U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
SUMMER OF 1995
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION
REGION 2
EDISON, NEW JERSEY 08837
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NEW YORK BIGHT WATER QUALITY
SUMMER OF 1995
Prepared By:
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Region 2 - Surveillance and Monitoring Branch
Edison, New Jersey 08837
Helen Grebe, Environmental Scientist
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this report: is co disseminate technical
information gathered by the Environmental Services Division of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 2,
during the 1995 New York Bight Water Quality Monitoring
Program. The monitoring program was conducted via a contract
helicopter for sample collection and floatable surveillance.
The monitoring period was from May 15 to September 6 of 1995.
The program consisted of four separate parts, as follows:
1. Beach network - 26 Long Island beach stations and 44
New Jersey beach stations sampled for bacteriological
analysis once a week,
2. Phytoplankton network - phytoplankton samples along
the New Jersey coast and in Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook
Bay, Barnegat Bay, Great Egg Harbor, and Delaware Bay
collected semimonthly,
3. Perpendicular network - ten transects (one New York
Bight and nine New Jersey coast transects) extending
nine nautical miles east from the New Jersey coast
sampled five to seven times during the sampling
season for dissolved oxygen and temperature, and
4. Floatable surveillance network - helicopter flights
around the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
conducted six days a week during the summer months.
Bacteriological data indicated that fecal coliform
densities at the Long Island and New Jersey beach stations were
well within the acceptable Federal guidelines and State limits
for primary contact recreation (a geometric mean of 200 fecal
coliforms/lOOml). A total of 317 samples along the Long Island
coast, and 524 samples along the New Jersey coast, were
collected for fecal coliform and enterococcus analyses. Only
One individual fecal coliform density along the Long Island
coast and one individual density along the New Jersey coast,
exceeded the States' bathing water quality standard of 200
fecal coliforms/lOOml. The recommended EPA criterion for
enterococci in marine waters is a geometric mean of 35
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enterococci/lCOml. On only four occasions, individual
entsrococcus densities exceeded 35 enterococci/lOOml, twice
along the Long Island coast and twice along the New Jersey
coast. Based on fecal coliform and enterococcus data, Long
Island and New Jersey coastal waters are of excellent quality.
Dissolved oxygen levels were generally good along the New
Jersey and New York Bight perpendiculars. Semimonthly average
dissolved oxygen concentrations remained above 5.5 mg/1. Most
individual dissolved oxygen values remained above the "lethal
if prolonged" guideline of 2 - 3 mg/1. Dissolved oxygen values
have 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, for extended periods of
time.
During the summer of 1995, phytoplankton blooms and
chlorophyll a, levels were highest in the intercoastal bays of
New Jersey. Red algal blooms were predominant in Raritan and
Sandy Hook Bays from May through August. The minute brown
alga, Aureococcus anophagefferens was documented in bloom
proportions for the first time in Little Egg Harbor adjacent to
lower Barnegat Bay, New Jersey, in 1995. This brown alga was
associated with damage to shellfish crops in the eastern
embayments of Long Island, NY. Most coastal beaches along New
Jersey were affected by blooms of short duration, however
extensive phytoplankton blooms did not occur.
There were no beach closures due to wash-ups of floatable
debris in 1995. This was largely due to the initiation of a
Short-Term Action Plan aimed at addressing floatable debris in
the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex. The action plan is a
cooperative monitoring and response effort on the part of
various federal, state and local government agencies.
11
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION I
II.' HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT MONITORING PROGRAM . . 5
III. SAMPLING AND SURVEILLANCE PROCEDURES 8
IV. LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATIONS AND OBSERVATION POINTS 11
Beach Stations 11
Phytoplankton Stations 11
Perpendicular Stations 19
New York/New Jersey Harbor 19
V. DISSOLVED OXYGEN RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 21
Normal Trends in the Ocean 21
Dissolved Oxygen Criteria 22
Surface Dissolved Oxygen, 1995 24
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen, 1995 24
New York Bight Apex 24
New Jersey Coast - 27
Dissolved Oxygen Trends 29
VI. FLOATABLES OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSION 34
Purpose 34
Criteria for Reportable Floatables 35
Trends 35
BIBLIOGRAPHY 42
APPENDIX A - Microbiological Water Quality New York
Bight Summer 1995
APPENDIX B - Summary of Phytoplankton Blooms and
Related Conditions in New Jersey
Coastal Waters Summer of 1995
APPENDIX C - Daily Floatables Observations for the
Summer of 1995
111
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LIST OF FIGURES
Mo. Title Page
1 The New York Bight 2
2 Bight Apex and Existing Dump Sites 3
3 Map of New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex 4
4 Long Island Coast Station Locations 13
5 New Jersey Coast Station Locations - 17
Sandy Hook to Island Beach Park
6 New Jersey Coast Station Locations - 18
Barnegat to Cape May Point
7 New Jersey and New York Bight Apex 20
Perpendicular Stations
8 Generalized Annual Marine Dissolved 23
Oxygen Cycle off the Northeast U.S.
(From NOAA)
9 New Jersey and New York Bight
Perpendiculars, 1995 Semimonthly Average
of Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations 27
10 New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1995 28
Semimonthly Average of Bottom Dissolved
Oxygen Concentrations 1-9 Miles off
the Coast
11 New Jersey and New York Bight Perpendiculars, 30
1992 - 1995. Semimonthly Averages of
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
12 New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1992 -1995
Average Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations,
One, Five and Nine Miles off the Coast 31
13 Percent of Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Values
Below 4 mg/1 Off the New Jersey Coast Over
the Last 15 Years 32
IV
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14 Total Number of Slicks Observed in the 36
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
Mid May - Mid September, 1939, 1992, 1993,
1-994 and 1995
15 Total Number of Slicks Observed in the 38
Mew York/New Jersey Harbor Complex,
3y Size Category in 1989, 1992, 1993,
1994 and 1995
16 Total Number of Slicks Observed in the 39
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex, By
Locational Subdivision in 1889, 1992,
1993, 1994 and 1995
17 Total Number of Slicks Observed at 40
Expanded Coverage Sites in 1994 and 1995.
Divided by Size Categories
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LIST OF TABLES
1 Outline of the 1995 Monitoring Program 8
»
2 Long Island Coast Station Locations 12
3 New Jersey Coast Station Locations 14
4 1995 New Jersey and New York Bight Dissolved
Oxygen Distribution (Bottom Values) 25
VI
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I. INTRODUCTION
The Division of Environmental Science and Assessment of
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has prepared this
report to disseminate environmental data for the New York Bight
Apex, the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex, 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 de-designated sewage sludge, acid waste, and
cellar dirt disposal sites, and the active dredged material
disposal site, is shown in Figure 2. The New York/New Jersey
Harbor Complex, for purposes of this report, is defined as the
Arthur Kill, Newark Bay, Kill Van Kull, southern portions of
the East and Hudson Rivers, Verrazano Narrows, Gravesend Bay,
the Coney Island coastline to the mouth of Jamaica Bay, and
Upper and Lower New York Harbors. The New York/New Jersey
Harbor Complex is shown in Figure 3.
This report is the twenty-first in a series and reflects
the monitoring period from May 15 to September 6 of 1995. 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.
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BIGHT APEX LIMITS
CHEMICAL
WASTES
DUMP SITE
(DE-DESIGNATED)
THE NEW YORK BIGHT
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OUTER HARBOR
SANDY HOOK-
ROCWWAY POINT
TRANSECT
LONG BRAS.CI
NEW JERSEY
DREDGED MATERIAL
(ACTIVE)
W •*-!
CELLAR* SEWAGE*
DIRT SLUDGE
o
^
e
AOV20
-ACID*
WASTES
C_
<
M«
/
o
(•^
e
Figure 2
BIGHT APEX AND EXISTING DUMP SITES
* = DE-DESIGNATED
10
20
30
KILOMETERS
5 10
NAUTICAL MILES
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so *h-
NEW
JERSEY
Passa/c*«'
STATEN ISLAND •./li
Figure 3 Map of New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
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II. HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK BIGHT MONITORING PROGRAM
Since its initiation in 1974, the Mew 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 SPA; and to concentrate on specific
areas of concern during the critical summer period. Many
changes occurred after the summer of 1976, when anoxic
conditions caused a fishkill in the Bight and an unusually
heavy wash-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 was modified to intensify
sampling activities along the southern New Jersey beaches.
During mid to late summer in 1985, beaches along the southern
New Jersey coast were affected by algal blooms, which caused
"green tide," and high bacterial counts that 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 New Jersey beaches. However, since 1985, extensive
phytoplankton blooms of long duration have not occurred along
the New Jersey coast. As a result, beginning in 1993 and
continuing through 1995, the frequency of phytoplankton
monitoring decreased from once a week to semimonthly. Weekly
bacteriological samples continue to be collected.
In August 1987, a 50-mile slick of garbage washed ashore
along mid to southern New Jersey. In 1988, several miles of
Long Island beaches were plagued with garbage wash-ups,
'including medical debris. This precipitated the need to
develop a response network to prevent future beach closures due
to floatables. As a result, EPA along with the New York State
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Department of Environmental Conservation, New York City
Department of Environmental Protection, New York City
Department of Sanitation, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S.
Coast Guard developed the "Short Term Action Plan for
Addressing Fioatables Debris in the New York Bight" (USEPA,
1939). The Short Term Action Plan establishes a monitoring and
response network to locate and coordinate cleanup operations
for slicks found in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex.
The intent was to prevent slick materials from escaping the
harbor and potentially stranding on regional beaches. The
nucleus of the plan consists of daily helicopter floatable
observation flights of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex,
a command/communication center, and the cleanup of floatable
debris by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the New York City
Department of Environmental Protection.
In 1992, in response to a changing environment, i.e., the
cessation of sewage sludge dumping, monitoring for dissolved
oxygen in the New York Bight Apex was modified. The following
stations were not sampled in 1992, 1993 or 1994: the Long
Island perpendiculars, the Manasquan Inlet perpendicular, most
New York Bight Apex stations, and New Jersey perpendicular
stations 3 and 7 nautical miles off the coast. Four New York
Bight Apex stations were retained, and four new ones added.
The New York Bight Apex stations extended east off the New
Jersey Coast, approximately 4, 8, 12, and 16 nautical miles
offshore. New Jersey perpendicular stations were sampled at 1,
5, 9, 12, and 16 nautical miles off the coast, in 1992, 1993
and 1994. The new sampling scheme was developed to document
the extent of low dissolved oxygen concentrations off the New
Jersey coast.
Monitoring for dissolved oxygen was again modified in
1995. Stations 12 and 16 nautical miles off the coast did not
show low dissolved oxygen, and were therefore not sampled in
1995. The 1995 dissolved oxygen monitoring network better
6
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reflects che historical data base, i.e., pre 1992. New Jersey
perpendicular stations were sampled 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 nautical
miles off the coast. The Mew York Bight stations are sampled
approximately 2, 4, 6, 7 and 3 nautical miles offshore,
centering around the dredged material dump site.
Frequency of dissolved oxygen monitoring has also been
changed. In past years, monitoring for dissolved oxygen
occurred every week throughout the summer. In 1992, 1993 and
1994, dissolved oxygen monitoring occurred three to four times
during the summer season, focusing around historically low
periods. In 1995, dissolved oxygen monitoring occurred eight
times.
III. SAMPLING AND SURVEILLANCE PROCEDURES
During the period of May 15 through September 6, 1995',
water quality monitoring and surveillance activities were
carried out using a contract helicopter. The monitoring
program is composed of three separate sampling networks and one
floatable surveillance network. Table 1 outlines the 1995
monitoring program, including station groups, frequency of
sampling, parameters analyzed, and sample depth.
The beach station network was sampled to gather
bacteriological water quality information for the protection of
human health. Samples were collected weekly starting one week
before Memorial Day until Labor Day. Twenty-six Long Island
coast stations and forty-four New Jersey coast stations were
sampled once a week for fecal coliform and enterococcus
bacteria densities. At beach stations, samples were collected
just offshore in the surf zone, while the helicopter hovered
over 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)
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Table 1
Outline of the 1995 Monitoring Program
Station Group
Long Island
Beaches
(Rockaway Pt .
to Shinnecock
Inlet)
New Jersey
Beaches
(Sandy Hook
to Cape May)
New Jersey
Phytoplankton
Station
Network
New Jersey
and New York
•Bight Apex
Perpendicular
Station
Network
(Sandy Hook
to Hereford
Inlet)
NY/NJ Harbor
Overflight
Frequency
26
stations/week
44
stations/week
8 - 12
samples
semimonthly
50 stations
10 transects
6 days/
week
Parameter
Fecal
Coliform
Enterococcus
Fecal
Coliform
Enterococcus
Phytoplankton
Chlorophyll a.
Dissolved
Oxygen
observations
Sample Depth
one meter
below the
surface
one meter
below the
surface
one meter
below the
surface
one meter
below the
surface, one
meter above
the ocean
floor
surface water
8
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to the Edison Laboratory for fecal coiiform and enterococcus
analyses. The results of the bacteriological data for 1995 are
contained in Appendix A.
The phytcplankton sampling network was sampled to monitor
phytcplanktcn assemblages and red tide blooms in Mew Jersey
coastal waters and bays. Water samples for phytoplankton
identification and quantification, and chlorophyll analysis,
were collected eight times during che summer season. Sample
analyses were completed by the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection (NJDEP). The samples were collected
as close to che surface as possible, using a 1-liter Kemmerer
sampler. A 500 ml dark brown plastic bottle was filled for
phytoplankton and chlorophyll a. analyses, and preserved by
cooling to 4CC. The NJDEP picked up the phytoplankton samples
at our Edison laboratory within 24 hours of collection. At the
laboratory, the NJDEP removed an aliquot of sample for
chlorophyll analysis. The results of the NJDEP's analyses are
contained in Appendix B.
The perpendicular station network was established to
gather surface and bottom dissolved oxygen values during the
critical summer period. The perpendicular station network
consists of ten transects extending east from the New Jersey
coast. One transect extended east from Northern New Jersey in
the New York Bight Apex, with 5 stations; and 9 transects
extended east from the remainder of the New Jersey coast, with
5 stations in each transect. The transects cover the inner
Bight from Sandy Hook to Hereford Inlet, New Jersey. Samples
were collected for dissolved oxygen and temperature. Depending
upon sea conditions, the contract helicopter hovered or landed
at the designated station and a 1-liter Kemmerer sampler was
used to obtain water samples. Samples were taken at 1 meter
below the surface and 1 meter above the ocean floor. After
collection, the water sample was transferred to a biochemical
oxygen demand bottle for dissolved oxygen analysis. The
dissolved oxygen sample was immediately fixed at the station by
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the addition of 2 ml of manganous sulfate followed by 2 ml of
alkali-iodide-azide reagent. The 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 with 0.0375N sodium thiosulfate.
The floatable surveillance network encompassed overflights
of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex. The networks'
objective is to improve water quality by sighting slicks and
determining the most efficient coordinated cleanup effort
possible. The removal of floatable debris from the water
column in the Harbor Complex, prevents the debris from
stranding on regional beaches or shore lines. The overflights
consisted of flying a helicopter 50 to 300 feet above the
water, 6 days/week from May 15 to September 6. Approximate
size or dimension, contents, relative density, location,
possible sources and time of sighting of significant floatable
debris were recorded. The information was reported to a
central communication response network, specifically
established to coordinate cleanup efforts. Cleanup efforts
were conducted by the Corps of Engineers or the New York City
Department of Environmental Protection as necessary.
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IV. LOCATION OF SAMPLING STATIONS AND OBSERVATION POINTS
Beach Stations
A total of 70 bathing beach areas was sampled routinely
for bacteriological water quality along the Long Island and New
Jersey coastlines. The Long Island sampling stations extend
from the western 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 4. There are 44 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 5 and 6.
The results of the bacteriological data are contained in
Appendix A.
Phytoplankton Stations
Phytoplankton samples were collected eight times during
the summer season along the New Jersey coast and in Raritan
Bay, Sandy Hook Bay, and Barnegat Bay. The stations were as
follows:
RB 05 JC 30 JC 65 JC 91
RB 15 JC 33 JC 75 BB 02 •
RB 51 JC 57 JC 83 DB 1
JC 11 JC 63 JC 87
A discussion of phytoplankton dynamics and bloom incidence
in New Jersey waters is presented in Appendix B.
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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 Heliport 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
12
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FIGURE 4
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 Monmouth 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 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
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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
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Table 3 (continued)
Station No. Location
JC 89 Avalon, off beige building on the beach
JC 92 Hereford Inlet
JC 93 Wildwo.od, 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
16
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LONG ISLAND
FIGURE 5
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - SANDY HOOK TO
ISLAND BEACH PARK
17
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NEW JERSEY
BEACH
HAVEN
ATLANTIC CITY
STRATHM6RE
CAPE MAY
POINT
JC96
JC97
JC99 FIGURE 6
NEW JERSEY COAST STATION LOCATIONS - BARNEGAT TO CAPE MAY POINT
18
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Perpendicular Stations
The perpendicular station network consists of ten
transects extending east from the Mew Jersey coast. Nine New
Jersey coast (JO perpendicular transects extend east from Long
Branch to Hereford Inlet, and one Mew York Bight (NYB) Apex
perpendicular transect extends east from the southern end of
Sandy Hook. Mew Jersey coast perpendicular stations start at 1
nautical mile (nm) and extend east, to nine nm offshore. In •
1995, perpendicular transects from Long Branch to Hereford
Inlet were sampled at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 nm offshore. The
Hereford Inlet (JC90) perpendicular transect was established in
1992. Historical New York Bight Apex stations, NYB 20, 21, 22,
23 and 24 were sampled in 1995. The New York Bight stations
are approximately 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 nm off the southern end of
Sandy Hook.
The perpendicular station locations are plotted in
Figure 7.
New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
A complete overflight of the New York/New Jersey Harbor
Complex included the following waterways: the Arthur Kill;
Newark Bay, as far north as the New Jersey Turnpike Bridge; the
Kill Van Kull; the Upper New York Harbor; the Hudson and East
Rivers as far north as Central Park, New York; the Verrazano
Narrows; Gravesend Bay; the shoreline of Coney Island as far
east as the Marine Parkway Bridge; and the Lower New York
Harbor, see Figure 3.
19
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Figure 7
. NYB 2
,>» ..
Long Branch - JC 14
Belmar - JC 27
Seaside
Height* - JC 53
New Jersey
Bamegat
! - JC 61
Beach Haven - JC 69
10 Kilometere
New Jersey and
New York Bight Apex
JC gQ Perpendicular Stations
Hereford Inlet
20
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V, DISSOLVED OXYGEN RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Normal Trends in the Ocean
Two major processes ace ~o replenish dissolved oxygen in
the water column of the Mew York Bight. These are: the
photcsynthetic 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 -
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 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
21
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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 column with
concomitant reoxygenation of the bottom waters. The
annual cycle begins again. Figure 8 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
22
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10
9
8
x 5
-<
o
m
Z 4
I I
I I
FEB MAR APR MAY
JUNE JULY AUG SEPT
MONTH
OCI NOV
FIGURE 8
GENERALIZED ANNUAL MARINE DISSOLVED OXYGEN CYCLE OFF THE
NORTHEAST U.S. (FROM NOAAj
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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
fishkiils and benthic organism mortality.
Surface Dissolved Oxygen - 1995
During the 1995 dissolved oxygen sampling period, July 7
through September 5, a total of 369 surface samples was
collected for dissolved oxygen analysis. The upper water
column, as in past years, appeared to be completely mixed with
dissolved oxygen levels at or near saturation. Therefore, no
further discussion on surface dissolved oxygen will be
presented in this report.
Bottom Dissolved Oxygen - 1995
New York Bight Apex Perpendiculars
New York Bight Apex perpendicular stations, (NYB20, 21,
22, 23 and 24) were sampled eight times during the 1995
sampling period. A total of 44 bottom samples was collected
for dissolved oxygen, see Table 4. Six samples were below the
"borderline to healthy" guideline of 4.0 mg/1. These six
values were:
Station Date Dissolved Oxygen
NYB21 8/21/95 2.1 mg/1
NYB23 8/21/95 2.5 mg/1
NYB24 8/21/95 2.5 mg/1
NYB21 8/26/95 3.7 mg/1
NYB21 9/01/95 3.8 mg/1
NYB24 9/01/95 3.9 mg/1
Based on these data, dissolved oxygen remained well above the
guidelines considered stressful to aquatic life.
24
-------
Table 4
1995 New Jersey and New York Bight Dissolved Oxygen Distribution
(Bottom Values)
NYB20
NYB21
NYB22
NYB23
NYB24
JC14E
JC14G
JC14I
JC14K
JC14M
JC27E
JC27G
JC27I
JC27K
JC27M
JC41E
JC41G
JC41I
JC41K
JC41M
JC53E
JC53G
JC53I
JC53K
JC53M
JC61E
JC61G
JC61I
JC61K
JC61M
JC69E
JC69G
JC69I
JC69K
JC69M
JC75E
JC75G
JC75I
JC75K
JC75M
JC85E
JC85G
JC85I
JC85K
JC85M
JC90E
JC90G
JC90I
JC90K
JC90M
*x * *****
* * * * * T |
* * * * * T
* * * * * T |
* * * * T * |
X » * T * T *
* * * * * X *
* * * * * T T
* * * * * * »
* * * * * * X
* * *****
* * * * * X »
* * * * * » *
* * *.**»*
* * * * * * X
* * * * * X *
T* * * T * T T
* * * * * T 0
* * * * * T *
* * * * * T *
* » T T * * T *
T* * T****
** T *****
** * *****
** * * » * T X
* x * * * *
* X T T * *
* * * T * X
» * » * x
* * * x * *
X * T * T * T
» * T * T * *
» T * * * * »
T * T * * * T
* * T * * * *
* * X X * *
* X • • * *
T * X X * *
* * X X * »
T » » T * *
T *****
T * * * * T
* * * * * T
* * * * * T
* * * * * T
T | T * * X
* x * * * *
, x * * * *
* * * * * T
* * * * . * *
a 3 a
«£ 5mg/l »=5-4mg/l X=4-3mg/l
25
l=3-2mg/l O=< 2mg/l
-------
New Jersey Coast Perpendiculars
Figure 9 illustrates the 1995 semimonthly average of
bottom dissolved oxygen concentrations for the New Jersey coast
and Mew York Bight perpendiculars. The dissolved oxygen
averages remained above 5.5 mg/1, from July to early September.
Table 4 summarizes the bottom dissolved oxygen values for
the New York Bight and New Jersey coast perpendiculars. Of the
369 New Jersey perpendicular samples collected, 113 values
(30.6 percent) were below 5 mg/1. Of the 113 values, 69 values
(18.7 percent of all New Jersey samples collected) were between
4-5 mg/1, 37 values (10.0 percent) were between 3-4, 6 values
(1.6 percent) were between 2-3 mg/1, and only one value (0.3
percent) was below 2 mg/1.
Figure 10 compares the shore to seaward distribution, (or
distance off the coast) of average dissolved oxygen
concentrations along the New Jersey coast perpendicular
transects. The dissolved oxygen values increased with distance
offshore, through July. Average dissolved oxygen
concentrations are within 0.6 mg/1 of each other in August, and
decrease with increasing distance offshore in late August.
Average dissolved oxygen concentrations one nautical mile off
the coast show an increase in late August. This increase is
probably due to prevailing winds and heavy surf oxygenating the
inner coast. With the exception of stations one nautical mile
off the coast, dissolved oxygen averages return to increasing
values with distance offshore, in September.
26
-------
Figure 9
New Jersey and NYB Perpendiculars, 1995
Semi-Monthly Average of Bottom Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations
6.5
August
Semi-Monthly
Sept
-------
Figure 10
New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1995
Semi-Monthly Average of Bottom DO Concentrations 1-9 Miles off the Coast
to
00
1
—
August
Semi-Monthly
September
One Mile
Three Miles
Distance off Coast
Five Miles
Seven Miles [[[] Nine Miles
-------
Dissolved Oxygen Trends
Figure 11 compares the semimonthly average of bottom
dissolved oxygen concentrations of the New Jersey and New York
Bight perpendiculars, for 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995. All
average values are above 5.0 mg/1, with the lowest value, 5.3
mg/1, occurring in late August of 1992. No samples were
collected in early July 1992 and 1994, late July 1992, early
August 1993, late August 1993, and early September 1994.
Generally, the 1995 values are 1.0 mg/1 lower than the 1992,
1993 or 1994 values. A possible reason for this is the change
in sampling locations, from a maximum of sixteen nm to nine nm
off the coast in 1995. Dissolved oxygen concentrations are
generally lower closer to shore.
Figure 12 displays the average dissolved oxygen
concentrations along the New Jersey perpendiculars one, five
and nine nautical miles off the coast, for 1992, 1993, 1994,
and 1995. With the exception of 1992, the dissolved oxygen
values increased with distance offshore. Dissolved oxygen
averages at stations one, five and nine miles off the coast are
within 0.6, 1.0 and 1.8 mg/1 of each other, respectively.
The percent of New Jersey bottom dissolved oxygen values
below 4 mg/1, from 1981 - 1995, is illustrated in Figure 13.
Depressed levels fluctuated greatly, year to year, from 1981
through 1986. From 1986 to 1995, fluctuation from year to year
has been less severe. The year 1985 was the most hypoxic. The
percentage of low values increased from 1987 to 1990, decreased
from 1990 to 1994, and increased again in 1995.
The prolonged depressed dissolved oxygen levels in 1985
were attributed to the decomposition of the organisms
responsible for the numerous algal blooms that occurred, the
lack of meteorological events favoring reaeration, such as
substantial winds and storm activity, and the presence of a
strong thermocline. The low dissolved oxygen levels in 1990
were not as widespread or persistent as those encountered in
1985.
29
-------
Figure 11
New Jersey and NYB Perpendiculars, 1992 -1995
Semi-Monthly Averages of Bottom DO Concentrations
July
August
Semi-Monthly
September
1992
1993
1994
1995
-------
c
0)
O)
"O
>3
O
tn
(/>
b 2
Figure 12
New Jersey Perpendiculars, 1992 -1995
Average DO Concentrations, One, Five and Nine Miles off the Coast
:-!:«
One
-
Five
Miles off Coast
III
Nine
1992
1993
1994
1995
-------
Figure 13
CO
to
Percent of Bottom DO Values Below 4 mg/l
Off the New Jersey Coast Over the Last 15 Years
ou
A(\
4U
. . ort
"+Z. «3U
8
0)
/"i on
LL. £.\J
•in
1U
3
7
1
13
1
98:
f
2
2
in
1C
r
.1
)
1
7.3
I
98'
i
I
13
.£
J
1
4
I
98(
•^
3
7
1
11 '
I
98f
4
3
1 1
I J
r
.1.
t
1
?O.S
I
99(
/
)
14.7
1 1 Q
i i .y
.6
3.3
1.2
i i
) 1992 1994
1981
1983 1985
1987 1989
Year
1991
1993
1995
-------
Since 1985, dissolved oxygen values have fluctuated with
few values below 4 mg/1, and never approached the widespread
hypoxia of 1985. This improvement is partially attributed to
the increased storm activity in subsequent years, promoting
reaeration; and the absence of a significant green tide event.
Curing the summer of 1995, few algal blooms were observed,
strong winds prevailed, water temperature remained low, and
there were numerous storms promoting reaeration. Based on
these facts and the data collected, New Jersey coastal waters
were of excellent quality in 1995.
33
-------
VI. FLQATABLES OBSERVATIONS AND DISCUSSION
Purpose
During the summer of 1989, the USEPA initiated
surveillance overflights of the New York/Mew Jersey Harbor
Complex in response to the Short Term Action Plan for
Addressing Floatable Debris. This Action Plan, which is part
of the New York Bight Restoration Plan, was developed by an
Interagency Floatable Task Force in an effort to prevent the
occurrence of beach closures due to floatable debris, as
occurred in previous years. Overflights of the New York/New
Jersey Harbor Complex for floatable surveillance continued
through 1995. All floatable observations were reported to
either the Army Corps of Engineers, or the New York City
Department of Environmental Protection. Cleanups were
conducted as necessary.
In 1994, a joint effort by the Interagency Floatable Task
Force, resulted in the acquisition of a new vessel to be owned
and operated by New York City Department of Environmental
Protection for collection of floatables debris in designated
New York waterways. As a result, surveillance of the New
York/New Jersey Harbor increased to include the following New
York waterways (or expanded coverage sites): the southern
portions of the Hudson and East Rivers, Gravesend Bay, the
coastline of Coney Island, and the mouth of Jamaica Bay. This
surveillance continued in 1995.
From mid May to mid September, 1989 - 1995, the New
York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was surveyed for floatables, six
days a week, weather permitting. For comparison, data from
1989, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995 will be presented.
34
-------
Criteria for Reportable Floatables
For cleanup purposes, the Short Term Action Plan defined a
"slick" as an aggregation of floating debris of indefinite
width and a minimum length of approximately 400 meters. Using
this as a guideline, all slicks have been divided into the
following five categories (from largest co smallest):
Major: any slick more than 1600 meters in length;
Heavy: 800 meters to 1600 meters
Moderate: 400 meters to 800 meters;
Light: any slick less than 400 meters;
Dispersed: any area that contains a significant amount of
floatables, but no defined slick.
A slick under the categories of Light or Dispersed is
usually difficult to detect and maintain a sighting for
purposes of an efficient cleanup.
The categories of slicks are subjective. All floatable
observations have been placed in one of the five categories
according to the slick's estimated dimensions, relative density
and other recorded observations. Any slick not meeting the
length requirements that has a relatively heavy density or
extensive width can be moved up a category; as any slick with a
relative light density or broken pattern can be moved down a
category.
Trends
Figure 14 displays the total number of slicks observed in
the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex divided into two
categories: 1) slicks meeting cleanup requirements - major,
heavy, and moderate, and 2) slicks not meeting cleanup
requirements - minor and dispersed slicks. The sighting of
slicks meeting cleanup requirements decreased steadily from
1989 to 1994, and increased significantly 1995. In 1989, 63
slicks were observed which met the cleanup requirements; in
1992, 38 slicks required cleanup; in 1993, 21 slicks required
cleanup; in 1994, 19 slicks required cleanup and in 1995, 46
35
-------
co
Figure 14
Total Number of Slicks Observed in the NY/NJ Harbor Comlpex
Mid May - Mid September, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995
Piel
Slicks Meeting Cleanup Requirements
Pie 2
Minor and Dispersed Slicks
-------
slicks required cleanup, see Pie Chart I, Figure 14. The
sightings of minor and dispersed slicks decreased from 1989 to
1993, and increased in 1994, see Pie Chart 2, Figure 14. The
increase of minor and dispersed slicks in 1994, and the
increase of slicks requiring cleanup in 1995, is partially due
to the expanded coverage of the monitoring area, which began in
1394 .
Figure 15 presents the total number of slicks observed by
each size category for each year. As in Figure 14, slicks
meeting cleanup requirements steadily decreased from 1989 to
1994, however, in 1995 slicks meeting cleanup requirements
substantially increased in each category, moderate, heavy and
major.
Figure 16 shows the total number of slicks reported
corresponding to one of six locational divisions of the New
York/New Jersey Harbor Complex, and the total number of slicks
observed at the expanded coverage sites. The sighting of-
slicks generally decreased in the Verrazano Narrows, the Kill
Van Kull, and the Lower New York Harbor. The sighting of
slicks in the Upper New York Harbor and the Arthur Kill
decreased from 1989 to 1993, but increased in 1994 and again in
1995. Slick sightings decreased from 1994 to 1995 at the
expanded coverage sites.
Figure 17 displays the total number of slicks observed at
the expanded coverage sites divided by the size categories.
Gravesend Bay had the greatest number of slicks observed, ten
slicks in 1994 and six slicks in 1995. The greatest number of
slicks observed meeting the cleanup requirements, three slicks,
occurred at Coney Island, in 1995.
From 1989 to 1994, there has been a significant reduction
of floatable slicks requiring cleanups. However, an increase
in slicks requiring cleanup did occur in 1995, subsequently,
programs directly attributed to reducing slicks are still
needed. A reduction of slicks can be directly attributed to
the initiation of beach and litter cleanup activities, such as
37
-------
Figure 15
Total Number of Slicks Observed in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
By Size Category in 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995
00
Size Category
1989
1992
1993
1994
1995
0
Dispersed
Minor
Moderate Heavy
Size Category/Year
Major
-------
co
10
Figure 16
Total Number of Slicks Observed in the New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex
By Locational Subdivision in 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995
Newark Bay
Kill Van Kull
Arthur Kill
Year
1989
1992
1993
1994
1995
Upper NY Harbor
Verrazano Lower NY Harbor
Locational Subdivision
Expanded Coverage Sites
-------
Figure 17
Total Number of Slicks Observed at Expanded Coverage Sites, 1994 and 1995
Divided by Size Categories
Size Category
Major
^ Heavy
[|I[| Moderate
• Minor
[_ Dispersed
1995
Hudson River 1994
East River 1994
1995
1995
Gravesend Bay 1994
Locational Subdivision
boney Island 19941
1995
1995
Jamaica Bay
-------
the Short Term Action Plan, the Clean Streets/Clean Beaches
campaign, and Operation Clean Shores. The Clean Streets/Clean
Beaches campaign commenced in 1992 by a coalition of
metropolitan-area public and private groups. The campaign
stresses public education on the link; between street and beach
litcer. Operation Clean Shores, a program utilizing prisoners,
was initiated by che New Jers'ey Department of Environmental
Protection in 1989 to remove floatable debris from impacted
shorelines. Increasing the program from seasonal to year-
round, and with the cooperation from participating
municipalities, 11.6 million pounds of floatables were removed
in 1992, 11.5 million pounds in 1993, 7.4 million pounds in
1994, and 4.1 million pounds in 1995. Although the amount of
debris has lessened, the miles of shoreline coverage have
fluctuated as follows: 72 miles of shoreline were cleaned in
1992, 62 miles in 1993 and 1994, and 80 miles in 1995
(Rosenblat). More programs such as these would help reduce the
amount of floatable debris. Removal of floatables from
impacted shorelines prevents the material from resuspending
into the water column and washing up on other shorelines or
bathing beaches.
41
-------
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Cabelli, V. J., A. ?. Dufour, L. J. McCabe, M. A.
Levin, "A Marine Recreational Water Quality Criterion
Consistent with Indicator Concepts and Risk
Analysis", Journal WPCF, Volume 55, November 10,
1933'.
•
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. Rosenblat, David, New Jersey Departmant of Environmental
Protection, personal communication, 4 June 1995.
5. 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 1979", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1979.
7. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1980", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1981.
8. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1981", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1982.
9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1982", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1983.
10. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1983", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1984.
11. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1984", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, 1985.
42
-------
12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/ "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1955", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, August 1986.
13. U.S. Environmenta1 Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1986", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1987.
14. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1987", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1988.
15. 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.
16. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1988", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1989.
17. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1989", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, August 1990.
18. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1990", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, July 1991.
19. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1991", Environmental Services
Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey, September 1992
20. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summers of 1992 and 1993", Environmental
Services Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey,
April 1994.
21. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; "New York Bight
Water Quality Summer of 1994", Environmental
Services Division, Region 2, Edison, New Jersey,
December 1995.
43
-------
APPENDIX A
Microbiological Water Quality
New York Bight Summer 1995
-------
MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY
NEW YORK BIGHT
SUMMER 1995
-------
Introduction
A study of the density* of fecal coliforn and enterococcus
organisms was conducted in 1995 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
aeruginosa, Klebsiella. Salmonella, and Shigella are excreted in
large numbers in the feces of infected individuals, and are thus
potentially present in sewage. Members of the genera Salmonella &
Shigella are not indicator but legitimate intestinal pathogens.
Clostridium perfringens. a pathogen, which are present as normal
flora in man, and warm-blooded animals, are also excreted in
large numbers (2). 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
* Bacterial density in this study is referred to as the number of
fecal coliforms and enterococci per 100 ml of water.
-------
-2-
the total coliforms. "This would indicate that detectable health
effects may occur at a fecal coliform level above 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 (3).
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 1973, 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:
Enterococcus faecalis; Enterococcus faecalisf subspecies
liquefaciens; Enterococcus faecalis, subspecies zymogenes; and
Enterococcus faecium. Enterococcus faecalis, one of the group D
streptoccal species, grows in broth containing 6.5% NaCl,
hydrolyzes arginine and utilizes pyruvate (4-6). Enterococcus
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. Enterococcus
durans is isolated occasionally, and Streptococcus equinus is
found rarely (7).
The taxonomy and nomenclature of the streptococci have undergone
major changes over the past few years. Primarily on the basis of
the results of DNA-DNA hybridization studies two new genera,
Enterococcus and Lactococcus have been proposed to accommodate
the fecal group D and lactic group N streptococci respectively
(8).
-------
-3-
EPA has recently published the results of two research projects
v/hich compared the relationship between illnesses associated with
bathing in recreational waters and ambient densities of several
indicator organisms (9). 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 (1,3) .
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.
Materials and Methods
Marine water samples were collected by helicopter from May to
September 1995. 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, with ice cubes,
to the Region 2 Edison laboratory for bacteriological analysis.
Fecal coliform determinations were conducted according to the
membrane filtration (MF) procedures described in Standard
Methods. 18th edition, 1992 (4) and Microbiological Methods for
Monitoring the Environment, Water and Wastewater, (5)
Enterococci determinations were conducted according to the MF
procedure described by Levin (10), and DuFour (11), using the
modified mE media. Confirmation of enterococci colonies were
conducted following procedures outlined in Microbiological
Methods for Monitoring the Environment, Water and Wastewaterf
(5).
-------
Results and Discussion
Fecal Coliforn - Mew Jersey
Along the Mew Jersey Coast, fecal coliforn densities equal to or
greater than 50/100 ~i occurred on five occasions at station
JC-26 (Shark River Inlet), JC-49 (Lavallette, off the foot of
Washington Avenue), JC-96 (Cape May Inlet). It was noted that at
station JC-26 fecal coliforn densities equal to or greater than
50/100 ml occurred on 3 "occasions two weeks apart. (Tables 1 & 2
and Figure 1) .
Fecal Coliform - Long Island
Fecal coliform densities greater than 50/100 ml occurred on three
occasions at station LIC-05 (Far Rockaway, off the foot of B41
Road), LIC-08 (Long Beach, off the foot of Grand Avenue), LIC-16
(Cedar Island Beach). (Tables 3 & 4 and Figure 2).
Enterococci - New Jersey
Enterococci densities exceeding the standard of 35/100 ml
occurred on two occasions at station JC-14 (Long Branch, off the
foot of South Bath Avenue)., and JC-96 (Cape May Inlet) . (Tables 5
& 6 and Figure 3).
Enterococci - Long Island
Enterococci densities exceeding the standard of 35/100 ml
occurred at station LIC-09 (Long Beach, off of the foot of
Pacific Boulevard) and at LIC-10 (Point Lookout, off of Hempstead
public beach). (Tables 7 & 8 and Figure 4).
For the majority of New Jersey and Long Island Coastal Station
low fecal coliform geometric mean densities per 100 ml were
observed.
New Jersey had high maximum peaks on specific dates similar to
prior years. Long Island had higher maximum peaks on specific
dates than in prior year. This profile is visually presented in
the geometric mean value of fecal coliform densities in Figures 1
and 2.
Geometric mean densities for enterococci along the New Jersey and
Long Island Coastal Stations were somewhat higher than in prior
years. These profiles are visually evident in Figures 3 and 4.
Numerous studies addressing the disappearance of fecal coliform
and enterococci in marine waters show extremely varied results.
Bacterial survival is affected by numerous physical and
biological parameters (12).
-------
-o-
REFEREMCES
1. Cabelli, V.J. et al. 1S7S. Relationship of Microbial
Indicators to Health at Marine Bathing Beaches. American
Journal of Public Health. 69:590.
2. O'Reilly, J.E., I.J. Katz, S< A.F.J. Draxler. 1995. Changes
in the aboundance and distribution of Clostridium
perfringens, a microbial indicator, related to cessation of
sewage sludge dumping in the New York Bight. In A.
Studholme, J. O'Reilly, and M. Ingham (eds.). Effects of
the cessation of sewage sludge dumping at the 12-mile site.
Proceedings of the 12-mile dumpsite symposium. P. 113-132.
NOAA Technical Report NMFS 124.
3. Cabelli, V.J. 1983. Health Effects Criteria for Marine
Recreational Waters, EPA-600/1-80-031.
4. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater. 1992. 18th ed., American Public Health
Association. Washington, DC.
5, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1978. Microbiological
Methods for Monitoring the Environment - Water and
Wastewater. EPA-600/8-78-017.
6. Sergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology. 1984. Volume I.
Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD.
7. Facklam, R.R. 1980. Isolation and Identification of
Streptococci. Department of Health, Education & Welfare,
CDC, Rev. 1.
8. Schleifer, K.H. 1984. Transfer of Streptococcus faecalis
and Streptococcus faecium to the genus Enterococcus nom.
rev. as Enterococcus faecalis comb. nov. and Enterococcis
faecium. Comb. nov. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriolog 34:31-34
9. DuFour, A.P. 1984. Health Effects Criteria for Fresh
Recreational Waters. EPA-600/1-84-004.
10. 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.
11. DuFour, A.P. 1980. Abstracts Annual Meeting American Society
for Microbiology, Q69.
12. Bonnefont, Y.P. et al. 1990. Experimental Studies on the
Survival of Fecal Bacteria from Urban Sewage in Seawater
Wat. Res. 24:267-273.
-------
FABLE 1
FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES > 50 PER 100ML
NT£W JERSEY COAST STATIONS
-. SUMMER 1995
uBS STATION DATE VALUE
1 JC26 i)'1295 50
- KT26 072695 116
3 JC26 •• 080995 172
-1 JC49 U72695 57
5 JC96 080995 400
-------
TABLE 2
GEOMETRIC .MEANS OF FECAL COLiFORM DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STARIONS
SUMMER 1995
M AXIMUM
9
28
12
BS
i
T
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
STATION
JCO 1 A
' ( ' "• 1
.'Cv'5
JC1;S
JC 1 1
JC i 3
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC26
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC35
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC74
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC8S
JC87
JC89
JC92
JC93
JC95
JC96
JC97
JC99
MEAN
! 46807
! 33312
1 51514
i 38545
1 35727
1 85104
I. "9223
1 51121
2.02051
704521
2.26301
1 24899
1 56983
1 13431
1 78972
1.33484
1.33827
1 49831
2.19210
2.37592
1.12246
1.05946
1.05946
1.39856
1.09587
1.33484
1.17690
1.22109
1.31303
1.58261
2.85560
1.83619
1.61277
1.87719
2.21479
1.47519
1.44187
1.69134
2.33875
1.66929
1.28209
1.82056
1.41421
2.10744
MINIMUM
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
N
14
14
12
6
11
-T
/
6
12
172
18
3
8
4
10
8
11
8
57
21
4
2
2
8
3
8
6
3
5
13
22
. 5
12
17
37
12
7
9
17
14
6
400
8
24
14
14
14
14
14
14
13
13
13
12
11
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
-------
Figure 1
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
400
300 -
200
100
i i r i
i ~i r T r~ r "i i"T"~i" r "i T c i r i r i i i i i i i i i i
{ H H H H H H H H f H H H H H H H H
LEGEND
STATIONS
id—H—l-t MAXIMUM -A--i>-r MEAN
-------
TABLE 3
FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES > 50 PER IOOML
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
•i,
OBS STATION DATE VALUE
1 L1CU5 071S95 200
2 LICOS - 072595 S6
3 LIC16 OSOS95 67
-------
OBS
TABLE 4
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
STATION
MEAN
MINIMUM
MAXIMUM
1
•)
->
.)
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
LICU1
LIC02
LICU3
LIC'04
LIC05
L.IC07
LIC08
LIC09
LIC 10
LIC 12
LIC 13
LIC 14
LIC 15
LIC 16
LIC 17
LIC18
LIC 19
LIC20
LIC21
LIC22
LIC23
LIC24
LIC25
LIC26
LIC27
LIC28
1.69592
1.50315
2.15412
2.40512
2.52S65
1.S4767
2.19112
1.41360
2.03216
1 . 1 X92 1
1.45225
1.05946
1.3.1484
2.88874
1.21 153
1.55954
1.52957
1.34160
1.28880
1 .00000
1.27235
1.12246
1.10503
1.13431
1.25345
1.22109
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
N
40
10
12
16
200
39
86
6
15
4
22
2
s
67
10
23
41
17
21
1
6
4
•>
,1
4
6
9
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
12
11
11
11
11
-------
Figure 2
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF FECAL COLIFORM DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
A - TV - A A - -A- - -& A A- -
H, M
f
n n n n i H n i n n n n
LEGEND
STATIONS
MAXIMUM -A- -t> -> MEAN
-------
TABLE 5
ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES > 35 PER 100ML
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
OBS STATION DATE VALUE
1 JC14 061495 45
2 JC96 080995 1040
-------
TABLE 6
GEOMETRIC .VEIN'S OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
MAXIMUM
BS
1
i
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
STATION
JC'O'.A
:cu3
'C!.'5
JOJ8
JC',1
JC 1 3
JC14
JC21
JC24
JC26
JC27
JC30
JC33
JC35
JC37
JC41
JC44
JC47A
JC49
JC53
JC55
JC57
JC59
JC61
JC63
JC65
JC67
JC69
JC73
JC74
JC75
JC77
JC79
JC81
JC83
JC85
JC87
JC89
JC92
JC93
JC95
JC96
JC97
JC99
MEAN
1 11253
1 11253
1 34687
! UOOOO
1 38345
1 21064
1.51683
1 40612
1 21064
1.95671
1.33484
1.33484
1.06504
1.00000
1.57114
1.28666
1.10503
1.28666
1.43711
1.17690
1.20809
1.13431
1.25345
1.28666
1.17690
1.17690
1.07177
1.19623
1.14870
1.00000
1.37411
1.46326
1.94023
1 25893
1.07177
1.47273
1.44613
1.23114
1.84851
1.12983
1.39495
2.64051
1.08006
1.56402
MINI>
0
0
0
• o
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
13
4
8
1
17
6
45
28
12
21
8
16
2
0
12
4
3
8
18
3
8
4
4
16
6
3
2
3
4
1
6
9
18
5
2
24
20
8
7
3
20
1040
2
7
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
13
12
12
12
11
10
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
9
9
9
9
9
9
-------
Figure 3
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
NEW JERSEY COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
1100 -
1000 -
900
800
700
600 -
500
400 H
300
200
100
0
H H H H H I HH
-*^ -7 v
i H H I H H H H I H
LEGEND
Q
STATIONS
MAXIMUM -A- -rV -A- MEAN
-------
TABLE 7
ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES > 35 PER 100ML
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
OBS STATION DATE VALUE
1 LIC09 072595 60
2 LIC10 072595 SO
-------
OBS
TABU; s
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
STATION
MEAN
MINIMUM
1
1
~)
J
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
LIC09
LIC 10
LIC 1 2
LIC 13
LIC 14
LIC 15
LIC 16
LIC 1 7
LIC IS
LIC 19
LIC20
LIC21
LIC22
LIC23
LIC24
LIC25
LIC26
LIC27
LIC28
.27114
.32446
.30052
.3S510
.25345
.33498
.49107
.45094
.86688
.001)00
.00000
.00000
.07177
.19623
.00000
.00000
.23114
.07177
.00000
.00000
.00000
.23114
.07177
.11612
.23114
.34928
0
0
u
0
0
u
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
• o
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
MAXIMUM
14
N
4
6
6
27
60
SO
0
1
0
i
^
1
1
4
i
1
0
0
4
2
->
_>
4
5
11
11
11
11
11
11
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
-------
Figure 4
GEOMETRIC MEANS OF ENTEROCOCCUS DENSITIES
LONG ISLAND COAST STATIONS
SUMMER 1995
GEQMET
BSffiftfliflK
80 -
70
60
50 -
40
30
20 -,
10 H
i i i i i r i i i i i i
i i i i i i
i H n n
STATIONS
-f-i
LEGEND
•B—B—+-+ MAXIMUM •&--&--& MEAN
-------
APPENDIX B
Summary of Phytoplankton Blooms and
Related Conditions in New Jersey
Coastal Waters
Summer of 1995
-------
N'J Department of Environmental Protecuon
Division of Science and Research
CNT 422. Trenton. N'J 08625-0422
WATER MONITORING MANAGEMENT
ji.-r.es Mummin. Aiminiscrscor
Apni. L996
ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOMS
AiND RELATED CONDITIONS
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1995
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
DIVISION OF SCIENCE AND RESEARCH
OFFICE OF WATER MONITORING MANAGEMENT
BUREAU OF WATER MONITORING
BIOMONITORING UNIT
Paul Olsen, project manager
John Kurtz
Barbara Kurtz
-------
ANNUAL SUMMARY OF PHYTOPLANKTON BLOOM
AND RELATED CONDITIONS
IN NEW JERSEY COASTAL WATERS
SUMMER OF 1995
INTRODUCTION
The N'ew Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) each summer monitors
phytoplankton assemblages and red tide blooms in its coastal waters and major estuaries with regard
to water quality conditions. This information, obtained cooperatively with the US Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Region II, is summarized for the 1995 season. These results complement
the dissolved oxygen and sanitary bacteriological data also gathered during their annual New York
Bight Water Quality Survey [1] and the Coastal Cooperative Monitoring Program (CCMP) involving
DEP and the shore county health agencies [2].
Routine helicopter surveillance and sample collections in coastal waters of the New York Bight
commenced in 1977 following the massive offshore Ceratium tripos bloom, which was associated
with oxygen depletion and consequent widespread fish mortalities [3]. Prior to this, beginning in
1973, the NJDEP and the national Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Sandy Hook Laboratory
conducted an intensive phytoplankton survey of the New Jersey northern estuarine and coastal area
[4] Red tides caused by a few species of phytoflagellates, including Olisthodiscus luteus,
Prorocentntm spp and Katodinium rotundatum, have been recurrent in this region since the early
1960's The blooms often extended from the Hudson-Raritan estuary southward along the NJ coast,
sometimes as far as Shark River or beyond. The blooms have been associated with
hypertrophication in the region [5]. Adverse effects were usually only aesthetic in nature, albeit
occasional fish kills via hypoxia, or complaints by bathers of minor irritation, did result. Gonyaulax
tamarensis, causative species of paralytic shellfish poisoning within the northwestern Atlantic
region, has been found in New Jersey, but only in very low concentrations [6]. A history of bloom
events in New Jersey waters, and the phytoplankton species involved is given in previous reports
[I]-
The dinoflagellate green tides of 1984-85, caused by Gyrodiniwn cfaureolum [7], were the first
serious blooms along the southern New Jersey coast. Also in 1985, yellowish - brown water caused
by the minute chlorophyte, Nannochloris atomus, became conspicuous in the Bamegat Bay system
and has recurred each subsequent summer [8]. Following these events, routine surveillance was
expanded southward from Island Beach to Cape May. In more recent years, major phytoflagellate
red tides have been confined primarily to the Hudson-Raritan estuary; K. rotundatum has been the
most dominant species, while several others such as Eutreptia lanowii have become more abundant.
These have usually occurred in early summer followed by blooms of several diatom species,
especially Skeletonema costatum and Thalassiosira spp., both in the major estuaries (with the
exception of Barnegat Bay) and, to a lesser degree, along the New Jersey coast [1]. In 1995, the
minute "brown tide" alga, Aureococcus anophagefferens, associated with damage to shellfish crops
in eastern Long Island (NY) embayments, was documented in bloom proportions for the first time
in New Jersey, in Little Egg Harbor adjacent to lower Bamegat Bay.
-------
METHODS
The current survey encompasses the entire New Jersey coastal region including the major estuaries
at the northern and southern extremes. A total of fourteen stations were sampled routinely for
phytoplankton. These included seven of those from the USEPA New York Bight NJ Beach network
(Fig. 1) concurrently with bacteriological sampling, five sites from the Hudson/Raritan estuary
network, and one each in Barnegat and Delaware Bays. In 1995, due to personnel limitations,
routine sampling was scheduled only eight times in the following sequence: late May (pre-
Memorial Day) - eight sites including all of those in Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay and the NJ coast south
to Island Beach; mid June (about the equinox) - same as late xMay; early July (pre July 4th) - twelve
estuarine and coastal locations, complementing the full sampling range to Cape May, including
RB56A, 51A and 15 in Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay, all coastal locations in Figure 1, Barnegat Bay
(BB2) and Delaware Bay (DB1), mid July - eight or nine sites, including three in Raritan/Sandy
Hook Bay (RB56A, 51A and 15) and coastal locations south to Cape May County (JC11, 35, 57, 65,
75, 83, 89A); end of July/start of August - same as mid July; mid August and late August - same as
mid July; early September (pre Labor Day) - same as pre-July 4th. Supplemental sampling was done
on a few occasions when red tide blooms were sighted along the coast, and to monitor the newly .
discovered brown tide bloom, especially in Little Egg Harbor (BB3).
Field collections via helicopter were made as in previous years by members of the USEPA, Region
n Monitoring and Surveillance Branch (Edison NJ). Samples were taken at a one meter depth using
a Kemmerer sampler. Coastal stations were sampled just outside the surf zone. Water aliquots for
phytoplankton species composition/chlorophyll a remained iced, to be analyzed within 48 hours of
collection. All procedures were in accordance with DEP standard field methods [9]. Phytoplankton
identification, cell counts, and chlorophyll a, analysis were performed according to Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP) of the DEP Aquatic Biomonitoring Laboratory.
-------
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
1995 Highlights
May 24-31:
Raritaa-Sandy Hook Bay to
northern Ocean Countv coast
June 14
Raritan Bay-
Ocean County coast
Little Egg Harbor
July 5 - 12
Raritan Bay -
Ocean County coast
lower Barnegat Bay-
Little Egg Harbor
Spring diatom flowerings ongoing; Skeletonema costatum
dominant in the estuary; Cerataulina pelagica dominant
along the'coast; Leptocylindrus, Thalassiosira sp and
minute chiorophyte Xannochlons atomus abundant; several
. flagellate species present, with Tetraselmis sp abundant in
coastal areas, brown water sighted 1/4 mile off beach from
Sandy Hook to Bay Head, with some brown foam along the
surf line
Late spring bloom of the diatom Rhizosolenia delicatula, as
in the S. costatum bloom, maximum cell counts approach
3x10* ml"1 ; other diatom species remnant of the previous
blooms present; chlorophytes N. atomus still abundant in
the estuary, and Chlorella sp there and along the coast; the
dinoflagellate, Oblea rotunda present throughout this area
(Raritan Bay to Island Beach)
An apparent bloom of the minute "brown tide" species
Aureococcus anophagefferens associated with cessation of
growth of juvenile hard clams at the Biosphere nursery on
the southwestern shore at Tuckerton; cell concentrations
approaching 106 ml'1; algal identification and count by the
Suffolk County (NY) Health Department; this constitutes
the first documented occurrence of A. anophagefferens in
bloom proportions in New Jersey
phytoflagellates of several species abundant throughout the
sampling area, with red water reported at Pt. Pleasant in the
vicinity of Manasquan Inlet (southern Monmouth -
northern Ocean County); dominant species include
dinoflagellates Katodinium rotundatum and Prorocentrum
minimum, and the euglenoid Eutreptia lancwii, total cell
count >2.4xl04 ml"1; chlorophytes still present, N. atomus
abundant in Raritan Bay
A. anophagefferens apparently spreading northward to
Barnegat Bay; still a bloom but counts lower than
previously, another minute species, N. atomus gaining
dominance in this area as total counts of both species
combined exceed 10* ml"1 (to 2xl06 in Little Egg Harbor)
Ocean County-
Cape May County coast
the flagellate, Euglena sp abundant; several other species
present
-------
Delaware Bay
several diatom species and chlorophytes (N. atomus)
abundant
July 18-26
Raritan Bay-
Monmouth Countv coast
Raritan Bay
(Cliffwood Beach -
Keyport Harbor -
Union Beach)
lower Cape May County
coast (Seven Mile Beach)
August 9 - 14
Raritan - Sandy Hook Bay
and New Jersey coast
Monmouth-
Ocean County, and
Cape May County coast
Barnegat Bay -
Little Egg Harbor
flagellate red tides persisting, dominated by Olisihodiscus
luteus and dinoflagellates Prorocentrum and Gymno f'Gyroj
dinium spp; chJorophytes .V. atomus and Chlorella sp and
diatoms, especially minute Phaeodactylum sp also
abundant, with blooms in the estuary; sampling and
observations this period contributed in pan by the
Monmouth County Health Department.
fish kills occur, attributed to dissolved oxygen depletion
due to decomposition of dense algae concentrations from
recent blooms in the area; up to 10,000 dead fish (mostly
juvenile winter flounder, but also pipefish, silversides,
summer flounder and blue claw crabs) found on shore by
members of the National Marine Fisheries Service, Sandy
Hook Laboratory; following this, bottom d.o. levels, from
samples taken by the USEPA helicopter crew off Keyport
Harbor - Union Beach, found hypoxic between 3.0 and 0.44
ppm.
several flagellates including 0. luteus, Euglena sp and a
few dinoflagellates, plus diatoms and chlorophytes,
abundant
diatoms regaining prominence, with blooms of S. coslatum,
throughout the estuary and T. gravida in Sandy Hook Bay;
Chaetoceros sp also abundant; these three species present
to a lesser extent along the coast; red water in the surf at Pt.
Pleasant (just south of Manasquan Inlet) caused by
accumulation(s) of jellyfish or ctenophores; diatoms, a few
flagellates and chlorophytes abundant in lower Cape May
County
bottom d.o. levels borderline hypoxic; slight hypoxia (3.9-
3 3 ppm) one to three miles off Long Branch, Belmar, Bay
Head and Wildwood, also seven miles off Barnegat Light;
samples taken from EPA helicopter perpendicular transects
blooms of picoplankton (N. atomus and A.
anophagefferens) still ongoing, with combined cell
densities > 10* ml'1; a few small flagellates, especially
Chrysochromulina sp becoming abundant
-------
August 23 - 29 blooms of S. cosmtum and Thalassiosira sp persisting,
Radian - especially in vicinity of Sandy Hook Bay; several other
Sandy Hook Bay ' diatom and a few flagellate species present, .V. atomus
abundant
New Jersey coast diatoms T. gravida, S. cosiaium and Chaetoceros sp
abundant at most sites, several flagellates present; N,
atomus tflooming along Ocean County; the presence of
Aureococcus in small numbers determined at various sites
from Raritan Bay to Delaware Bay
Sandy Hook- low bottom d.o., from EPA helicopter samples, found four
to eight miles off Sandy Hook (2.0-2.5ppm) and five miles
Ocean County coast ofFBay Head (1.3ppm); significant numbers of dead fish
(menhaden9) reported, seen inshore off Mantoloking just
south of Bay Head, and off Holgate just north of Little Egg
Inlet; this kill apparently unrelated to hypoxic conditions;
fish probably discarded from fishing boats
Barnegat Bay - Nannochloris blooms persisting with cell counts as high as
2xl06 ml'1: Aureococcus now present only in low
Little Egg Harbor concentrations; several flagellate species, primarily
Calycomonas ovalis and Chroomonas minuta, abundant
Delaware Bay many diatom species present, Nitzschia spp in bloom
proportions; a few flagellates present; N. atomus abundant
-------
Phvtoplankton Species Composition
A list of major phytoplankton species for the 1995 season, with notes on occurrence and
distribution, is presented in Table 1. spatial and temporal succession of dominant species is
included Species considered dominant occurred often in cell concentrations greater than 10J
ml" Blooms occurred when densities of one or more dominants approached or exceeded 10J
cells ml'1, as concentrations in this range tend to impart visible coloration to the water, i.e. cause
"red tide" Red tides in the Hudson/Raritan estuary and adjacent New Jersey Coastal waters
historically have been attributed to blooms of phytoflagellates, especially Olisthodiscus linens.
Kaioilinnim rotiindatum and Prorocentnim spp. In recent years, however, diatoms, normally
dominant during the cool months, have undergone summer blooms (most notably Skeletonema
cosratum and Thalassiosira spp), with resultant brownish water discoloration, and accumulations
of brown floe following bloom collapse. Additionally, the euglenoid Eutreptia lanowii has also
attained dominant status, while several other flagellate species have become more abundant.
The most intense red tides in recent years have been in Raritan-Sandy Hook Bay, especially
stations RB51A and 56A and, in 1995, RBI5. In 1995 these occurred during May-June and
August sampling dates; dominant species included diatoms S. costatum, Chaetoceros spp,
Thalassiosira spp (max. 3.0 x 104 cells ml"1) and, in June, Rhizosolenia delicatula. The
chlorophyte Nannochloris atomits bloomed at various times during the sampling period. For
.Yannochloris, because of its minute size (<5um), the criterion for blooms (105 ml"1) is an order
of magnitude higher than for the other species. Cells of this size range (mostly 1.5-3.Sum) are
collectively termed picoplankton. Although N. atomus has been abundant throughout the region,
especially in Raritan-Sandy Hook Bay, in recent years its densities in Barnegat Bay (to>106
ml'1) have well exceeded those in the other areas. In 1995, another picoplankter, Aureococcus
anophagefferens, was discovered in bloom concentrations in the lower Barnegat Bay system.
Several other small (nanoplanktonic) species including flagellates Calycomonas ovalis,
Chrysochromulina sp, Pyramiminas micron and Chroomonas minuta, and Nitzschia sp (a
diatom), have been associated with these summer picoplankton blooms.
Concerning the appearance of the brown tide alga in New Jersey, the presence of A.
anophagefferens in Barnegat Bay, albeit in small proportions, has been known since 1987. In
1995, however, it was detected in major bloom proportions in Little Egg Harbor and, to a lesser
degree, in Barnegat Bay adjacent to the north of Little Egg Harbor. Maximum cell
concentrations approached 106 ml"1 in early June, well exceeding the minimum level of 2x105
associated with damage to shellfish crops, as happened to the bay scallop fishery in eastern Long
Island, NY. Little Egg Harbor is a prime hard clam harvesting area for New Jersey. Temporary
cessation of growth in juvenile hard clams (Mercenaria sp) was experienced at the Biosphere
nursery on the southwestern shore at Tuckerton; concomitantly, an unusual golden-brown
coloration of the bay water was observed. As concentrations of Aureococcus diminished in
midsummer, growth of the clams resumed. The chronic summer-long blooms of M atomus,
responsible for murky yellowish-or greenish-brown water in the Barnegat Bay system, may well
have masked the rising abundance of A. anophagefferens. From late June through August, total
picoplankton concentrations at times approached 2x10* ml"1. By mid August, levels of
Aureococcus had substantially diminished, so that Nannochloris had become the predominant
-------
species. Confirmed identification of A. anophagefferens (and other coccoid forms such as .V.
atomus) is facilitated by the use of immunoflourescence microscopy, a capability we are
developing.
Biomass Measurements
As opposed to species differential cell counts, chlorophyll a measurements are reflective of total
phytoplankton biomass. An extreme high value of >255mg/m3 at site JC37 (just south of
Manasquan Inlet) reflected a single sample taken of a dense flagellate red tide on July 5.
Otherwise, in 1995, seasonal variation, as well as highest levels, again were greatest in the major
estuaries at northern and southern ends of the New Jersey coast (Table 2, Figures 2 and 3).
Raritan Bay had a higher single value of > 144 at site RB51A, while Delaware Bay had a slightly
riigher mean value of almost 64 mg/m3. This is attributed in part to tidal fluctuations, but more
so to the intense bloom pulses in these estuaries. Delaware Bay normally exhibits a high
diversity of diatoms, chlorophytes and flagellates. Barnegat Bay (BB2) again sustained
moderately high chlorophyll a levels, with a mean of about 15 mg/m3, in summer due to the
persistence of M atomus. A somewhat higher mean value of >26mg/m3 for Little Egg Harbor
reflects the added contribution ofAureococcus. Although cell densities have been considerably
greater here than in the other estuaries, the minute size of the dominant species (<5um)
represents considerably less biomass than the dominant species in other areas. Mean chlorophyll
a levels for the entire season are shown for each station in Figure 3. Overall, values for 1995
were slightly higher than those for 1994. In the coastal region certain sites (especially in
Monmouth and Cape May Counties) reflected estuarine influence, having somewhat higher
chlorophyll values than the others.
Environmental Factors
Given the ample nutrient supply of the inner New York Bight (5,10), it is surprising that major
phytoflagellate blooms have not been more frequent in recent years, particularly in coastal areas
(the last being in 1985). For the past few summers, major red tides have been confined
principally to the Hudson - Raritan estuary; these have occurred primarily in early summer,
preceded and often followed by blooms of diatom species (1). In view of the fact that diatoms
are normally dominant during the cooler months, the midsummer shift from flagellate to diatom
dominance (as occurred in recent years) may have been weather-induced. This is supported by
the fact that the same diatom species were abundant simultaneously in both the estuary and
adjacent coastal waters. Most of the phytoflagellate species encountered are indigenous to the
estuarine areas. The abundance of diatoms in the bays, however, may reflect a contribution from
ocean waters via wind and tidal currents. The nearshore waters of the New York Bight are
subject to considerably greater turbulence and slower warming than the sheltered estuaries and
embayments. Sustained southwesterly or northeasterly winds can promote upwelling or
downwelling (respectively), and thus water column mixing, along the New Jersey coast (10).
National Weather Service regional data indicates that conditions such as these have persisted in
varying degrees during the past several summers. Conversely, flagellate blooms, or red tides, in
-------
the coastal waters have typically developed under conditions of quiescence and warmth, which
promote water column stratification; likewise, the same conditions have prolonged the blooms in
the estuaries and bays (1,7,10). The persistent brownish water in the Bamegat bay system is
reflective partially of its hydrography. It is well sheltered from the New York Bight by barrier
islands; however, due to its shallowness, it is also well-mixed, thus precluding hypoxia in most
cases. Except near the inlets, it is not well flushed by tidal currents, although tidal exchange
with ocean waters may be somewhat greater in Little Egg Harbor than in Barnegat Bay proper.
Hydrographic patterns also likely influence the annual recurrence of bottom hypoxia in certain
areas (e.g. portions of Raritan Bay, and coastal waters one to three miles off southern Monmouth
to northern Ocean County) by allowing accumulation, deposition and decomposition of
phytoplankton within those areas, especially during periods of quiescent summer weather.
Diligent monitoring of current meteorological and oceanographic data (wind direction and
velocity, precipitation and sunlight, water column temperature and salinity, etc.) thus could aid
considerably in prediction of red tide blooms and hypoxic conditions in areas where they have
historically occurred.
-------
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA). 1978-1992 (inclusive). New York Bight water
quality, annual reports, Summers of 1977-1990 (inc.). Region n. Surveillance and
Monitoring Branch, Edison, NJ.
2. New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 1988-1991 (inc.). The Cooperative
Coastal Monitoring Program, 1987-1990 (inc.) annual reports. Division of Water
Resources, Bureau of Water Monitoring, Trenton.
3. Swanson, R.L. and CJ. Sindermann (eds). 1979. Oxygen depletion and Associated
Mortalities in the New York Bight, 1976. NOAA Prof. Paper No. 11. Rockville, MD,
345 pp.
4. 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.
5. Mahoney, J.B. and J.J.A. McLaughliln, 1977. The Association of Phytoflagellate
Blooms in Lower New York Bay with Hypertrophication. J. Exp Mar. Biol. Ecol. 28:53-
65.
6. Conn, M.S.,P Olsen, J.B. Mahoney and E. Feerst. 1988. Occurrence of the
Dinoflagellate, Gonyaulax tamarensis, in New Jersey. Bull N.J. Acad. Sci. 33:43-49
7. Mahoney, J.B., Olsen, P and M Cohn. 1990. Blooms of a Dinoflagellate Gyrodinium cf
aureolum in New Jersey coastal water and their occurrence and effects worldwide. J
Coastal Res. 6:121-135.
8. 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 189-211. E.M. Cosper, E.J. Carpenter and V.M. Bricelj
eds. Coastal and Estuarine Studies. Springer-Verlag Berlin.
9 New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) 1992. Field Sampling
Procedures Manual. NJDEP, Trenton, 360 pp with Appendices.
10. 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 of USEPA, Region H, New York, New York,
156pp.
-------
1. N«w J«r««y co««t (tatton loe«Mora.
3«ndy Hook to C«p« M«y.
-------
Table i. lajor phytoplankton species found in the 1995 New Jersey coastal and estuanne survey, with
notes on occurrence and distribution. An asterisk <« ) denotes species which were dominant
or abundant, exceeding cell concentrations of 10'ml ' at some time during the sampling
period. Two asterisks i **) denote species which bloomed, approaching or exceeding 10' cells
•nl ". For N'annochlor is and Vureococcus, because of their minute size (1.5-3.0 urn > , these
criteria are increased by a factor of ten. Other species listed occurred commonly, although
not usually in abundance. Spatial and temporal distribution of dominants is included; for
genera with .nore than one species on the List, a capital letter1 following the name indicates
'.ne species --h.::n attained dominance.
Diatoms
'-eptocy L indrus danicus'lA)
'_. minimus' i B ) «
Skeletonema costatum**5
Cvc iotella sp.*" '
Thalassiosira sp.
T. grav ida**"i A)
T. nordenskioldii" (8)
Eucampia zoodiacus
Cerataulina pelagica'"
Chaetoceraos spp.'*'
Rizosolenia sp.'
R. delicatula IAI*«
Asterionella glacialis"'
Savicula sp.
Nitzschia sp.*
Phaeodactylum tricornutum"^
Cylindrotheca clostenua"
Dinoflageliates
Prorocentrua mininum"'
P. triestinua ( redf ieldi )1'
. «
P. means" "
Dinophysis acuta;
Gymnodiniua spp."
Cyrodiniua spp.;'s
G. aureolua*
Katodiniua rotundatu«*1' *
Heterocapsa triquatra2'5
Oblea rotunda
Protoperidiniua sp.!
P. trochoideua
Other Phytoflagellates
Olisthodiscus luteus*"
Calycomonas ovali3«'
Chrysochroau1ina*sp.*
Pyraainonas spp.2
Tetraselaia sp.j
T. gracilis (A)*
Bipedinoaonas sp.
Buglena sp.(proximal*'
Eutreptia lanowii«»3( A)
E. viridisJ(B)
Cryptononas sp.'
Chroomonas aaphioxiea'i A)
C. mnuta«2(B)
C. vectensis'(C)
Aureococcus anophag«fferens««
Nonaotile Coccoids
Chlorella spp.*2
Nannochloris atonua**1''
Footnotsa:
1 - historically responsible for r*d tides in the region
2 - primarily estuarine
3 - primarily coastal
4 - no8t predominate in Barnegat Bay
5 - nest abundant in Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay and adjacent NJ coastal waters
6 - has been responsible for brown tide blooM in eastern Long Island eabayaenta, with
damage to shellfish crops; in 1995, found in New Jersey for the first time in bloo*
proportions
-------
TABLE l(cont.). Dominant species distribution.
SAMPLING DATE3
LOCATION
North.
Raritan Bay
••?=:-••
~ - - ' ^
Sandy Hook Bay
- z • -
MA'
Monmouth County
coast
-C'. '.
-.- -. --
Ocean County
coast
j ~ 1 7
JC65
Barnegat Bay
E*K " - ?
Little Egg
Harbor
3B3
Atlantic County
coast
JC75
Cape Hay County
coast
JC33
JC89A
Delaware Bay
capeshore
QB1
rr.i^ sorir.a
May :'•!, 31 '
Skeietonema*
Leptocylindrus
Thalassiosira 3
Chroomop.as A*
Nannochloris*
Chioreila
V
3 k 5 1 e t D n e ma * *
Thaiass ios i ra 3
Cerataul ir.a *
Prorocentrum A*
Na.-nochi.oris*
Skeietonema*
T h a i a s s i c s i r a A
7-erataui ir.a"
Tetraselmis A
Eutreptia*
Chroomonas
X
X
X
Aureococcus *
X
X
X
late spring
June 14
Rhizosoiep.ia**
B* Nitzschia sp*
* Oblea
Nannochioris*
Rh i zo s c i e p. i a * *
Leptocyi indrus 3*
Nitzschia
Obiea
Nannochloris*
Chlorella*
Rhizosoien i a - *
3* Thalassiosira 3
• Obiea*
3iDediP.om.onas
Nannochioris*
Chioreiia*
Rhizosolenia**
• Cycioteila-
Colea
Rhirosolenia*
Leptocylindrus B
Bioedinomonas
Chroomonas C
Chiorelia*
Rhi zosolenia* *
Leptocylindrus B
Cyclotella*
Oblea
Chlorella*
X
X
Aureococcus* *
Nannochloris
X
X
X
early summer "
July 5, 12
:<
Skeietonema
Phaeodactylum*
Katodinium*
Olisthodiscus*
Calycomonas
Eutreptia A*
Nannochioris**
Chloreila*
Ske ietonema
Phaeodactylum
Calycomonas
Chlorella*
X
Prorocentrum A*
Katodinium •*
Eutreptia A*
Nannochloris
Chlore 1 la •
Prorocentrum A
Eutreptia A*
Nannochloris*
Chlorella*
Phaeodactylum*
Euglena
Nannochloris
Chlorella
Aureococcus
Nannochloris**
Nannochloris**
Calycomonas
Phaeodactylum •
Euglena*
Phaeodactylum
Euqlena*
Chlorella
Euglena
Chlorella
Skeietonema*
Thalassiosira*
Phaeodactylum
Nannochloris*
midsummer
July 26
Phaeodactyium*
Prorocentrum* C
Gyrodinium* A
Olisthodiscus*
Calycommonas*
Nannochloris**
Skeietonema*
Phaeodactylum**
Calycomonas*
Nannochloris**
Chlorella* .
Skeietonema *
Phaeodactyium**
Chroomonas*
Nannochloris**
Chloreila*
Phaeodactylum*
Gymnodinium
Katodinium*
Olisthodiscus
Chroomonas
Nannochloris*
Chlorella*
Skeietonema*
Phaeodactylum
Nannochloris*
Chlorella*
X
X
Aureococcus*
Nannochloris**
Nannochloris**
Chaetoceros*
Navicula
Nannochloris
Chlorella
X
Skeietonema*
Chaetoceros*
Navicula
Euglena
Gyrodinium
Olisthodiscus
Nannochloris
Chlorella
X
midsummer
August 9
Skeietonema*
Thalassiosira A*
Chaetoceros**
Calycomonas*
Nannochioris*
Skeletonoma*
Thalassiosira A**
Nannochloris
Chiorelia
Ske ietonema * *
Thalassiosira A*
Chaetoceros*
Caiycomonas
Nannochloris
Skeietonema*
Chroomonas
Nannochioris
Skeietonema
Thalassiosira A
Nannochloris
X
Aureococcus
Nannochloris**
Calycomonas
Chrysochromulina*
Chlorella
Aureococcus
Nannochloris**
Chrysochromulina*
Skeietonema
Thalassiosira
Navicula
Nannochloris
X
Skeietonema*
Chaetoceros
Nitzschia
Prorocentrum
Katodinium
omonas
Nannochloris*
Chlorella
X
late summer
August Z3, Z3
Skeietonema
Thaiass ios i ra
Nannochioris *
Chioreiia
Skeietonema**
Tha lass ios iraA"
Chaetoceros*
iugiena
Nannochioris
Chioreiia
5 fca i o- - ne^a * *
Leptccylindrus 3
Thaiassiosira A*
Chaeto oercs "
Nannoch ior i 3
Skeletcnema*
Protooeriair.ium .-"
Gymnocir. iu.'n
Nannocr.lDris*
Chioreiia
Skeietonema A
Chaetoceros
Protoperidip.ium ,;
Nannochicr is*
Chlorei ia
Skeietonema
Thalassiosira A*
Chaetoceros*
pyramimonas*
Tetraselmis
Chroomonas
Nanr.ochloris**
Nannochloris*-*
Nitzschia*
Gymnodinium
Caiycomonas *
Pyramimonas
Chroomonas B
Nannochloris***
Nitzschia-
Gymnodinium
Calycomonas*
Pyramimonas
Chroomonas 3
Skeietonema*
Thalassiosira A
Leptocylindrus 3
Nitzschia
Calycomonas
Nannochloris*
Skeietonema*
Thalassiosira
Chaetoceros
Nitzschia
Nannochloris
Thalassiosira A*
Leptocyiindrus 3*
Chaetoceros-
Nannochioris
Nitzschia**
Phaeodactylum
Gymnodinium
Nannochloris**
Chlorella
-------
Table 2. Chlorophyll 'a' (mg/m3) for the 1995 NJ coastal and estuarme phytopianktcn survey
24 May 14Jun
5 Jul
12 Jul
26 Jul
9 Aug 23 Aug Mean
H/K€
R857
RB56A
RB51A
RB16A
R815
wee
JC11
JC35
JC37
/\rf+ft: '• '•
OCC:
JC57
JC6S
cm •
BB01
BB02
BB03
tIiJ?LJ>l
JC75
JC83
JC89A
JC91A
Bfff':'x':'::
DB01
DB02
•?-~-~-:s&8$.
2427
12 33
'267
3965
55 11
2.63
431
1.06
-.-2:-iKt
2.02
3.73
2.34
:XV:X'^KSI
3584
- 23:48
'3520
11 76
::;:;: -;- : :T37
737
•:-"- -"- -" 55^T*
312
^ft *?^t
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1633
^x:::x;X"X::
., 85.2?
8771
56 19
51 90
-.-:-.-:•: •-:-f 47
8.51
6.42
A-*. x-XvX-x-;;\-
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12.04
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4048
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1356
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... ;-;: +O.4KC
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20.56
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7.50
534
x-x-x-:-x-x-:-;-.
;,:., 23:94
4043
1781
1358
y-V: §-:75
5.75
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8.52
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8.46
841
10.73
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6.59
8.96
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18.98
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3.73
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63.73
18.98
H/RE - Hudson/Raritan Estuary (RB57,56A,51 A.16A.15)
MCC - Monmouth County coast (JC11,35,37)
OCC - Ocean County coast (JC57.65)
BB - Barnegat Bay (8601,02,03)
A/CMCC • Atiantc/Cape May Counties coast (JC75,83,89A,91 A)
OB • Delaware Bay (OB01,02)
-------
APPENDIX C
Daily Floatables Observations
for the Summers of 1995
-------
Daily Floatable Observations, 1995
May 15 - 26, 1995
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables a total of eleven times during the period of May 15 -
25,1995.
The Harbor Complex was .clear of significant floatables on May 22,
23, and 24..
On May 15 and 17, light to moderately dense slicks, approximately
500 to 1500 yards long, were reported in the Arthur Kill, Newark
Bay and Kill Van Kull. On May 18, moderate to heavy slicks,
approximately one half to one mile long, were reported in the
Arthur Kill, Kill Van Kull, Upper New York Harbor, and the East
River. On May 19, scattered debris was reported throughout the
Harbor Complex. Two slicks, approximately one half mile by 10 -
20 feet were reported in the Arthur Kill and Jamaica Bay, on May
20. On May 25, a moderately dense slick, approximately 400 yards
by 10 feet was reported in the Verrazano Narrows. On May 26, a
small slick was reported in the Verrazano Narrows. All slicks
consisted of plastic, paper, household debris, and wood.
May 27 - June 2. 1995
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables every day during the period of May 27 - June 2, 1995.
The Harbor Complex was clear of significant floatables on May 27,
29, 30 and June 2.
On May 28, a light density slick, approximately 300 feet by 50
feet, was reported in Newark Bay. Two smaller slicks were
reported in the Upper NY Harbor. On May 31, two moderately dense
slicks, each approximately 300 yards by 5 feet, were reported in
Newark Bay and Gravesend Bay. A moderately dense slick,
approximately one to one and a half miles long by 5 feet, was
reported northeast of the Verrazano Bridge. Light scattered
debris was reported in the Arthur Kill, Newark Bay and Upper NY
Harbor, on June 1. All slicks consisted of plastic, paper,
household debris, and wood.
On June 2, an oil sheen, approximately 2 miles by 5 feet, was
reported south of Pralls Island in the Arthur Kill. This sheen
was reported to the US Coast Guard.
-------
June 3 - 9. 1995
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables four times during the period of June 3-9, 1995.
The Harbor Complex was clear of significant floatables on June 9.
Cn June 5, scattered debris was reported in the Arthur Kill,
Newark 3ay, and the East River. One June 5, a light density
slick, approximately 1000 yards by 5 feet, was reported off Coney
Island. All slicks consisted of plastic, paper, household
debris, and wood.
June 10 - 15. 1995
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables six times during the period of June 10 - 16, 1995.
On June 10, scattered debris was reported in Newark Bay and the
East River, and a light density slick, approximately one half
mile by 5 feet, was reported in the Upper New York Harbor. Two
small slicks, approximately 100 yards by 5 ft, were reported in
the Arthur Kill and Lower New York Harbor, on June 12. On June
13, a moderately dense slick, approximately one half mile by 5
feet was reported in the Lower New York Harbor.
On June 14, an oily sheen, approximately one mile by 20 feet with
500 yards of scattered debris mixed in, was reported in the
Arthur Kill. A heavy dense slick, approximately one and a half
miles long by 10 - 20 feet wide, was reported in Newark Bay.
Light to moderately dense slicks were reported in the following
locations: the Kill Van Kull, a half mile by 2 feet slick; the
Upper New York Harbor, a 200 yards by 5 feet slick; the Verrazano
Narrows, a 600 yard by 10 feet slick; and in Gravesend Bay, a 500
yard by 10 feet slick was reported.
On June 15, a small oily sheen was reported in the Arthur Kill.
A moderately dense slick, approximately 800 yards by 20 feet, was
reported off Coney Island.
On June 16, scattered debris was reported in the Kill Van Kull,
the Upper New York Harbor and Gravesend Bay. Oily sheens ranging
from 100 to 500 yards were observed in the Kill Van Kull and
Gravesend Bay.
All slicks consisted of plastic, paper, reeds, street litter,
household debris, and wood.
-------
June 17 - 23, 1995
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables six times during the period of June 17 - 23, 1995.
The Harbor Complex was clear of significant floatable on June 17,
19, 21, and 23.
On June 20, an oily sheen, approximately 500 yards by 30 feet,
was reported in the Upper New York Harbor.
On June 22, an oily sheen, approximately 1.5 miles long by 150
yards was reported in the Kill Van Kull, but the source was not
found.
June 24 - 30. 1995
The New York/New Jersey Harbor Complex was monitored for
floatables five times during the period of June 24 - 30, 1995.
The Harbor Complex was clear of significant floatable on June 27,
and 28.
On June 24, a floatable slick, approximately 200 yards by 20
feet, was reported in Newark Bay.
On June 26, a floatable slick, approximately 3/4 mile long was
reported in the Arthur Kill. A floatable slick, approximately
50 yards by 4 yards, was reported in the Upper New York Harbor.
On June 30, two slicks, approximately 45 yards by 20 feet, were
reported in the Arthur Kill and the Newark Bay. A floatable
slick, approximately one and a half miles by 30 feet, was
reported in the Upper New York Harbor.
All floatable slicks consisted of wood and plastic.
July 1-7. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
every day this week, July 1-7, except Sunday. Light scattered
debris was reported in the Arthur Kill on July 4, 5, 6 and 7.
Light scattered debris was reported in the Lower New York Harbor
on July 6. No significant slicks were reported.
On July 7, an oily sheen approximately one mile by 30 feet, was
reported in the East River.
Oil sheens were reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.
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July 3 - 14, 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
six days this week, July 8-14.
A floatable patch was reported in the Upper New York Harbor,
approximately 100 yards radius, on July 8.
An oil sheen, approximately 3/4.mile by 15 feet was reported in
the East River, on July 8 and 10.
A floatable slick, approximately 1 1/2 miles by 20 feet, was
reported in the Hudson River, on July 10.
A floatable slick, approximately 1 1/2 miles by 15 feet, was
reported in the Arthur Kill, on July 11. Timbers, approximately
100 feet long, were reported in the Hudson River, on July 11.
A floatable slick, approximately 1/2 mile by 10 feet, was
reported in the- Arthur Kill, on July 12.
A floatable slick was reported in the Newark Bay, approximately 1
1/2 miles by 10 feet, on July 13.
A floatable slick was reported in the Upper New York Harbor,
approximately 1 mile long, on July 14.
July 15 - 21. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
six days this week.
Two low density slicks were reported on July 18, one just south
of Pralls Island, approximately 1 mile long by 20 feet wide. The
other slick was 2 miles long by 10 feet wide, north of the
Goethals Bridge.
Two slicks were reported on July 19, one, moderately dense slick,
approximately 1 mile long by 10 feet wide, south of Pralls
Island. The second, a low density slick approximately 2 miles
long by 10 feet wide just southwest of Governor's Island
An oil slick approximately 2 miles long and 50 feet wide under
the Bayonne Bridge, and a 1.5 mile by 10 feet moderate density
slick south the Verrazano Bridge were reported on July 20.
An oil slick approximately 2.5 miles long by 50 feet wide south
of Queensboro Bridge, and a moderately dense slick approximately
0.5 mile by 10 feet southwest of Governors Island, were reported
on July 21.
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July 22 - 28. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
six days this week, July 22 - 28.
A floatable slick, approximately 300 yards by 10 feet, was
reported in the Upper Mew York Harbor, on July 24.
A floatable slick, approximately 1/2 mile by 7 feet, was reported
in the Upper New York Harbor, on July 26.
A floatable slick, approximately 2 miles by 10 feet, was reported
in the Upper New York Harbor, on July 28.
All floatables slicks consisted of wood, plastic and paper.
July 29 - August 4. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
five days this week, July 29 - August 4.
The Harbor was clear of significant floatables on July 29, August
2 and 4.
A floatable slick, approximately 3/4 mile by 10 feet, was
reported in the Lower New York Harbor, on July 31.
Oil slicks, approximately 300 yards by 20 feet and 600 yards by
10 feet, were reported in the Arthur Kill, on August 3. A
floatable slick of light density, approximately 1/2 mile by 5
feet, was reported in the Lower New York Harbor, on August 3.
August 5-11. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
six days this week, August 5-11.
The Harbor was clear of significant floatables on August 5, 7,
and 8 .
A floatable slick, approximately 100 yards by 30 feet, was
reported in the Lower New York Harbor, on August 9. An oil sheen
was reported 300 yards off the coast of Sea Bright, on August '9.
On August 10, four oil and floatable slicks, approximately 1/2 to
one mile long, were reported in the Arthur Kill, Newark Bay, Kill
Van Kull, and Coney Island.
Oil and floatable slicks, approximately 1/2 to two miles, were
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reported in Che Arthur Kill, Upper New York Harbor, and Gravesend
Bay, on August II.
August 12 - 18. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
six days this week, August 12 - 13.
The Harbor was clear of significant flcatables on August 14, 15,
16, 17, and 18.
A floatable slick, approximately 1/2 mile by 2 feet, was reported
in the Gravesend Bay, on August 12.
August 19 - 25. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
six days this week, August 19 - 25.
The Harbor was clear of significant floatables on all six days,
August 19, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25.
August 25 - September 6. 1995
Floatable overflights of the NY/NJ Harbor Complex were conducted
a total of eleven times between August 25 - September 6.
The Harbor was clear of significant floatables on all days.
All floatables were reported to the Army Corps of Engineers or
the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
Cleanups were conducted as necessary.
All oil sheens were reported to the US Coast Guard.
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