaches.
National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (MOAA) and
EPA have documented improvement of dissolved oxygen levels
near the inactive sewage sludge disposal site (MOAA,
1989). The 12-mile disposal site has been inactive since
1987. The Mew York Bight sampling stations have shown
average dissolved oxygen levels above 4 mg/1 since 1983,
with the exception of September 1985. In view of this
improvement, the Mew York Bight Apex sampling stations have
been modified to exclude 8 of the 20 original stations.
In 1990, a cooperative monitoring program between EPA
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and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) was established/ to assist NYSDEC's Shellfish
Sanitation Program. Bacteriological samples were collected
at all Long Island Beach stations plus seven additional
stations, three at inlets, two at ocean outfalls, one at
Ocean Beach and one at Quantuck Beach. Because of these
additional samples, aircraft space limitations precluded
the collection of phytoplankton and chlorophyll samples
along the Long Island Beaches. NYSDEC will be preparing a
report on this monitoring at a later date.*
In August 1987, a 50-mile slick of garbage washed
ashore along mid to southern New Jersey. In 1988, daily
floatables observations were recorded from the helicopter.
This surveillance was carried over into 1989 and 1990 in
response to the "Short Term Action Plan for Addressing
Floatables Debris in the New York Bight" (USEPA, 1988).
Essentially, a monitoring and response network was
established to locate and coordinate cleanup operations for
slicks found in the New York Harbor Complex. The intent
was to prevent slick materials from escaping the harbor and
potentially stranding on regional beaches. Details can be
found in the action plan.
•For further information please contact Charlie de Ouillfeldt of New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation Shellfisheries Division, Building 40-SUNY, Stony Brook, New York,
11790.
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II. SAMPLE COLLBCTIOM PROGRAM
During the period of May 1990 through September 1990,
water quality monitoring was carried out using a Bell Jet
Ranger helicopter in May and June, and the EPA Huey
Helicopter in July, August and September. Under the
established protocol, sampling normally occurred 5 days a
week and was extended to 6 days a week during July and
August. Table 1 outlines the 1990 sampling program and the
parameters analyzed for each station group.
The monitoring program was composed of four separate
sampling networks. The beach station network was sampled
to gather bacteriological water quality information at 26
Long Island coast stations and 46 Mew Jersey coast
stations. The Mew York Bight station network was sampled
to gather chemical information at 12 stations in the inner
Mew York Bight. The perpendicular station network
consisted of 12 transects extending from the Mew Jersey and
Long Island coasts. Three transects extended south from
the Long Island coast, with 4 stations in each transect,
and 9 transects extended east from the New Jersey coast,
with 5 stations in each transect. The transects covered
the inner Bight from Jones Beach on Long Island, to
Strathmere on the Mew Jersey coast. Samples were collected
for dissolved oxygen and temperature. The phytoplankton
sampling network consisted of 11 stations. Samples for
phytoplankton identification were collected along the Mew
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Table 1
Outline of 1990 Sampling Program
Station Group
Frequency
per Week
Parameter
Sample Depth
Long Island Beaches
(Rockaway Pt. to
Shinnecock Inlet)
Fecal Coliform Top1
Enterococci
New Jersey Beaches
(Sandy Hook to Cape May)
Fecal Coliform
Enterococci
Top1
Inner New York Bight
Temperature
Dissolved Oxygen
Top1,
Bottom2
Long Island Perpendiculars
Dissolved Oxygen Top1,
Temperature Bottom2
New Jersey Perpendiculars 1
(Long Branch to Strathmere)
Dissolved Oxygen
Temperature
Top1,
Bottom2
New Jersey Phytoplankton
Station Network
Phytoplankton
Chlorophyll a
Top1
1 One meter below the surface
2 One meter above the ocean floor
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Jersey coast and in Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and
Delaware Bay. The weekly sampling program averaged 152
stations.
Beach stations along New York and Kew Jersey were
sampled once a week for fecal coliform and enterococcus
bacteria densities. This portion of the sampling program
totaled 72 stations per week. At the beach stations,
samples were collected just offshore in the surf cone,
while the helicopter hovered approximately 3 meters from
the surface, sampling was accomplished by lowering a
1-liter Kemmerer sampler approximately 1 meter below the
water surface. The sample was transferred to a sterile
plastic container, iced and subsequently transported
(within 6 hours) to the Edison Laboratory for fecal
coliform and enterococcus analyses. Results of
bacteriological analyses are contained in Appendix A.
The twelve stations in the Bight Apex were sampled
once a week. Depending upon sea conditions, the EPA
helicopter hovered or landed at the designated station and
a 1-liter Kemmerer sampler was used to obtain water
samples. Samples are taken at 1 meter below the surface
and 1 meter above the ocean floor. Immediately after
collection, the water sample was transferred to a
biochemical oxygen demand bottle for dissolved oxygen
analysis. The dissolved oxygen sample was then fixed at
the station by the addition of 2 ml of manganous sulfate
followed by 2 ml of alkali-iodide-azide reagent. The
8
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sample was shaken to facilitate floe formation and then
placed in a metal rack. The samples were held for less
than 6 hours before returning to the laboratory, where 2 ml
of sulfuric acid were added, and the samples were titrated
vith 0.0375N sodium thiosulfate.
The third scheduled sampling portion of the program
consisted of sampling perpendicular stations once a veek
for dissolved oxygen and temperature. Again, as vith the
inner Bight stations, samples were collected while hovering
or landing, at 1 meter above the ocean bottom.
The fourth routinely scheduled sampling component
involved the collection of water samples for phytoplankton
identification and quantification, and chlorophyll
analysis. Phytoplankton and chlorophyll samples collected
along the New Jersey coast were analyzed by the New Jersey
Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The
samples were collected as close to the surface as possible,
using 1-liter Kemmerer samplers. A 1-liter plastic
cubitainer was filled for phytoplankton analysis and
identification, and cooled to 4°C for preservation. The
NJDEP picked up their phytoplankton samples at our Edison
laboratory within 24 hours of collection. At the
laboratory, the NJDEP removed an aliquot of sample from the
cubitainer for chlorophyll analysis. The results of
NJDEP18 analysis are contained in Appendix B.
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III. DESCRIPTION OF SAMPLING STATIONS
Beach Stations
A total of 72 bathing beach areas were sampled
routinely for bacteriological vater quality along the Long
Island and New Jersey coastlines. The Long Island sampling
stations extend from the vestern tip of Rockaway Point 130
km eastward to Shinnecock Inlet for a total of 26 stations
(LIC 01-LIC 28). Sample station locations, nomenclature,
and descriptions are given in Table 2 and Figure 3. There
are 46 New Jersey coast stations, beginning at Sandy Hook
extending south to Cape May Point (JC 01A-JC 99). These
stations are described and identified in Table 3 and in
Figures 4 and 5.
New York Bight Stations
The New York Bight stations, established as part of
the original ocean monitoring program, cover the east and
south boundary of the inner Bight area in approximately 3
km intervals via two transects as follows: New Jersey
Transect (NYB 20-NYB 25), extending from Sandy Hook 15 km
eastward to the 12-mile inactive sewage sludge dump site;
and the Long Island Transect (NYB 41-NYB 45), extending
from Atlantic Beach, Long Island, southward to the
northwest corner of the 12-mile inactive sewage sludge dump
site. In addition, station NYB 35 is sampled for coverage
of the Christiansen Basin. The locations of the New York
Bight stations are shown in Figure 6.
>
10
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Table 2
Long Island coast station locations
Station No. Location
LIC 01 Rockaway Point, Breezy Point Surf Club
LIC 02 Rockaway, off foot of B169 Road
LIC 03 Rockaway, off foot of B129 Road
LIC 04 Rockaway, off foot of B92 Road
LIC 05 Far Rockaway, off foot of B41 Road
LIC 07 Atlantic Beach, Silver Point Beach Club
LIC 08 Long Beach, off foot of Grand Avenue
LIC 09 Long Beach, off foot of Pacific Boulevard
LIC 10 Point Lookout, off Hempstead public beach
LIC 12 Short Beach (Jones Beach), off "West
End 2" parking lot
LIC 13 Jones Beach
LIC 14 East Overlook
LIC 15 Gilgo Beach
LIC 16 Cedar Island Beach
LIC 17 Robert Moses State Park
LIC 18 Great South Beach
LIC 19 Cherry Grove
LIC 20 Water Island
LIC 21 Bellport Beach
LIC 22 Smith Point County Park
LIC 23 Moriches Inlet West
LIC 24 Moriches Inlet East
LIC 25 West Hampton Beach
LIC 26 Tiana Beach
LIC 27 Shinnecock Inlet West
LIC 28 Shinnecock Inlet East
11
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NASSAU CO.
NEW JERSEY
/ SUFFOLK CO.
LONG ISLAND
LIC13-
LIC14 —
LIC15 —
LIC28
- LIC27
- LIC26
- LIC25
I.IC24
- LIC 23
-LIC22
LIC17-
LIC18-
LIC19-
FIGURE 3
LONG ISLAND COAST STATION LOCATIONS
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Table 3
New Jersey coast station locations
Station No. Location
JC 01A Sandy Hook, 1.2 km south of tip
JC 03 Sandy Hook, off Nature Center building
(tower)
JC 05 Sandy Hook, just north of Park entrance
JC 08 Sea Bright, at public beach
JC 11 Mormouth Beach Bath £ Tennis Club
JC 13 Long Branch, Chelsea Avenue
>
JC 14 Long Branch, off foot of S. Bath Avenue
JC 21 Asbury Park, off building north of
Convention Hall
JC 24 Bradley Beach, off foot of Cliff Avenue
JC 26 Shark River Inlet
JC 27 Belmar, off the "White House" near
fishing club pier
JC 30 Spring Lake, south of yellow brick
building on beach
JC 33 Sea Girt, off foot of Chicago Avenue
JC 35 One block north of Manasquan Inlet
JC 36 Manasquan Inlet, off Third Avenue
JC 37 Point Pleasant, south of Manasquan Inlet
JC 41 Bay Head, off foot of Johnson Street
JC 44 Mantoloking, off foot of Albertson
Street
JC 47A Silver Beach, off foot of Colony Road
JC 49 Lavallette, off foot of Washington
Avenue
13
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Table 3 (continued)
Station No. Location
JC 53 Seaside Heights, between the amusement
piers
JC 55 Island Beach State Park, off white
building north of Park Headquarters
JC 57 Island Beach State Park, between two main
parking lots in center of park
JC 59 Island Beach State Park, off white house
next to the lookout tower
JC 61 Barnegat, first rock jetty south of
Barnegat Inlet
JC 63 Harvey Cedars, opposite Harvey Cedars
standpipe
JC 65 Ship Bottom, opposite Ship Bottom water
tower
JC 67 Beach Haven Terrace, opposite standpipe
JC 69 Beach Haven Heights, opposite the most
southern water tower on Long Beach Island
JC 73 Brigantine, off large hotel on beach
JC 74 Absecon Inlet
JC 75 Atlantic City, off the Convention Center
JC 77 Ventnor City, just north of fishing pier
JC 79 Longport, off water tower
JC 81 Ocean City, opposite large apartment
building
JC 83 Peck Beach, opposite large blue water
tower
JC 85 Strathmere, off blue standpipe
JC 87 Sea Isle City, opposite blue water tower
with bridge in the background
14
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Table 3 (continued)
Station No. Location
JC 89 Avalon, off beige building on the beach
JC 91 Stone Harbor, off large blue water tower
JC 92 Hereford Inlet
JC 93 Wildwood, off northern amusement pier
JC 95 Two mile beach, opposite radio tower
JC 96 Cape May Inlet
JC 97 Cape May, off white house with red roof
on the beach
JC 99 Cape May Point, opposite lighthouse
15
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JC21
JC24
— JC26
JC27
JC30
N
JC59
FIGURE 4
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - SANDY HOOK TO
ISLAND BEACH PARK
16
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NEW JERSEY
BEACH
HAVEN
ATLANTIC CITY
STRATHMERE
CAPE MAY
POINT
JC99 FIGURE 5 '
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - BARNEGAT TO CAPE MAY POINT
17
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SANDY HOOK
@ @ (22) C23) C2<)
NYB
N
FIGURE 6
NEW YORK BIGHT STATION LOCATIONS
10
Kilentttrt
is
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Perpendicular Stations
Sampling stations perpendicular to the Long Island
coastline are 5.4 km, 12.6 km, 19.8 km, and 27 km [3, 7, 11
and 15 nautical miles (nm)] offshore. Sampling stations
perpendicular to the New Jersey coastline start at 1.8 km
and are spaced every 1.8 km out to 18 km (l nm, with 1 nm
increments, to 10 nm) offshore. These stations are
identified by suffixes E through M, with the exception of
the Manasquan (MAS) perpendicular stations which have
corresponding suffixes 1 through 9. Normally, only every
other New Jersey perpendicular station (3.6 km intervals)
was sampled; the intermediate stations remained available
should dissolved oxygen conditions warrant more intensive
sampling.
The perpendicular stations were established to gather
surface and bottom dissolved oxygen values in the critical
areas of the New York Bight nearshore waters. Previous
agreements bad been made with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide dissolved
oxygen profiles from stations further out in the Bight in
conjunction with their existing programs.
The perpendicular stations described above are plotted
in Figures 7 and 8. Tables 2 and 3 describe the shore
station locations from which the perpendicular stations
originate.
19
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MANASQUAN INLET
BAY HEAD
JC53
N
ID
KilOflWMrs
'FIGURE 7
LONG ISLAND PERPENDICULAR STATIONS AND NEW JERSEY
PERPENDICULAR STATIONS FROM SANDY HOOK TO SEASIDE HEIGHTS
20
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•-"''':-.-!:-^-^'^-*^£r^~&'--'''-"
••••• _ •-?••: V'T.''-^-. •-*,» T - ••' '
NEW JERSEY
JC61
JC69
N
JC75
10
Kiionwitts
STRATHMERE
JC85
?
FIGURE 8
NEW JERSEY PERPENDICULAR STATIONS FROM BARNEGATTO STRATHMERE
21
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Fhytoplankton samples vere collected once a week along
the New Jersey coast and in Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook Bay,
and Delaware Bay at the following stations!
RB 15 JC 33 JC 77 DB 1
RB 24 JC 57 JC 83 DB 2
JC 14 JC 65 JC 91
A discussion of phytoplankton dynamics and bloom
incidence in New Jersey waters is presented in Appendix B.
22
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IV. DISSOLVED OXYGEN RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
NORMAL TRENDS IK
Two major processes act to replenish dissolved oxygen
in the vater column of the New York Bight. These are: the
photosynthetic conversion of carbon dioxide to molecular
oxygen, and the mechanical reaeration of oxygen across the
air-water interface. Subsequent turbulent diffusion then
distributes the dissolved oxygen throughout the water
column or into the upper warmer surface layer when
stratified conditions prevail. Concurrent oxygen
utilization (depletion) processes, such as bacterial
respiration and sediment oxygen demand, act to influence
the amount of oxygen in the water column at any one time or
location.
A general description of the oxygen cycle during a
calendar year is as follows:
In early January, the waters of the Bight are
t
completely mixed throughout the water column with
temperatures ranging from 4°C to 10°C while
dissolved oxygen values are between 8 and 10 mg/1
with slightly depressed values at the
sediment-water interface. The warm spring air
temperatures and solar heating increase the
temperature of the upper water layer and, in the
absence of high energy input from local storms or
23
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tropical hurricanes, a thermally stratified water
column develops. This stratification effectively
blocks the free transport of the oxygen-rich
upper layer into the cool oxygen-poor bottom
waters.
As hot summer weather conditions set in/ the
warmer upper layer of water remains completely
mixed and rich in oxygen (7 to 9 mg/1). This
upper layer ranges from 20 to 60 meters in depth
depending on time and location. The cooler
bottom water is effectively isolated from the
upper layer by a 10°C temperature gradient.
Respiration of bottom organisms/ bacterial action
on algal remains and detritus, and sediment
oxygen demand depress the residual dissolved
oxygen values in the bottom waters. In a typical
year, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the
bottom waters of the bight reaches a minimum in
mid to late summer of approximately 4 mg/1. At
this time, cool evenings and reduced solar input
cause the upper waters to cool, decreasing the
temperature gradient between the two water
masses. As the two masses become closer and
closer in temperature, the energy required to
break down the thermocline becomes less and less
until finally, in many instances after a local
storm/ there is a complete mixing of the water
24
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column with concomitant reoxygenation of the
bottom waters. The annual cycle begins again.
Figure 9 depicts a representative history of
dissolved oxygen concentration in the general
ocean area off of New Jersey, New York, and New
England.
Dissolved oxygen criteria ^~
The dissolved oxygen levels necessary for survival
and/or reproduction vary among biological species.
Sufficient data have not been accumulated to assign
definitive limits or lower levels of tolerance for each
species at various growth stages. Rough guidelines are
available for aquatic species for purposes of surveillance
and monitoring. These are as follows:
5 mg/1 and greater - healthy
4-5 mg/1 - borderline to healthy
3-4 mg/1 - stressful if prolonged
2-3 mg/1 - lethal if prolonged
less than 2 mg/1 - lethal in a relatively
short time.
These criteria are consistent with biological
information recorded in the New York Bight over the past
15-20 years. Most data concerning the lower tolerance
levels were recorded during the summer of 1976. In 1976,
widespread and persistent dissolved oxygen levels between
0.0 and 2.0 mg/1 occurred over a large area of the Bight.
This resulted in extensive fishkills and benthic organism
mortality.
25
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10
9
8
x 5
er>
m
z 4
"i"
^3
2
I
I
I
FEB MAR APR
MAY JUNE JULY AUG SEPT OCT
MONTH
NOV
FIGURE 9
GENERALIZED ANNUAL MARINE DISSOLVED OXYGEN CYCLE OFF THE
NORTHEAST U.S. (FROM NOAA)
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Surface Dissolved Oxygen - 1990
During the 1990 sampling period, Kay 22 through
September 26, surface dissolved oxygen samples vere
collected during the months-of July, August and September.
The completely mixed upper water column had dissolved
oxygen levels at or near saturation during the three months
of sampling. Data from previous years indicate that,
during May and June, the upper water column remained
completely mixed. There is no reason to suspect 1990 was
any different, therefore, no further discussion of surface
dissolved oxygen will be presented in this report.
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen - 1990
Long Island Coast
Long Island perpendicular LIC02 was sampled four
times, and perpendiculars, LIC09 and LIC14 were sampled
three times during the 1990 sampling period. A total of 40
bottom samples were collected for dissolved oxygen. For
the most part, dissolved oxygen levels remained well above
the 4 mg/1 "borderline to healthy" guideline. Only one
sample was below this guideline. On September 24, station
LIC02A, three nautical miles off Rockaway, had a dissolved
oxygen concentration of 3.3 mg/1. Eight dissolved oxygen
concentrations were between 4-5 mg/1. These values are
only slightly below the standard of 5 mg/1, and are
consistent with temporarily depressed values observed in
27
-------
this area in other years during late August and September.
These eight values were:
Station Date Dissolved Oxygen (mo/1)
LIC02A 8/31/90 4.3
LIC09A 8/31/90 4.4
LIC14P 8/31/90 4.5
LIC02P 9/24/90 4.7
LIC02C 9/24/90 4.7
LIC09A 9/24/90 4.8
LIC14A 9/24/90 4.1
LIC14C 9/24/90 4.4
Based on the data, dissolved oxygen remained veil above the
concentrations considered stressful to aquatic life.
New York Bight Apex
Figure 10 illustrates the semimonthly dissolved oxygen
averages at the New York Bight Apex stations from June to
October/ 1990. During the summers of 1987, 1988 and 1989,
a "double minima" was observed in the New York Bight Apex.
A "double minima" was not observed in 1990, Figure 10, and
may be due to the decrease in sampling frequency. The
dissolved oxygen average in mid June was approximately 6.5
mg/1. It gradually declined to a low of 4.3 mg/1 in mid
August. It then increased to 5.2 mg/1 in mid September,
and decreased slightly in October. Recovery probably
occurred after the cessation of sampling.
A total of 65 samples were collected in the New York
Bight Apex from June 15 to September 20, 1990 and measured
28
-------
to
Figure 10
(/) NUMBER OF SAMPLES
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
NEW YORK BIGHT BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1990.
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGE OP ALL NEW YORK BIGHT STATIONS.
29
-------
for dissolved oxygen. Sixteen dissolved oxygen values, or
24.6 percent, were between 4-5 mg/1. Seven samples, or
10.8 percent, were between the 3-4 mg/1 level considered
"stressful if prolonged" for aquatic life, and one
dissolved oxygen value was in the 2-3 mg/1 level considered
"lethal if prolonged" for aquatic life. The eight
dissolved oxygen values below 4 mg/1 were:
Station Date Dissolved Oxygen (ma/1)
NYB 22 7/14/90 3.9
NYB 21 8/14/90 3.8
NYB 25 8/14/90 3.7
NYB 35 8/14/90 3.8
NYB 43 8/14/90 2.9
NYB 44 8/14/90 3.5
NYB 24 9/20/90 3.7
NYB 35 9/20/90 3.9
This is consistent with the normal dissolved oxygen sag
curve in the New York Bight Apex.
30
-------
Hew Jersey Coast
Figure 11 illustrates the semimonthly dissolved oxygen
average off the New Jersey coast during the summer of 1990,
with separate lines for the northern (JC 14-JC 53)
perpendiculars and the southern (JC 61-JC 85)
perpendiculars. The dissolved oxygen average along the
southern perpendiculars exhibited a "double minima". In
mid June, the dissolved oxygen average was approximately
7.7 mg/1. It then decreased to 5.1 mg/1, reaching the
first low in early July. The dissolved oxygen average then
increased to 6.1 mg/1 in mid July. It subsequently
declined to a second low, of approximately 4.3 mg/1, in
early August. Recovery occurred in early September. Along
the northern Mew Jersey perpendiculars, the dissolved
oxygen average follows the dissolved oxygen cycle for the
northeast United States, Figure 9. In mid June, the
dissolved oxygen average was approximately 7.5 mg/1. It
decreased slowly, reaching a low of approximately 3.9 mg/1
in mid August. This was followed by a strong dissolved
oxygen recovery in early October.
Table 4 summarizes the bottom dissolved oxygen values
for the Mew Jersey coast perpendiculars. There were 406
samples collected along the Mew Jersey perpendiculars
between May 25 and September 21, 1990 and analyzed for
dissolved oxygen. Of these samples, 189 values (46.6
percent) were below 5 mg/1. Of the 189 samples below 5
mg/1, 109 values occurred in August. There were 104 values
31
-------
10
Figure 11
o « JC14-JC53
o - JC61-JC85
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN. 1990.
SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF ALL NORTHERN (JCM-JC53) AND
SOUTHERN (JC61-JC85) PERPENDICULAR STATIONS.
32
-------
Table 4
1990 NJ DO DISTRIBUTION (BOTTOM VALUES)
JC85M
JC85K
JC85I
JC85G
JC65E
JC75M
JC75K
JC75I
JC75G
JC75E
JC69M
JC69K
JC69I
JC69C
JC69E
JC61U
JC61K
JC61I
JC61G
JC61E
JC53M
JC53K
JC53I
JC53G
JC53E
JC41M
JC41K
JC41I
JC41C
JC41E
MASS
MAS4
MAS3
WAS2
MAS1
JC27U
JC27K
JC27I
JC27G
JC27E
JCMM
JCMK
JCMI
JCMG
JCME
4
4
4
*
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
• -
»
»
>
•
• 4
• 4
<
>
>
»
»
^
•
I
4
t
i
t
i
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
•
4
4
•
•
>
>
" > 5 m
" 4-5 mg/L • - 2-4
- 0-2 »g/L
33
-------
(25.6 percent of all samples collected) between 4-5 mg/1,
71 values (17.5 percent) vere between 2-4 mg/1/ and 14
values (3.4 percent) were between 0-2 mg/1. All 14 values
below 2 mg/1 occurred in August. In comparison, during the
summer of 1989, 347 samples were collected. A total of 106
values (30.5 percent) were below 5 mg/1. Of these, 60
values (17.3 percent of all samples) were between 4-5 mg/1,
42 values (12.1 percent) were between 2-4 mg/1, and four
values (1.2 percent) were between 0-2 mg/1. Overall,
dissolved oxygen values in 1990 were lower than those
encountered in 1989.
Historically, dissolved oxygen at the bottom reaches a
minimum in late August/early September due to a lack of
reaeration and sediment oxygen demand. Values usually
improve later in the season when storms and/or increased
winds aid reaeration.
Figure 12 compares the shore to seaward distribution
of dissolved oxygen along the northern New Jersey
perpendiculars. The dissolved oxygen values increased with
distance offshore from July through September. At all
distances from shore, dissolved oxygen values generally
followed the dissolved oxygen cycle for the northeast
United States, Figure 9, reaching a low in August. The
dissolved oxygen values increased considerably at all
distances from shore in September and October. The lower
values at the nearshore stations in northern New Jersey are
attributed to the influence of river discharges, treatment
34
-------
Figure 12
O « 1 MILE
o » 3 MILES
A « 5 MILES
+ - 7 MILES
x - 9 MILES
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
SHORE-TO-SEAWARD DISTRIBUTION OF BOTTOM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN, 1990. SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF ALL NORTHERN
PERPENDICULAR STATIONS (JCM-JC53), AT FIXED
DISTANCES FROM SHORE.
35
-------
plant effluents, stormwater runoff, benthic oxygen demand
from inlet dredged material disposal sites, and the plume
from the Hudson-Raritan River Estuary system.
Figure 13 compares the shore to seaward distribution
of dissolved oxygen values along the southern New Jersey
perpendiculars. A "double minima" occurred at the stations
5, 7, and 9 miles off the coast with dissolved oxygen lows
in late June and mid August. The stations one mile
offshore, had dissolved oxygen levels drop sharply to a low
of 4.7 in early July. The average dissolved oxygen then
rose to 7.5 mg/1 in mid July and fell to a low of 3.6 mg/1
in early August. This was followed by another sharp rise
to 6.0 mg/1 in mid-August, and a decrease to 4.6 mg/1 in
early September. All dissolved oxygen values significantly
increased in late September.
36
-------
Figure 13
O « 1 MILE
0=3 MILES
A « 5 WILES
+ « 7 MILES
x « 9 MILES
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
SHORE-TO-SEAWARD DISTRIBUTION OF BOTTOM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN, 1990. SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF All SOUTHERN
PERPENDICULAR STATIONS (JC61-JC85), AT FIXED
DISTANCES FROM SHORE.
37
-------
Dissolved Oxygen Treads
Figures 14, 15 and 16 display the number of dissolved
oxygen observations below 4 mg/1 during July, August and
September 1986-1990, for each New Jersey perpendicular.
August 1990 had the greatest number of dissolved oxygen
values less than 4 mg/1, Figure 15. In August 1990, 68
dissolved oxygen values below 4 mg/1 were observed, with
the majority of samples occurring along the northern
perpendiculars. Most values below 4 mg/1, occurred in the
beginning of August, Table 4, and were temporary. Figure
16 illustrates a recovery in September, 1990, with only 3
dissolved oxygen values less than 4 mg/1.
Figure 17 displays the five year dissolved oxygen
arithmetic mean of all semimonthly averages for the
northern New Jersey perpendicular stations. The average
dissolved oxygen in early May was 8.0 mg/1, decreasing
slowly to 5.3 mg/1 in late July. The dissolved oxygen
average stayed at this level until dropping to a low of 4.8
mg/1 in late August. This was followed by an increase to
5.3 mg/1 in early October, a slight decrease in mid
October, and a dissolved oxygen recovery in early November.
Figure 18 displays the five year dissolved oxygen
arithmetic mean of all semimonthly averages for the
southern New Jersey perpendicular stations. The dissolved
oxygen starts off at 8.3 mg/1 in mid May, and drops at a
fairly consistent rate to 6.1 mg/1 in early August. The
dissolved oxygen level remains between 5.1 and 5.5 mg/1
38
-------
Figure-14
DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS
BELOW 4 MG/L
NEW JERSEY COAST
JULY 1990
BS JC14
fffB JC27
US MAS
KZ3 JC41
SB JC53
E2SI JC61
ES JC69
JC85
50
40
to
30
oc
UJ
m
o
o:
UJ
CO
20
10
1
1986
1987
1988
YEAR
1989
1990
-------
Figure 15
DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS
BELOW 4 MGA
NEW JERSEY COAST
AUGUST 1990
RZB JC14
ffHJ JC27
m MAS
EZ2 JC41
fflB JC53
wcafi JC/DI
KS JC69
SB JC85
so
40
2
O
o:
UJ
t^
CD
o
03
30
20
10
1 1
1
DQ
1986
1987
1988
YFAR
1989
1990
-------
Figure 16
DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS
BELOW 4 MG/L
NEW JERSEY COAST
SEPTEMBER 1990
BZB JC14
DOB JC27
m MAS
EZ3 JC41
BBB JC53
I2SI JC61
BS JC69
55) JC85
50
40
30
oc
UJ
(/>
CD
o
u.
o
oe
UJ
en
20
10
2 2
1»1 I
2
a
c s
1 1 1
1986
1987
1988
YEAR
1989
1990
-------
Figure 17
to
O m FIVE YEAR AVERAGE
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN.
FIVE YEAR AVERAGE OF THE INDIVIDUAL SEMIMONTHLY
AVERAGES, 1986 TO 1990.
42
-------
Figure 18
t •
O 4
O - FIVE YEAR AVERAGE
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN,
FIVE YEAR AVERAGE OF THE INDIVIDUAL SEMIMONTHLY
AVERAGES, 1986 TO 1990.
43
-------
until it begins a recovery in late September, rising quite
rapidly in October.
Figures 19 and 20 illustrate the five year dissolved
oxygen trends for the northern and southern New Jersey
perpendicular stations, respectively. Figure 19, the
northern New Jersey perpendiculars, shows that in 1987 and
1989 a dissolved oxygen "double minima*' occurred. In 1987,
the first low occurred in mid August, followed by the
second low in mid October. The "double minima" was more
pronounced in 1989, with lows occurring in late July and
mid September. During 1986 and 1990 the dissolved oxygen
sag curves follow the general dissolved oxygen cycle for
the northeast United States, Figure 9. The lowest
dissolved oxygen average, (3.6 mg/1) occurred in September
of 1986, while the second lowest average, (3.7 mg/1)
occurred in mid August, 1990. The summers of 1987 and 1988
have had the highest dissolved oxygen averages since 1986.
Figure 20 illustrates that, the dissolved oxygen
averages along the southern New Jersey perpendiculars were
approximately 1-2 mg/1 lower in early July of 1990, than
they have been in the previous four years. The dissolved
oxygen levels were also approximately 1-2.5 mg/1 lower in
early August of 1990, than they have been in the previous
three years. In mid July, and from mid August through
September, the dissolved oxygen levels were approximately
equal to or above the dissolved oxygen averages of the
previous four years.
44
-------
10 r
I
I
I
I
I
I
«
\
Figure 19
0*1986
o = 1987
A - 1988
+ * 1989
x = 1990
V
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN
1986-1990 COMPARISON. SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF All
JC14-JC53 PERPENDICULAR STATIONS.
DEC
45
-------
Figure 20
DC 1986
o = 1987
A •= 1988
+ = 1989
x = 1990
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY COAST BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN
1986-1990 COMPARISON. SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF All
JC61-JC85 PERPENDICULAR STATIONS.
46
-------
Figure 21 displays the percentages of bottom dissolved
oxygen samples with concentrations below 4 mg/1 along the
New Jersey perpendiculars over the last five years. The
highest percentage of low dissolved oxygen values, 20.9
percent, occurred in 1990. Of the past 5 years, 1987 has
the smallest percentage of low dissolved oxygen values,
only 3.7 percent. The graph indicates that there has been
a gradual increase in the occurrence of low dissolved
oxygen values since 1987.
Figure 22 shows a five year comparison of the
semimonthly averages for the New York Bight Apex stations
for the years 1986-1990. The average dissolved oxygen
concentrations remained above 4 mg/1 throughout the five
year period. The highest dissolved oxygen averages in the
Apex occurred in 1987. A dissolved oxygen "double minima"
has been observed in 1987, 1988, and 1989. The first and
second low of the "double minima" occurred earlier in 1989
as compared to 1987 and 1988. The dissolved oxygen
averages for 1986 and 1990 are similar, with the exception
of the low which occurred in mid August in 1990, and early
September in 1986. Generally, the dissolved oxygen
averages in 1990 are approximately 1-2 mg/1 lower than the
dissolved oxygen averages in 1987 and 1988.
The dissolved oxygen .trend graphs for the New Jersey
perpendicular stations and the New York Bight Apex
stations, show slightly lower dissolved oxygen
concentrations in 1990 compared to previous years. These
47
-------
Figure 21
oo
c
0)
u
0)
CL
PERCENT OF BOTTOM DO VALUES BELOW 4mg/l
30
28 -
26 -
24 -
22 -
20 -
18 -
16 -
14 -
12 -
10 -
8 -
6 -
4 -
2 -
0
9.4
OFF THE NJ COAST OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS
20.9
13.3
11.1
3.7
1986
1987
1989
1990
-------
to
Figure 22
0 « 1986
o = 1987
A = 1988
+ = 1989
x = 1990
UAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
NEW YORK BIGHT BOTTOM DISSOLVED OXYGEN, 1986-1990
COMPARISON. SEMIMONTHLY AVERAGES OF ALL NEW YORK
BIGHT STATIONS.
DEC
49
-------
depressed levels occurred in specific isolated areas and
did not remain lev for extended periods of time. The low
/
dissolved oxygen in certain areas of the Bight is
attributed to the combined effects of the respiration of
organisms in organic-rich sediments/ the decomposition of
organic materials and dead algal blooms which occur in the
nutrient-rich areas of the Bight, thermal water column
stratification, and no vertical mixing due to a lack of
storm activity. The dissolved oxygen levels increased
considerably in mid September during periods of high winds,
cold temperature and local storms.
50
-------
V. BACTERIOLOGICAL RESULTS
Bacteriological data indicated that fecal coliform
densities at the beaches along both the New Jersey and Long
Island coasts were veil within the acceptable Federal
guidelines and State limits for primary contact recreation
(a geometric mean of 200 fecal coliforms/lOOml). A total
of 506 samples were collected for fecal coliform and
enterococcus analysis along the New Jersey coast. A total
of 248 samples were collected for fecal coliform and
enterococcus analysis along the Long Island coast. No
fecal coliform densities exceeded 200 fecal
coliforms/10Oml. The recommended EPA criterion for
enterococci in marine waters is a geometric mean of 35
enterococci/lOOml. Individual enterococcus densities
exceeded 35 enterococci/lOOml only seven times during the
summer along the New Jersey coast, and not at all along the
Long Island coast. All the enterococci geometric means
were below the criterion.
A further discussion of the bacteriological data
prepared by the EPA Regional laboratory, which includes a
discussion of the standards, indicator bacteria, materials,
methods and results, is presented in Appendix A.
51
-------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Cabelli, V. J., A. P. Dufour, L. J. McCabe, N. A.
Levin, "A Marine Recreational Water Quality Criterion
Consistent with Indicator Concepts and Risk
Analysis", Journal WPCF, Volume 55, November 10,
1983.
2. Cabelli, V. J., A. P. Dufour, L. J. McCabe, M. A.
Levin, "Swimming-Associated Gastroenteritis and Water
Quality", American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume
115, No. 4, 1982.
3. National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere,
"The Role of the Ocean in a Waste Management
Strategy", Washington, D.C., January 1981.
4. U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), "Response of the
Habitat and Biota of the Inner New York Bight to
Abatement of Sewage Sludge Dumping", 2nd Annual Progress
Report—1988, NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-F/NEC-67,
July 1989.
6. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1985", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, August 1986.
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1986", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1987.
8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1987", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1988.
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1988", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1989.
10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1989", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, August 1990.
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "Short-term
Action Plan for Addressing Floatable Debris in the
New York Bight", prepared by Batelle Ocean Sciences,
Contract No. 68-03-3319, Work Assignment No. 2-147,
March 1989.
52
-------
Appendix A
Microbiological Water Quality
New York Bight
Summer 1990
-------
MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY
NEW YORK BIGHT
SUMMER 1990
-------
Introduction
A study of the density* of fecal coliform and enterococcus
organisms was conducted in 1990 as part of the continuing annual
monitoring of the nearshore waters off the Long Island and New
Jersey coasts.
By determining the bacteriological water quality, one can
estimate potential health risks associated with the presence of
sewage pollution. Epidemiological studies have attempted to
assess the incidence of illness with bathing in water containing
fecal contamination. Evidence exists that there is a
relationship between bacterial water quality and transmission of
certain infectious diseases (1).
Investigations have shown that agents of bacterial disease,
enteropathogenic/toxigenic Escherichia coli. Pseudomonas
aeruainosa. Klebsiella. Salmonella, and Shigella are excreted in
large numbers in the feces of infected individuals, and are thus
potentially present in sewage. It is common practice to use an
indicator organism to detect fecal contamination because of the
ease of isolating and quantitating certain microorganisms on
membrane filters. Elaborate procedures are usually required for
the detection of most pathogens in mixed populations. When
numerous indicator organisms are present, the likelihood of
pathogens being found is far greater.
A fecal coliform bacterial guideline for primary contact
recreational waters was recommended by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (USEPA) in 1976, and subsequently adopted by
most of the states. The EPA standard stated that fecal coliforms
should be used as the indicator to evaluate the suitability of
recreational waters, and recommended that fecal coliforms, as
determined by MPN or MF procedure and based on a minimum of not
less than five samples taken over not more than a 30-day period,
shall not exceed a log mean of 200 fecal coliform per 100 ml, nor
shall more than 10% of the total samples during any 30-day period
exceed 400 fecal coliforms per 100 ml. The rationale for the
limits was developed using data collected from studies at the
Great Lakes (Michigan) and the Inland River (Ohio) which showed
an epidemiological detectable health effect at levels of 2300-
2400 coliforms/100 ml. Subsequent investigations conducted on
the Ohio River suggested that fecal coliforms represent 18% of
the total coliforms. This would indicate that detectable health
effects may occur at a fecal coliform level of approximately
400/100 ml. A limit of 200 fecal coliforms per 100 ml would
therefore provide a quality of water which should exceed that
which would cause a detectable health effect (10).
* Bacterial density in this study is referred to as the number of
fecal coliforms and enterococci per 100 ml of water.
-------
-2-
New York State, for its primary contact recreational coastal
waters, adopted the standard of 200 fecal coliforms/100 ml,
provided that the log mean is not exceeded during 5 successive
sets of samples. New Jersey also has the standard of 200 fecal
coliforms/100 ml. By 1978, most of the states adopted the fecal
coliform indicator with geometric mean limits at 200 fecal
coliforms/100 ml.
Fecal Coliform Indicator Bacteria
Fecal coliforms comprise all of the coliform bacteria that
ferment lactose at 44.5 +0.2°C. This group, according to
traditional theory, more accurately reflects the presence of
fecal discharges from warm-blooded animals. As an indicator,
fecal coliforms have the advantage of being less subject to
regrowth in polluted waters. Their increased specificity to
fecal sources made them the choice over other coliform organisms.
Enterococcus Group; Indicator Bacteria
Enterococci are a subgroup of the fecal streptococci. The
occurrence of fecal streptococci in water indicates fecal
contamination from warm-blooded animals. One is able to pinpoint
the source of fecal contamination (such as human, equine, bovine,
avian) by identifying the species utilizing biochemical tests.
The enterococcus group includes the following species:
Streptococcus faecalis; Streptococcus faecalis, subspecies
liquefaciens; Streptococcus faecalis. subspecies zvmogenes; and
Streptococcus faecium. Streptococcus faecalis. one of the group
D streptoccal species, grows in broth containing 6.5% NaCl,
hydrolyzes arginine and utilizes pyruvate (2-4). Streptococcus
faecium grows in 6.5% NaCL broth, hydrolyzes arginine, but does
not utilize pyruvate. Streptococcus bovis does not grow in 6.5%
NaCl broth, does not hydrolyze arginine, and does not utilize
pyruvate. These are the three most common species of group D
streptococci found as pathogens in human infection.
Streptococcus durans is located occasionally, and Streptococcus
equinus is found rarely (5).
EPA has recently published the results of two research projects
which compared the relationship between illnesses associated with
bathing in recreational waters and ambient densities of several
indicator organisms (6). One study was performed on marine
bathing beaches and one on freshwater beaches. Studies at marine
and fresh water bathing beaches indicated that gastroenteritis is
directly related to the quality of the bathing water and that
enterococci is a better indicator of water quality than fecal
coliforms (1, 10).
-------
-3-
EPA has issued a criteria guidance document recommending
enterococci and Escherichia coli for inclusion into state water
quality standards for the protection of primary contact
recreational uses in lieu of fecal coliforms. The EPA (1986)
recommended criterion for enterococci for marine waters is 35/100
ml. This information was published in the Federal Register on
March 7, 1986.
Pseudomonas Aeruqinosa; A Pathogenic Indicator Bacteria
Pseudomonas aeruainosa is a non-fermentive gram negative aerobic
bacillus capable of producing water soluble pigments. It is one
of the species of Pseudomonas that is pathogenic for man. The
pathogenesis of the Pseudomonas disease is complex and involves a
number of extracellular bacterial products, among which is an
exotoxin. The pathogenicity in man is more or less determined by
the patient's state of resistance. Severe infections can occur
in the compromised host. The organism has been implicated in
infected wounds, urinary infections, eye infections and otitis
externa among swimmers. It has also been known to cause
gastroenteritis. Pseudomonas aeruqinosa has been isolated from
over 90% of samples of sewage, and from 11% of human fecal
specimens (7).
Materials and Methods
Marine water samples were collected by helicopter from May to
September 1990. The samples were collected using a Kemmerer
sampler and transferred to 500 ml sterile, wide-mouthed plastic
containers, and then transported in an ice chest to the Region II
Edison laboratory for analysis.
Fecal coliform determinations were conducted according to the
membrane filtration (MF) procedures described in Standard
Methods, 17th edition, 1989 and Microbiological Methods for
Monitoring the Environment. Water and Wastewater. EPA-600/8-78-
017, 1978. Enterococci determinations were conducted according
to the MF procedure described by Levin (8), and DuFour (9), using
the modified mE media. Confirmation of enterococci colonies were
conducted following procedures outlined in Microbiological
Methods for Monitoring the Environment. Water and Wastewater.
EPA-600/8-78-017, 1978.
Pseudomonas aeruqinosa determinations were conducted according to
the membrane filter procedures described in Standard Methods,
17th edition, 1989, and the formulation described by Brodsky &
Cebin (14).
Of the three fluorescent species associated with man, Pseudomonas
aeruqinosa, Pseudomonas fluorescence and Pseudomonas putida.
Pseudomonas aeruqinosa is considered the primary pathogen and
consequently its differential recognition is important (11).
-------
-4-
Levin & Cabelli (12) devised M-PA Agar as a selective membrane
filter medium for the isolation of Pseudomonas aeruqinosa. A
further modification was made by Dutka and Kuan (13), and
designated M-PA-B. Brodsky & Ciebin (14), made some additional
changes and enhanced the recovery to further selectively isolate
these organisms and quantitatively recover Pseudomonas aeruqinosa
within 24 hours. Our laboratory undertook the initiative to test
this ability to recover Pseudomonas aeruqinosa using M-PA-C from
the marine environment.
Results and Discussion
Fecal Coliform - New Jersey
Along the New Jersey Coast, fecal coliform densities equal to or
greater than 50/100 ml occurred on 6 occasions at 5 different
stations (Tables 1 & 2 and Figure 1). The observations were made
at stations JC-36 (Manasquan Inlet, off of Third Avenue), JC-44
(Mantoloking, off of the foot of Albertson Street), JC-92
(Hereford Inlet), JC-93 (Wildwood, off of the Northern amusement
pier) and JC-96 (Cape May Inlet).
Fecal Coliform - Long Island
Fecal coliform densities greater than 50/100 ml did not occur
(Table 3 and Figure 2). The highest fecal coliform count
occurred at LIC-05 (Far Rockaway, off the foot of B41 Road),
which had a maximum of 25 per 100 ml.
Enterococci - New Jersey
Enterococci densities exceeding the standard of 35/100 ml (10)
(Tables 4 & 5 and Figure 3) were observed on seven occasions at
station JC-14 (Long Branch, off of the foot of S. Bath Avenue),
JC-30 (Spring Lake, south of the yellow brick building on the
beach), JC-35 (one block north of Manasquan Inlet), JC-36, JC-55
(Island Beach State Park, off of the white building north of the
Park Headquarters), and JC-93.
Enterococci - Long Island
The standard enterococci density of 35/100 ml were not exceeded.
The maximum density of 18/100 ml occurred at station LIC-28
(Shinnecock Inlet East) (Table 6 and Figure 4).
For the majority of New Jersey and Long Island Coastal Stations
low fecal coliform geometric mean densities per 100 ml were
observed. This profile is visually presented in the geometric
mean value of FC densities in Figures 1 and 2.
-------
-5-
Geometric mean densities for enterococci along the New Jersey and
Long Island Coastal Stations were even lower. These profiles are
visually evident in Figures 3 and 4.
Along the New Jersey coast 56% of the samples analyzed for
Pseudomonas aerucrinosa were positive.
On June 27, 1990 a high count was noted at station JC-24 (Bradley
Beach, off the foot of Cliff Avenue). This is presented in Table
7.
Along the Long Island coast 85% of the samples analyzed for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa were positive. On June 26, 1990, LIC-13
(Jones Beach) and LIC-17 (Robert Moses State Park) high
Pseudomonas counts were noted. See (Table 8). Of the total
number of samples analyzed for Pseudomonas aeruginosa 73% were
positive.
This organism is an opportunistic pathogen and has been linked as
the causative agent of numerous infections that may be
transmitted through the water route. The densities of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated are significant.
The fact that we are able to isolate this organism in substantial
numbers makes it a more realistic indicator of the condition of
the recreational water quality. This is true because the
organism is a pathogen. We were able to demonstrate that this
pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa could be present in marine waters
with low fecal coliform and enterococci densities.
Once again we were able to experimentally use mPAC media, and
membrane filtration, a procedure for the isolation of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa in ocean bathing water samples. There is at present
no standard for this organism in the marine environment.
-------
REFERENCES
1. Cabelli, V.J. et al. 1979. Relationship of Microbial
Indicators to Health at Marine Bathing Beaches. American
Journal of Public Health. 69:690.
2. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater. 1989. 17th ed., American Public Health
Association. Washington, DC.
3. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1978. Microbiological
Methods for Monitoring the Environment - Water and
Wastewater. EPA-600/8-78-017.
4. Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. 1984. Volume I.
Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD.
5. Facklam, R.R. 1980. Isolation and Identification of
Streptococci. Department of Health, Education & Welfare,
CDC, Rev. 1.
6. DuFour, A.P. 1984. Health Effects Criteria for Fresh
Recreational Waters. EPA-600/1-84-004.
7. Ringen, L.M. & C.H. Drake. 1952. J. Bact. 64:841.
8. Levin, M.A., J.K. Fisher & V.J. Cabelli. 1975. Membrane
Filter Technique for Enumeration of Enterococci in Marine
Waters. Appl. Microbiol. 30:66-71.
9. DuFour, A.P. 1980. Abstracts Annual Meeting American Society
for Microbiology, Q69.
10. Cabelli, V.J. 1983. Health Effects Criteria for Marine
Recreational Waters, EPA-600/1-80-031.
11. Brodsky, M.A. 1973. Rapid Method for the Detection of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa on MacConkey Agar Under Ultraviolet
Light. Appl. Microbiol. 26:219-220.
12. Levin, M.A. & V.J. Cabelli. 1972. Membrane Filter Technique
for Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Appl. Microbiol.
24:864-870.
13. Dutka, B.J. & K.K. Kwan. 1977. Confirmation of the Single-
step Membrane Filtration Procedure for Estimating
Pseudomonas aeruginosa Densities in Water. Appl. Environ.
Microbiol. 33:240-245.
14. Brodsky, M.H. & C.B. Ciebin. 1978. Improved Medium for
Recovery and Enumeration of Pseudomonas aeruginos From Water
Using Membrane Filters. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 36:36-
42.
-------
DBS
TABLE 1
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
STATION
MEAN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
JC01A
JC03
JC05
JC08
JC11
JC13
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC26
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC35
JC36
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC74
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC85
JC87
JC89
JC91
JC92
JC93
JC95
JC96
JC97
JC99
2.3291
1.4262
1.2917
1.2809
1.1942
3.2683
1.8803
1.8591
2.2480
4.0465
2.2629
2.3603
2.1070
1.3591
11.2966
2.2608
1.7744
1.8020
1.6458
1.3895
2.8474
1.1125
1.4452
1.0595
1.6531
1.0000
1.2311
1.1962
1.1487
1.0718
2.6560
2.3844
1.6438
1.3559
2.9987
1.5148
1.5784
1.0905
1.6883
1.0905
4.3121
2.8920
1.8171
5.5548
1.4142
1.9442
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
N
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
18
4
3
4
3
39
34
12
13
23
20
28
24
9
78
21
12
66
25
9
13
4
5
2
14
0
4
3
4
2
13
12
4
7
10
7
4
2
11
2
88
65
3
51
4
9
14
14
14
14
14
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
10
8
8
8
7
6
6
6
6
6
-------
TABLE 2
FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES > 50 PER 100ML
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
OBS
1
2
3
4
5
6
STATION DATE
JC36
JC36
JC44
JC92
JC93
JC96
080890
092690
080890
062090
062090
062090
VALUE
68
78
66
88
65
51
-------
FIGURE 1
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
JJ
ce
a 0
JJJ
cec
i i i
JJ
ce
JJ
ec
JJJ
ccc
JJ
cc
JJJ
cee
JJJJ
cccc
JJ
cc
JJ
ce
Lcueno
srnrcam
ODD nnxtnun
-------
TABLE 3
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
OBS
STATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
LIC01
LIC02
LIC03
LIC04
LIC05
LIC07
LIC08
LI CO 9
LIC10
LIC12
LIC13
LIC14
LIC15
LIC16
LIC17
LIC18
LIC19
LIC20
LIC21
LIC22
LIC23
LIC24
LIC25
LIC26
LIC27
LIC28
MEAN
1.6693
1.2589
1.3559
1.2821
2.9926
2.1546
2.4991
1.9608
3.4855
1.1962
1.3110
1.7020
1.1487
2.2026
1.6426
1.2311
1.3408
1.2203
1.6361
0801
1665
0000
0801
1.5375
1.2510
1.0905
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
1.
1.
1,
1,
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
12
10
7
3
25
11
11
10
14
3
5
17
2
7
13
8
7
6
7
2
2
1
2
4
3
2
N
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
8
8
-------
FIGURE 2
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
O
C
o
n
a
t
e
ti
e
x
H
s
t
0
0
H
L
L
c
C
0
C
c
C
0
srnr torn
O O D
fttnn
-------
OBS
.TABLE 4
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
STATION
MEAN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
JC01A
JC03
JC05
JC08
JC11
JC13
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC26
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC35
JC36
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC74
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC85
JC87
JC89
JC91
JC92
JC93
JC95
JC96
JC97
JC99
1.1041
1.1942
1.0816
1.1365
1.3459
1.4206
1.9465
1.7744
2.1375
1.8661
2.0551
4.3578
2.6768
1.9964
3.2235
2.0609
1.1478
1.2106
1.1735
1.2377
1.2769
1.4641
1.3145
1.0000
1.7160
1.0718
1.3110
2.5313
1.5575
1.7321
1.5784
1.4727
1.4727
1.6612
1.3110
1.1665
1.5420
2.1040
1.6094
1.4352
1.2917
4.8997
1.6984
4.2280
3.5255
1.4423
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
N
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
6
3
3
4
6
60
8
15
16
18
36
16
100
38
8
6
12
4
2
4
71
7
1
19
2
15
25
21
27
8
6
4
10
5
4
19
16
9
9
6
47
6
17
12
9
14
14
14
14
14
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
10
8
8
8
7
6
6
6
6
6
-------
TABLE 5
ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES > 35 PER 100ML
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
OBS STATION DATE
VALUE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
JC14
JC30
JC35
JC36
JC36
JC55
JC93
071190
071890
090590
053090
092690
090590
090590
60
36
100
38
36
71
47
-------
FIGURE 3
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
104
a
e
o
ft
e
r
*
t
c
e
n
n
3
O
t
n
*
r
r
r
t 9
J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J J
n n
^-*-- •
"S,
r t
» rarturn
BOO rmxtnufi
-------
TABLE 6
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
OBS
STATION
MEAN
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
N
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
LIC01
LIC02
LIC03
LIC04
LIC05
LIC07
LIC08
LI CO 9
LIC10
LIC12
LIC13
LIC14
LIC15
LIC16
LIC17
LIC18
LIC19
LIC20
LIC21
LIC22
LIC23
LIC24
LIC25
LIC26
LIC27
LIC28
1.4600
1.3110
1.8882
1.8661
1.6438
1.6438
2.0237
1.5060
2.2938
1.3741
1.6030
1.2589
1.5499
1.1962
1.3351
1.1487
1.2203
1.1665
1.8485
1.2203
1.1298
1.0801
1.2916
1.5761
1.0905
1.8888
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
22
5
6
4
8
6
12
5
7
4
14
5
5
3
3
4
3
2
7
3
3
2
5
6
2
18
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
9
8
8
-------
FIGURE 4
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1990
ceaeno
naxtnun
-------
TABLE 7
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA DATA
Psuedomonas aeruginosa
OBS DATE STATION COUNTS7100 ml
1 6/27/90 JC-24 16
2 JC-26 0
3 JC-27 0
4 JC-30 4
5 JC-33 4
6 JC-35 4
7 JC-36 8
8 JC-37 12
9 JC-41 8
10 JC-44 8
11 JC-47A 0
12 JC-49 8
13 JC-53 0
14 JC-74 12
15 JC-75 0
16 . JC-79 0
17 JC-81 0
18 JC-85 0
-------
TABLE 8
PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA DATA
OBS DATE
1 6/26/90
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
PSEUDOMONAS
STATION
LIC-01
LIC-02
LIC-03
LIC-04
LIC-05
LIC-07
LIC-08
LIC-09
LIC-10
LIC-12
LIC-13
LIC-14
LIC-15
LIC-16
LIC-17
LIC-18
LIC-19
LIC-20
LIC-21
LIC-22
LIC-23
LIC-24
LIC-25
LIC-26
LIC-27
LIC-28
AERUGINOISA
COUNTS/100 ml
3
1
3
6
1
8
5
2
5
3
18
7
0
0
17
2
9
3
1
2
1
0
4
0
3
12
-------
APPENDIX B
Summary of Phytoplankton Blooms and Related Conditions
in New Jersey Coastal Waters
Summer 1990
-------
ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOMS
AND RELATED CONDITIONS
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1990
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
NEW JERSEY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
BUREAU OF MONITORING MANAGEMENT
BIOMONITORING UNIT
-------
ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOMS
AND RELATED CONDITIONS
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1990
INTRODUCTION
To help protect its valuable recreational and fishery resources,
the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, in
cooperation with the United States Environmental Protection
Agency and the shore county health agencies, each summer
monitors coastal water quality conditions. For the past few
years, emphasis has been placed on aerial observation and beach
cleanup operations for floatable debris as well as intensive
bacteriological sampling for safe bathing. The phytoplankton
program dates back considerably further. Annual occurrences of
"red tides" caused by blooms of several flagellate species have
been documented in the Hudson-Raritan estuary and along the
adjacent New Jersey oceanfront at least since 1960, although
adverse effects were usually only aesthetic in nature (Mahoney
and McLaughlin, 1977). Monitoring began in the early 1970's
after serious blooms of a dinoflagellate, Prorocentrum micans.
were associated with complaints of respiratory discomfort by
bathers along the Monmouth County coast. Initial studies of the
affected estuarine and coastal region were conducted by the NJDEP
cooperatively with the National Marine Fisheries Service, Sandy
Hook Laboratory. As a result, the red tides were associated with
eutrophic conditions; standardized methods for phytoplankton
analysis and a comprehensive list of species indigenous to the
region were developed (Mahoney and McLaughlin, 1977; Olsen and
Cohn, 1979).
In 1977, monitoring was expanded offshore into the New York Bight
following a massive offshore bloom in this region, that of
Ceratium tripos, which resulted in widespread anoxia and
consequent kills of benthic fauna (Swanson and Sindermann, 1979).
Routine phytoplankton sampling was instituted cooperatively with
the USEPA, Region II helicopter surveillance unit, as part of
their ongoing New York Bight water quality monitoring program.
This program included sampling for dissolved oxygen on transects
perpendicular to the coast as well as for coliform bacteria in
the surf zone. Phytoplankton samples were taken initially at
stations from Raritan Bay southward to Island Beach. In 1986,
following the occurrence of extensive "green tides" of a
dinoflagellate identified as Gyrodinium aureolum (Mahoney et al.
1990), routine sampling was expanded again, this time to include
the New Jersey beaches from Long Beach Island southward (see
Figure 1). Probable factors contributing to the development of
these blooms were investigated (USEPA, 1986).
-------
Since 1985, major red tide blooms attributed to phytoflagellates
have been confined primarily to estuarine waters, i.e.
Raritan-Sandyhook Bay and, to a lesser extent, Delaware Bay (see
USEPA, 1978-1990 inclusive). A notable exception to this
occurred in late October of 1989 with a bloom dominated by
species normally abundant in the estuary (including Katodinium
routundatum and Eutreotia lanowii). This red tide extended
linearly for over 25 miles along the N.J. coast from northern
Monmouth County to Barnegat Inlet and offshore to five miles. It
took place, fortunately, after the summer bathing season but
during an abnormally warm period preceded by heavy stormwater
runoff. Blooms dominated by £. rotundatum have continued to
occur in Raritan-Sandy Hook Bay, primarily in early summer. For
the past few years, extensive and persistent diatoms blooms
dominated by several species (especially Skeletoneroa costatum)
have occurred in mid to late summer in the major estuaries and
along most of the New Jersey coast. As indicated by weather
records, this may be partially due to atypical conditions,
because diatoms normally constitute the dominant flora during the
cooler months. In Barnegat Bay, the dense, summer-long
chlorophyte bloom of Nannochloris atomus. once most conspicuous
in Raritan Bay, has recurred annually at least since 1985.
METHODS
The current survey encompasses the entire New Jersey coastal
region, including the major estuaries at the northern and
southern extremes. At least twelve sites, among those in
the USEPA New York Bight network, were sampled for phytoplankton
and chlorophyll a (see Figure 1). In 1990, several locations
were changed from those sampled the previous year(s), including
the following: Raritan Bay - RB24 and 32 deleted, RBI added;
Monmouth County coast - JC30 deleted, JC33 added; Ocean County
Coast - JC41 deleted; Barnegat Bay - DEP station SM substituted
for BB2; Atlantic County-GEl and JC75 deleted, JC77 added;
Delaware Bay - DB2 added (2 mi W of DB1). Another cooperative
NJDEP/USEPA study conducted in 1989-90 encompassed the area
between sites RBI and 15 in the Hudson-Raritan estuary subject to
dense red tides and occasional fish kills; these results will be
reported separately. Chlorophyll a data from station 51A in that
study are included in the present report. The Barnegat Bay area
also was included as part of a special study by NJDEP (stations
NM, HP, WT and SM); results of chlorophyll a analysis for these
sites are included in the present report.
For the routine survey, field collections via helicopter were
made as in previous years by members of the USEPA, Region II
Monitoring and Surveillance Branch (Edison, N.J.). Sampling
frequency was weekly from late May through early September,
weather and logistics permitting. Samples were taken at a
one-meter depth using a Kemmerer sampler. Coastal stations were
sampled just outside the surf zone. Water aliguots for species
-------
composition and phytoplankton chlorophyll a were retained in
clear plastic, one-liter cubitainers and stored in an ice chest.
If analyses could not be accomplished within 24 hours of
collection, samples for phytoplankton identification and cell
counts were preserved with Lugol's solution; those for
chlorophyll a. remained iced, to be analyzed within 48 hours of
collection. These procedures were in accordance with DEP
standard field methods (NJDEP, 1987). Species composition by the
Sedgewick-Rafter method and chlorophyll a by spectrophotometry
were performed according to Standard Operating Procedures of the
DEP Division of Water Resources, Biomonitoring Laboratory.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1990 Highlights
Hudson-Raritan Estuary
The Summer of 1990 was highlighted, as in the past few years, by
an intense bloom of the dinoflagellate Katodinium rotundatum in
the Hudson-Raritan estuary. As in 1989, the red water persisted
only about a week (June 26-29), but it extended throughout
Raritan and Sandy Hook Bay or roughly the southern half of the
Hudson-Raritan estuary. In 1988, the red tide continued
intermittently through summer in the southern portion of the
estuary. Again in 1990, the euglenoid Eutreptia lanowii was
subdominant in the blooms and other phytoflagellates formerly
dominant (e.g. Olisthodiscus luteus and Prorocentrum spp.)
appeared less abundant. A bloom of 0. luteus in Sandy Hook Bay
preceded the red tide of K. rotundatum. The appearance of
Protoperidinium trochoideum. Gymnodinium danicans and Euglena sp.
in the estuary was also noted. Localized blooms in the area both
preceded and followed the major K. rotundatum bloom which
apparently collapsed prior to July 4, possibly due to the onset
of stormy conditions as indicated by weather records. Small
flagellates (Pyramimonas micron and Chroomonas minuta) later
became generally abundant along the Monmouth County coast from
Raritan Bay to Manasquan inlet. Only one fish kill attributable
to hypoxia from decomposing algae was recorded in 1990; this was
a localized event which occurred in a tributary of the Shrewsbury
River about June 18 and was reported to us by personnel of the
Monmouth County Health Department. Except for Barnegat Bay where
the summer chlorophyte bloom continued, diatoms predominated
throughout the sampling range for the balance of the season.
Coastwide Diatom Abundance
At the start of routine sampling in May, normally-occurring
spring diatom blooms (flowerings) were in progress; these
persisted into June until the phytoflatellates (i.e. K. rotundum.
etc.) gained prominence. In Raritan-Sandy Hook Bay, Skeletonema
costatum attained bloom status; Rhizosolenia fraqilissima.
Chaetoceros sp. and Leptocy1indrus minimus were also abundant.
A localized bloom of the diatom Cyclotella sp. accompanied the
-------
flagellate bloom of O. luteus observed in Sandy Hook Bay in
mid-June. In coastal waters from Sandy Hook to Cape May, the
abundance of R. fraqilissima and delicatula. Leptocy1indrus
danicus and Cerataulina pelagica was noted during this period.
Nuisance conditions attributable to diatom blooms (especially C.
pelagica) were not reported in 1990 as they had been in previous
years.
As in the previous few years, following flagellate red tides,
diatoms regained dominance for the remainder of the season.
In 1990 several species became abundant the latter part of July
throughout the survey region. From Raritan Bay to Sandy Hook,
these included Thalassiosira subtilisf S_. costatum, L. danicus,
and Cy1indrotheca closteriumr along the N.J. coast from Monmouth
to Cape May County, S. costatumf Cyclotella sp. , T. subtilis and
Chaetoceros sp. Until mid-August, S. costatum. and T. subtilis
remained dominant in Raritan - Sandy Hook Bay and adjacent New
Jersey coastal waters south to northern Oceaij County. During
August, Hemiaulus sinensis also became abundant throughout the
same area, while S. costatum and Chaetoceros sp. bloomed in the
estuary.
Between July 18 and August 29, because of helicopter logistics,
no sampling was done south of Island Beach. In late August, S.
costatum became abundant throughout the survey region with blooms
at northern and southern extremes (Sandy Hook Bay, Cape May -
Delaware Bay). From late August into September, Thalassiosira
rotula and T. gravida appeared in abundance in northern locales,
especially in the estuary; Eucampia zoodiacus appeared at sites
southward to Island Beach. In Sandy Hook Bay Cyclotella sp.
appeared again, with a flagellate Calycomonas ovalis. Along the
N.J. coast south of Island Beach, S. costatum and Chaetoceros sp.
remained into September. At the final sampling on Sept. 29,
phytoplankton densities were considerably diminished except in
Sandy Hook Bay.
Delaware Bay
The profusion of diatoms in Delaware Bay (capeshore area), where
we began sampling in 1988, is noteworthy; in 1990 at least eight
species were predominant throughout the season. Those abundant
spring through summer included S. costatum. Thalassiosira spp.,
Asterionella glacialis and Nitzschia sp. Also abundant in spring
were L. minimus. Thalassiosira nordenskioldii and, in summer,
Thalassiosira rotula, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Cvlindrotheca
closterium. Blooms of P. tricornutum and C. closterium occurred
in late July; these two species have been common also in Sandy
Hook Bay. A dinoflagellate, Gyrodinium spp., was abundant for a
period in late summer. Localized phytoflagellate blooms have
recurred periodically in Delaware Bay, particularly in the
northeastern section just west of the New Jersey capeshore.
-------
Barnegat Bay
In Barnegat Bay the summer-long, brown-water blooms of the
chlorophyte, Nannochloris atomus. recurrent at least since 1985,
persisted again in 1990. Highest concentrations were again found
in the area south of Barnegat Inlet (Site BB2) where the salinity
regime has normally been higher than in northern Barnegat Bay
(Olsen, 1989). Peak chlorophyll a levels (>20mg/l) occurred in
mid-July and again in late August (Table 2, Figure 2). 1L. atomus
has been dominant throughout the New York-New Jersey region
especially in the other major estuaries, and often in association
with phytoflagellate or diatom species; in 1990 its blooms in the
Sandy Hook and Cape May areas coincided with late summer diatom
blooms (Table 1). In Barnegat Bay, however, its densities (>
1,000,000 cells/ml) have well exceeded those in the other areas,
at times to the virtual exclusion of other species. Several
factors have possibly contributed to this apparent eutrophication
of the Barnegat system; e.g. it is shallow and not well flushed,
there is considerable freshwater influx, and its shoreline is
extensively developed.
Localized Blooms
In addition to those detected by routine sampling, localized red
tides were observed along the Sandy Hook Bay shore and in the
Shrewsbury River; these were reported primarily by personnel of
the Monmouth County Health Department. At Atlantic Highlands
Yacht Harbor on June 18 a bloom dominated by Katodinium
rotundatum suggested this as a possible seed area for the
bay-wide bloom of that species seen a week later. Concurrently,
green water in the upper Shrewsbury River at Branchport Creek,
caused by a bloom of the diatom Cyclotella sp. with a few other
species abundant, was coincident with an apparent kill of small
fish. In mid-July, red water in the Branchport Creek vicinity
was caused primarily by K. rotundatum. with a cell density of
80,000/ml exceeding those in the preceding bay-wide bloom of that
species. In early August, brown water conditions were observed
from the Sandy Hook Bay southwestern shore (Keansburg vicinity)
through the Shrewsbury River to Branchport Creek; these were
caused by blooms of diatoms, especially Skeletonema costatum and
Thalassiosira nordenskioldiif with several other species
abundant.
-------
General Species Composition
A comprehensive list of common or abundant phytoplankton species
at representative locations, showing seasonal succession, is
presented in Table 1. Species considered dominant occurred often
in cell concentrations greater than 1000/ml; blooms occurred with
densities greater than 10,000/ml. Concentrations of this
magnitude tend to impart visible coloration to the water, i.e.
cause "red tide". During the major bloom in the Hudson-Raritan
estuary, maximum counts of Katodinium rotundatum. the dominant
species, approached 40,000/ml. For Nannochloris. because of its
minute cell size (<5um), the criterion is increased by a factor
of ten, i.e. 100,000/ml for blooms. Notably, of a total of 49
species in Table 1, 25 (slightly more than 50%) were diatoms.
Some of the stations represented in Table 1, especially southern
locations, were sampled less frequently than others. Based on
the total number of occurrences/number of times sampled, RB15
(Sandy Hook Bay) and DB1 (Delaware Bay) had the greatest
frequency or diversity of species, although DB1 was sampled only
six times.
Chlorophyll a Distribution
Results of chlorophyll analysis are given in Table 2, Figures 2
and 3. Seasonal variations, as shown in Figure 2, were greatest
in the major estuaries at northern and southern extremes of the
New Jersey coast. The highest value (120 ug/1) was derived from
the dinoflagellate red tide bloom in Raritan-Sandy Hook Bay
(station 51A) in late June, while values of almost 100 ug/1 were
seen from the diatom blooms, especially late summer, in both
estuaries. Tidal patterns may be partially responsible for the
extreme fluctuations seen in these estuaries. Coastal areas are
much lower overall, with their higher values in a range similar
to lower levels in the estuaries (10-40 ug/1). Coastal
chlorophyll a levels were most elevated during the periods of
general diatom abundance. Barnegat Bay chlorophyll a levels
displayed the least variation while remaining relatively high
(15-25 ug/1). This is attributed partially to its lack of
flushing and to the consistent abundance of Nannochloris which,
due to its minute cell size (<5.0 mm), probably represents less
biomass than the dominant species in the other estuaries. Mean
chlorophyll a levels per station for the entire season are shown
in Figure 3. Again, the major estuaries exhibited the highest
values (>50 ug/1), while central to southern coastal locations
were much lower (<10 ug/1). The lowest mean value, at station
JC57 (Island Beach State Park), reflects its geographical
position, i.e. farthest removed from inputs of the major
estuaries and coastal inlets.
-------
Environmental Factors
Seasonal temperatures variations are shown in Figure 4. In
Raritan-Sandy Hook Bays, surface temperature peaked at about 74°
(23°C) the last few days of June, concurrenly with the red tide
of K. rotundaturo. USEPA data shows that corresponding bottom
temperatures were somewhat lower (to 69CF or 20.5ec), thus there
was slight stratification at the time of the blooms. Nearshore
ocean temperatures remained well below 70°F through this period.
Bay temperatures fell somewhat in early July as the bloom rapidly
declined; weather records show that precipitation occurred in the
region from June 29 to July 2. Following this, both bay and
ocean temperatures rose again to peaks in mid-August (Figure 4).
Overall, the mid-July to mid-August warming trend coincided with
the general increase in diatom abundance. Variation in surf and
nearshore bottom temperatures through August indicate a slight
upwelling-downwelling trend; this is supported by weather records
which show a shift from a southwesterly to a northeasterly flow
during the period. This would tend to promote mixing in the
nearshore zone as reflected in surface and bottom temperatures
becoming more equalized in late August (Figure 4). Weather and
circulation patterns thus may have contributed to the lack of
phytoflaellate blooms and abundance of diatoms in New Jersey
coastal waters (see USEPA, 1986).
-------
REFERENCES
Mahoney, J.B. and J.J.A. McLaughlin, 1977. The Association of
Phytoflagellate Blooms in Lower New York Bay with
Hypertrophication. J. exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol. 28:53-65.
Mahoney, J.B., Olsen, P. and M. Cohn 1990. Blooms of a
Dinoflagellate Gvrodinium Of aureolum in New Jersey Coastal
Waters and Their Occurrence and Effects Worldwide. J. Coastal
Res. 6:121-135.
New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP).
1987. Field Procedures Manual for Water Data Acquisition.
Division of Water Resources., Trenton, 106 pp. and Appendices.
Olsen, P. and M. S. Cohn. 1979. Phytoplankton in Lower New York
Bay and Adjacent New Jersey Estuarine and Coastal Areas. Bull.
N.J. Acad. Sci. 24:59-70.
Olsen, P.S. 1989. Development and Distribution of a Brown-water
Algal Bloom in Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, with Perspective on
Resources and Other Red Tides in the Region. In: Novel
Phytoplankton Blooms: Causes and Impacts of Recurrent Brown Tides
and Other Unusual Blooms, pp.189-212. E.M. Cosper, E. J.
Carpenter and V. M. Bricelj eds. Coastal and Estuarine Studies.
Springer-Verlag, Berlin.
Swanson, R. L. and C. J. Sindermann (eds). 1979. Oxygen Depletion
and Associated Benthic Mortalities in the New York Bight, 1976.
NOAA Prof. Pap No. 11. Rockville, MD., 345 pp.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1978-1990
(inclusive). New York Bight Water Quality, Annual Reports,
Summers of 1977-1989 (inc.). Region II, Surveillance and
Monitoring Branch, Edison, NJ.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1986. An
Environmental Inventory of the New Jersey Coast/New York Bight
Relevant to Green Tide Occurrence. Prepared by Science
Applications International Corp. for USEPA, Region II, New York,
New York, 156 pp.
-------
Table 1. List of common or abundant phytoplankton species at representative locations 1n
the 1990 survey of New Jersey coastal and estuarlne waters.
Numbers under each location denote the amount of samples each species appeared
1n. Letters denote times of abundance as follows: Aa - late spring (Hay 23 -
June 13), Bb - early summer (June 20 - July 11), Cc - midsummer (July 18 -
August 15), Dd - late summer/early autumn (August 29 - September 26). A capital
letter Indicates dominance (I.e. >1000 cells/ml); an asterisk (•) following a
capital letter Indicates a bloom (>10,000 cells/ml).
Species
diatoms
LeptocyJIndrus danlcus
L. minimus
'Skeletonema costatum1
•CycloteTla sp.*
Thalassiosira sp.
7". gray ida
T. nordenskioldil
T. rotula
T. subtilis
Cosci nodi sous sp.
Eucampia zoodiacus
Hemiaulus sinensis
Cerataulina pelagica
'Chaetoceros sp.
C. sod ale
Rhizosolenia alata
R. delicatula
R. fragilissima
Ditylum brightvelll
Aster ionel la glacial is
Tha Jass ionema nitzsch io Ides
Navicula sp.
Nitzschia sp.
'PhaeodactyTum tricornutum
*Cylindrotheca closterium
dlnoflagellates
Prorocentrum mi cans
P. minimum
P. triestinum (redfieJdl)
Cymnodinium sp.
G. dan leans
Gyrodinium sp.
'Katodinium rotundattm3
Oblea rotunda
Protoperidinium sp.
P. trochoideum
other phytoflagellates
•OTisthodiscus luteus*
CaJycomonas ova J is
North
RB1
Sbcd
4Abd
6AC*D
4ab
2a
2b
4aD
4CD
4bcd
10
4bCd
Sabcd
3C*D
3acd
4aB
2d
1a
2ab
2ab
1d
2ab
3ab
1d
1b
3abd
2b
1B*
3bd
3d
3Bd
3ab
RB15
SBC
4ab
9A*CD*
5A»bD
1a
10
2ac
1aD
10aCD
2d
6bcd
6abcd
7AbC*D
1a
1C
6abd
1d
.18
la
4abc
2bd
2Cd
2ac
7Abc
2d
3ac
6Abcd
1C
5AB*C
Sbcd
4acd
5A*Bc
1D
L o
JC14
6abcd
id
4CO
2ac
ID
la
2ad
4aCd
1b
20
3CD
4abcd
4CD
1d
3A
3Ab
2d
2ad
la
3bd
1C
id
2ac
Id
1C
1C
2bc
1d
cation
JC33
8abc
8aCD
2Cd
2ad
1C
4ad
3ac
3CD
2cd
3Cd
10
2C
3A
5Ab
28C
2ad
2cd
2ac
4acd
1d
3cd
1C
1b
1C
1C
1d
JC57
4Abd
1a
4CO
1b
2ad
4abc
20
20
2Ad
SacD
1C
2ac
4Ab
1b
1C
2a
1d
1a
1c
1C
4bc
3cd
1b
JC77
4abc
4Bc
4BCO
3aC
1d
1C
2aC
2ac
1d
2ad
4BCD
SAB
1d
1d
2ad
1C
4ac
2d
1b
2b
1d
2bc
1C
1d
South
DB1
3AC
6ABCO*
3abC
2bd
3Ab
2ad
3aBC
1d
1d
1c
3AB
5ABO
3aD
3abd
SaBO
3C*D
3»CD
1d
1a
la
10
1a
2cd
-------
Table 1. (continued)
Soedes
Ebria tripartite
Pyramlmonas micron
Tet rase Jon's gradlls
Chlamydomonas sp.
futreptia Janowil
Chroomonas amphloxlea
C. minuta
Cryptomonas sp.
nonmotlle chlorophytes
Chi ore 11 a sp.
C. marina
Ankistrodesmus sp.
'Nannochloris atonus'
total occurrences
total samples
frequency Index*
North
RB1
2a
8abd
2ab
4ab
4aB
3ac
SBcd
ib
7Ab
• Sab
13aBC*D
142
13
10.92
RB15
3abd
8abcd
Sac
4ab
9ABc
1C
3a
1a
SAbcd
3a
13AB*C*D*
175
13
13.46
I- P
JC14
1a
4aBd
3cd
3ad
3cd
2c
1B
1d
7a
3bcd
12aBCD
100
13
7.69
c a t 1 c
JC33
1a
2ab
4abc
3Bc
2bc
5abc
la
10aBCD
96
12
8.00
> P
JC57
3bcd
2bc
2ab
4bc
2b
5acd
11ABCD
79
11
7.18
JC77
2ab
3abc
1C
2bd
2ab
1d
Sabc
10ABCO
78
10
7.80
South
DB1
3Abd
1a
1b
Id
1b
2ab
2ad
2ab
3Ab
6A*BC*D
79
6
13.17
footnotes: • = number of occurrences/number of samples
1 - common most of season throughout the survey region; early season abundance
1n Sandy Hook Bay (bloom) and Delaware Bay; late season abundance throughout with blooms
1n both estuaries; 1n early August partially responsible for localized red tides 1n
Shrewsbury River and Sandy Hook Bay vicinity.
2 - co-dominant with 0. luteus in early - season red tide in Sandy Hook Bay;
partially responsible for localized green water, coincident with fish kill in Branchport
Creek tributary to Shrewsbury River (June), localized red tide in Sandy Hook Bay and
Shrewsbury River (early August).
a - caused widespread and locally dense red tide In late June in the lower
Hudson - Raritan estuary, localized and very dense red tide in Branchport Creek (July).
4 - responsible for red tide in Sandy Hook Bay in mid-June.
s - ubiquitous throughout the survey region, bloom(s) all summer in Barnegat
Bay, mid to late season abundance throughout with bloom(s) in Raritan - Sandy Hook Bay
and Cape Hay - Delaware Bay coincident with diatom blooms. Because of its minute cell
size (<5ym) the criterion for abundance 1s Increased by a factor of ten (I.e. 104ml*1 for
dominance, 10s for blooms).
-------
Table 2.
Chlorophyll a. data (mg/ms s yg/L) for the 1990 New Jersey coastal and estuarlne
phytoplankton survey.
Location* 5/30
6/13 6/20 6/26 7/11 7/18 8/8 8/15 8/29 9/12 9/26 Mean
H/RE
RB1
RB51A
RB15
MCC
JC08
JC14
JC33
OCC
JC57
JC65
£1
NM
HP
OT
SM
A/CMC
JC77
JC83
JC91
DB1
DB2
MEAN
H/RE
MCC
OCC
BB
A/CMC
DB
.
8.1
7.5
15.0
5.6
0.6
13.1
12.6
9.9
19.6
9.6
17.1
10.5
9.5
11.3
15.4
20.9
29.9
2.4
1.7
2.4
1.6
5.3
4.1
4.8
2.6
84.0
56.7
25.4
2.2
3.5
3.8
70.4
6.9
46.5
7.9
7.0
10.2
13.0
0.7
11.1
13.5
13.3
15.7
3.6
2.4
1.6
25.9
12.9
26.7
8.7
11.3
13.4
2.5
19.4
34.5
23.6
10.6
2.5
2.1
'
3.1
3.5
1.9
6.0
2.2
34.5
26.5
29.1
5
3.3
3.4
30.5
86.5
119.2
29.2
3.6
2.6
2.9
1.3
5.3
8.6
14.7
15.1
21.8
3.3
2.0
78.3
3
3.3
15
2.6
9.7
11.5
36.2
16.9
15.9
7.0
2.2
2.8
12.5
14.0
17.3
21.5
6.5
8.3
19.1
12.9
2.5
16.3
7.4
20.3
72.2
14.9
3.1
5.0
2.8
4.0
17.7
16.8
13.6
24.3
3.5
2.5
2.8
41.3
40.6
46.3
7.7
3.4
18.1
2.9
41
14.8
44.4
21.6
18.6
9.7
2.4
15.7
14.3
11.3
15.1
29.6
16.6
2.4
14.1
80
95
42.8
39.7
37.2
13.2
1.7
*
72.6
30
1.7
34.2
66.5
75
35.9
36.7
21.0
6.3
7.7
5.6
17.0
14.3
24.1
10.0
6.9
17.8
99.1
33.5
56.6
31.2
7
15.3
11.5
66.3
2.4
12.7
2.1
2.1
.9
1.6
5.7
9.5 11.7
12.1 9.4
8.9 7.3
13.0 14.4
2.3
3.5
7.5
7.6
1.7
3.8
10.9 10.7
4.5
26.9
59.9
38.9
14.6
12.5
7.9
4.4
6
11.6
14
12.6
18.7
6.1
5.1
7.4
57
34.
36.7
11.7
4.9
14.2
6
45.5
H/RE - Hudson/RaMtan Estuary
MCC - Monmouth County Coast
OCC - Ocean County Coast
A/CMC - Atlantic/Cape May Counties
BB - Barnegat Bay
NM - Mantoloklng
HP - Holly Park
WT - Waretown
SM - ManahawMn
DB - Delaware Bay
-------
Table 3. Temporal and spatial occurrence of dominant species, bloom Incidence and
associated conditions in New Jersey estuarine and coastal waters during the
1990 season.
Date
May
23
30
Jun. 6
6-20
13
13-20
18
18-28
26-29
Locale
Rarltan - Sandy Hook Bay
(RB1.15)
NJ coast, Long Branch (JC14)
to Wildwood (JC91)
Rarltan Bay (RB1) and Sandy
Hook Bay (RB15)
Delaware Bay capeshore area
(DB1.2)
Barnegat Bay
Sandy Hook Bay
Rarltan Bay
NJ coast, Sandy Hook to
Wildwood (JC08-91)
Branchpoint Creek (tributary
to the Shrewsbury River)
Sandy Hook Bay at Atlantic
Highlands
Rarltan - Sandy Hook Bay
north to Staten Island
Observation/Condition
routine sampling begins; spring diatom floweMng(s),:
Skeletonema costatum abundant (>1000 cells/ml);
several species abundant Including Rh1zosolen1a
deHcatula. Rj. fragmis1ma. Cerataullna oelaglca and
Lcptocyllndrus danicus:
S_t costatum. Leptocvllndrus minimus abundant, £x
costatum bloom (>10,000 cells/ml);
several diatom species abundant Including $_,. costatum
(dominant all season), Thai ass1os1ra SPP..
Chaetoceros SD. and Asterionella gladalis:
start of annual chlorophyte bloom of Nannochlorls
atomus (>100,000 cells/ml), iL. atomus also abundant
1n the other estuaries;
first observed phytoflagellate bloom of the season,
OUsthodiscus luteus (>104 cells/ml) accompanied by a
bloom of Cvclotella so. (diatom) with abundance of
Eutreptia lanowil (euglenold), chlorophytes NJ. atomus
and Chlorella so.;
abundance of the diatom Rhizosolenla frag1TI1s1ma and
the dinoflagellate Protoper1din1um trochoideum:
abundance of Rj. frag1ll1s1ma throughout, abundance of
gj. lanowil 1n Ocean City locale (JC83);
green water caused by bloom(s) of Cvclotella SD. and
Nj. atomus. many small fish seen dead coincident with
bloom;
red tide dominated by Katod1n1um rotundatum with
several other flagellates abundant Including
Euglena/Eutrep^ia spp». PJ. luteus and diatoms Cj.
pelagica and Cyclotella SP,:
red tide bloom of the dinoflagellate Katodinlum
rotundatum throughout southern half of the Hudson -
Rarltan Estuary;
-------
Table 3. (continued)
Date
Jul. 11
18
Aug. 2
8-15
15-29
29
Locale
Rarltan - Sandy Hook Bay
Morvnouth County coast
(RB1-33)
Rarltan - Sandy Hook Bay
and northern Monmouth
County coast (JC08)
NJ coast, Manasquan and
Atlantic City locales
(JC33.77)
Obse rvat1on/Cond111on
red tide 1n estuary virtually gone possibly due to
changes 1n weather, JL. atomus remaining abundant;
small flagellates Pyramlmonas micron and Chroomonas'
mlnuta abundant;
start of summer diatom flowerings:
abundance of S,. costatum. ^ danlcus. Thalass1os1ra
subtlUs and Cy11ndrotheea closterlum:
abundance of Cydote 11 a SP.:
southern NJ coast (JC65-91) abundance of £L costatum. L. subtlUs and Chaetoceros
Delaware Bay capeshore
Barnegat Bay
Sandy Hook Bay at Ideal
Beach (E. of Keansburg),
Shrewsbury River at Sea
Bright and Branchport Creek
Rarltan - Sandy Hook Bay,
Monmouth County coast
Rarltan - Sandy Hook Bay
Monmouth County coast
(JC08-33)
Sandy Hook Bay at
Atlantic Highlands
Belmar at 20th Avenue
(Monmouth County coast)'
entire NJ coast, Sandy Hook
to Cape May and Delaware Bay
abundance of $_.. costatum. L. subtlUs. Nltzschla SP..
blooms of C_t closterlum. Phaeodactvlum trlcornutum
and chlorophyte N_,. atomus:
NJ. atomus bloom peak (chlorophyll a. >24ugl-1);
brown water caused by blooms of several diatoms
(especially S_t costatum and Thalass1os1ra
nordensk1old11) and tL atomus;
abundance of Sj. costatum. L subtlUs. Hemlaulus
slnensls and Chaetoceros sp,;
bloom and continued dominance of Chaetoceros SP. and
§_,. costatum: ^ danlcus and Hj. slnensls abundant;
abundance of £,. costatum and fcL slnensls:
brown water caused by an abundance of several diatom
species;
localized patch of discolored water caused by an
abundance of many species, mostly phytof1ageHates;
Sj. costatum and N.. atomus abundant throughout with
blooms at northern and southern extremes (RB15,
JC91, DB1.2);
Barnegat Bay
second JL. atomus bloom peak (chlorophyll a >24ugl-1);
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Table 3. (continued)
Date
Locale
Aug. 29 - Rarlten - Sandy Hook Bay
Sept. 5
NJ coast, south to Island
Beach
Delaware Bay
entire NJ coast
Sandy Hook Bay
Observatlon/Cond1t1on
abundance of Thalass1os1ra rotula. L gubtnis and
L. oravlda: Calvcomonas oval 1s (flagellate) in Sandy
Hook Bay;
abundance of the diatom Eucampla zoodlacus:
continued dominance of diatoms Including A*.
glae1al1s. Thalasslonema n1tzsch1o1des. £,.
tMcornutum. NltzscMa so. . £1. closteMum and the
flagellate Syrod1n1um so. :
phytoplankton (chlorophyll) levels generally
diminished throughout;
a few diatom species and
abundant;
atomus remaining
end of regular sampling
-------
KU/^ .<••"
...x^VSV^^,**^ it*'"
Figure 1. New Jersey coast station locations,
Saady Hook 10 Cape May.
-------
Figure 2. Seasonal changes 1n chlorophyll a. concentrations (pg/L) for the 1990
New Jersey coastal and estuarlne phytoplanktbn survey. Bars represent
composite values for the major segments of the survey region.
7XM.8
EZ3
8X-J.9
te
40
Ull
H
AX"'
H/RE - Hudson/Rarltan Estuary (RB1, RB15, RB51A)
HOC - Monmouth County Coast (JC08, JC14, JC 33)
OCC - Ocean County Coast (JC57, JC65)
BB - Barnegat Bay (Mantoloklng, Holly Park, Waretown, Manahawkln)
A/CMC - Atlantic/Cape May County Coast (JC77, JC83, JC91)
DB - Delaware Bay (DB1, DB2)
-------
Figure 3. Mean chlorophyll a. values for New Jersey coastal and estuarlne
stations, north to south, for the 1990 summer season.
Ctol A.
90
30 -
20-
A0-
5-1
RBI RB51A RBI5 JC88 JC14 JC33 JCS7 JC45 BB JC77 JC83 JC91 BB1 BB2
y%»V> < R -f:
condition*
chl a (ug/L)
ollgotrophlc
mesotrophlc
eutrophlc
hypertrophlc
0 - 3.3
3.4 - 6.6
6.7 - 10
* Criteria are based on levels normally found 1n coastal and offshore waters.
-------
Figure 4. Changes 1n New Jersey coastal and estuarlne water temperature (°F) for summer
of 1990. USEPA station 51A 1n Rarltan - Sandy Hook Bay, surface; Island Beach
State Park, surf; USEPA transect off Seaside Heights, JC53E (1 mile offshore)
bottom, JC53M (nine miles offshore) surface and bottom.
0
IBSP
•
RB31A
»
JC53E(B)
4
JCS3HCI)
•
JC53HCB)
70
fe 65-
60
35
Jun 1 22 29 29 Jul 9 C 13 19 29 *u« 4 • 14 1C 17 24 29 Sty 1
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