OOA Progress Report for the period 1/01/01 through 12/31/01

Principal Investigator(s): Larry G. Ward, Raymond E. Grizzle, Frank L. Bub.

Accomplishments
Scheduled Tasks: The main tasks scheduled for the September 2000 to August 2001 reporting period addressed the following objectives identified in our 1999 Environmental Monitoring proposal.

1. Describe bottom habitat conditions in the vicinity of aquaculture site before, during, and following fish and bivalve growing periods.
2. Determine if there are impacts to the benthic community that can be attributed to the presence of fish cages and shellfish lines by assessing the biodiversity and abundance of the infaunal and epifaunal benthic community and comparing operational to pre-operational baseline data.
3. Describe three dimensional and long-term water column conditions in the vicinity of the aquaculture site before, during, and following fish and bivalve growing periods (currents, salinity, temperature, turbidity, primary productivity, nutrients, ambient light, and dissolved oxygen).
4. Determine if there are impacts to water quality that can be attributed to the presence of fish cages and shellfish lines by monitoring concentrations of water column constituents (SPM, POM, chlorophyll, dissolved inorganic nutrients) and comparing operational to pre-operational baseline data.
5. Develop real time observation capabilities (onshore) of offshore environmental conditions at the aquaculture site.
6. Determine if there are impacts to large mammals and turtles that can be attributed to the presence of fish cages and shellfish lines by monitoring the site for the presence of marine mammals and recording observations of altered behavior, entanglement or injury.

Progress on Tasks
Overview
During the early stages of our environmental monitoring/site description program, we thoroughly described the aquaculture field site and created a baseline dataset describing the physical, sedimentological, biological, and water quality characteristics of the area. These baseline datasets and associated descriptions provided us with a thorough understanding of pre-operational conditions at the site. From this site description, we refined our program by identifying permanent sampling sites to monitor the environmental conditions of the area. From September 2000 to August 2001 we implemented the refined protocol and conducted monthly cruises. In addition, we deployed and maintained an instrumented buoy to measure key physical parameters in real time. A major focus of this relatively intense monitoring plan was to provide the detailed framework that would allow us to develop a streamlined, cost effective sampling protocol that would satisfy permit requirements and detect any impacts from the aquaculture operation. Therefore, an understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of key parameters was essential. This information was established during this reporting period and subsequently used to refine the environmental monitoring (see our September 2001 Progress Report and project report - Ward et al 2001 for complete reviews). The new protocol was put into place in September 2001.

Completed Tasks
Task 1 and 2. During the September 2000 to August 2001 reporting period the major field effort involved conducting monthly sampling cruises to the aquaculture field site. In previous years, shipboard sampling was not normally done during December, January and February. However, in order to evaluate the optimum temporal sampling intervals, a complete year was required. This information was used to revise the temporal sampling protocol for benthos and water quality. During each cruise, eight permanent bottom stations were sampled for organics and benthos (infaunal) (see Figure 1). Epifaunal were not monitored due to problems with the camera system (see section on Difficulties Encountered).

Task 3. The physical structure of the water column at and in the vicinity of the aquaculture field station (surrounding ~25 km²) was determined during each of the twelve cruises. Water currents, salinity, temperature, turbidity, primary productivity, nutrients, ambient light, and dissolved oxygen were measured through the water column at 7 to 18 sites (see Figure 2).

Task 4. Water samples were collected from two depths at four permanent stations during each monthly cruise. The stations were located outside and within the general area of the fish pens and mussel line. Each water sample was analyzed for SPM, POM, and dissolved inorganic nutrients (see Figure 3).

Task 5. An instrument buoy with the capability to monitor near-continuously temperature, salinity, turbidity, fluorescence, and current at selected depths was deployed from November 21, 2000 to July 18, 2001. During part of this period, water temperature and salinity data were relayed to onshore computers in near real time. Unfortunately, during the recovery process of the buoy and mooring, several key instruments were lost. This is discussed under Difficulties Encountered.

Task 6. The presence of large mammals and turtles in the fish cage area was monitored by placing reporting forms on project associated vessels that frequently are in the vicinity of the fish cages and the mussels lines. Since the beginning of the project there has been only one sighting (summer 2001). This information was recorded and archived. However, in order to obtain a more complete understanding of the occurrence of large mammals, we are setting up contacts with local public observation groups to access their records.

Important Results or Findings
Results Overview
The New Hampshire shelf is composed of outcropping bedrock, as well as modern and relict sediments ranging from gravel to mud. In the vicinity of the field site, low organic (<3%) muddy sands dominate the bottom, although a number of intermediate to large bedrock outcrops occur (10 to 200 meters across with elevations mostly <5 m). These outcrops appear to have gravel or cobble aprons around and between the bedrock. The largest of these outcrops is located in the vicinity of the northern fish cage, largely confined between the northern anchors of the mooring system. Here, the bottom habitat is composed of a hard (rocky or cobble) substrate. Within 0.5 km of the aquaculture field site major bedrock or hard bottom regions occur, especially to the south and west.

At the aquaculture field site, infaunal benthic communities were typical of near-shore, soft sediments in the Gulf Maine. Four polychaete families made up nearly 80% of the total abundances from all samples combined. Of these four, spionid polychaetes were the most abundant. Other dominant taxa included bivalves, crustaceans, and echinoderms. Total community densities (0.5 mm mesh sieve) typically ranged from 1,500 to 3,200 individuals / 0.1 m². Most spionids are small, near-surface deposit feeders and some species are opportunistic, able to respond quickly to various kinds of disturbances including organic loadings, by increasing their population size. Hence, they are good indicators for detecting possible impacts from aquaculture activities.

Compared to areas in the nearby Piscataqua River estuary, the benthic communities at the aquaculture site were higher in total taxa and lower in densities and biomass. Total community densities near the mouth of the Piscataqua River (mud/sand sediments, 0.5 mm mesh sieve) typically range from 3,000 to 6,000 individuals / 0.1 m² (Grizzle, unpublished data). Most samples taken in the present study had <3,000 individuals / 0.1 m² and ranged from 1,000 to 5,800 individuals / 0.1 m² (Figure 1). Epifaunal were not monitored due to problems with the camera system (see section on Difficulties Encountered).). Thus far, samples from the present study have yielded five polychaete families not encountered in the estuary, as well as additional mollusc and echinoderm taxa. Such trends are to be expected because of the loss of stenohaline taxa in the estuary, and generally increased organic loadings to estuarine benthos, which may result in loss of sensitive taxa and enhanced densities and biomass at moderate loading levels. Based on archived data sources for the vicinity of the inner New Hampshire continental shelf, the vertically averaged water temperature typically varies from 2.5 to 10.7°C and the water column fluctuates from well-mixed to highly stratified. The oceanographic "dead of winter" in the Gulf of Maine occurs during March when the region's average surface temperature dips to a minimum of 2.5°C. Highest water temperatures typically occur in August averaging 16.2°C at the surface with occasional temperatures exceeding 20°C. During this time the water column becomes stratified and the upper 10 to 20 meter layer becomes isolated from the deeper waters. The average salinity for the entire coastal water column ranges from 31.5 to 32.8 psu. Lowest salinities typically occur in the surface waters in May (30.5 psu average with values as low as 28.2 psu). The annually averaged "significant wave height" at the Portland buoy is 0.9 meters. However, the maxima suggest that Gulf of Maine storms have produced waves greater than 5 meters during every month except June and July with the largest recorded wave between 1982 and 1997 being 7.3 meters (February 1988). Temperature and salinity data from this study suggest the aquaculture field site follows expected climatology for this area (Figure 2).

Typical of the New England shelf environment, the water column in the immediate vicinity of the fish pens and mussel lines is relatively clear (in comparison to nearshore or estuarine environments) and dominated by organic matter. Average total suspended sediment concentrations for each cruise ranged from 1.6 to 11.1 mg/L, but usually averaged less than 6 mg/L. The average organic content based on loss-on ignition of these samples varied from 8 to 63%, but most samples were within the 20 to 40% range. Particulate organic matter (POM) concentrations ranged from <0.5 mg/L to nearly 3 mg/L (Figure 3). Highest concentrations typically occurred in spring /early summer, reflecting the spring phytoplankton bloom. Nitrite-nitrate concentrations ranged from ~1 to 16 mM, with no consistent seasonal trends evident. Phosphate concentrations ranged from <0.5 to ~1.5 mM, also with no consistent seasonal trends evident.

Monitoring Findings
The environmental monitoring program included a minimum of near-monthly sampling of the benthos at eight sites and water quality at four sites in and about the fish pens and mussel lines. Comparison to the baseline conditions established prior to the initiation of the aquaculture activities indicates no impact from the fish or mussels to date. The organic content and textural characteristics of the substrate have been consistent during the entire study. The benthic infauna data have shown no temporal or spatial changes in density, biomass, or taxa (community-level) related to aquaculture activities. In addition, no impacts on water quality in the immediate vicinity of the fish pens and mussel longline were detected. However, the lack of impact is largely a function of the relatively small number of fish (~3,000 per cage for 5 months) and mussels grown in comparison to the water depth (55 meters) and physical energy. The amount of fish grown in the near future is expected to be significantly larger.

Modifications to Monitoring Protocol
Review of the results determined the environmental monitoring program could be streamlined into a more time and hence cost-effective protocol. For instance, monthly sampling of sediments, benthic infauna and water quality could be reduced from near monthly to quarterly (every three months) to coincide with anticipated seasonal dynamics. An instrument buoy moored at the field site can track water quality between cruises. Therefore, sampling is only required four times per year, but more intensive water quality work will be conducted as part of another CINEMar project under the direction of Grizzle.

We have consulted with the primary permitting agency (New Hampshire Fish and Game) concerning the changes in the monitoring program. No problems were identified with the proposed changes. Consequently, the new monitoring protocol was initiated in September 2001, with the fall sampling cruise occurring on October 20, 2001.

Difficulties Encountered
During this reporting period two major difficulties were encountered, one with the instrument buoy and the other with the bottom video system. Both of these difficulties have been resolved. However, the net result was some of the original objectives for the September 2000 to August 2001 reporting period were not fully completed (i.e., particle dynamics and epifaunal studies). These gaps are being addressed in our new monitoring program.

The main difficulty encountered with the instrument buoy was the loss of several important components of the system. During the recovery of the buoy in August 2001, the bottom instrument package was lost. Because of this loss, near bottom turbidity, salinity and temperature information is not available. The turbidity data set was to be used to assess bottom particle transport at the aquaculture field site. Also, the instruments not recovered were originally expected to be re-deployed in fall 2001. Consequently, a new buoy system and several new instruments had to be obtained, interfaced, and assembled. The new buoy with its instrument packages was deployed on December 20, 2001. The problem we encountered with the bottom videography involved the camera system's frame and light source. This low-cost, video camera system proved to be too light to use in deep water environments. In addition, the lighting system was limited due to the need for battery power. As a result, we decided the present system was more applicable to shallow water or estuarine areas where we have been very successful in obtaining bottom images. To address the problem of monitoring epifauna at the field site and in other deeper shelf environments, we solicited and obtained funds (from the UNH Hubbard grant) to build a more robust camera and bottom sampling system appropriate for deeper water, shelf deployments. This system will be available for our spring sampling cruises and will be used to monitor epifauna.

Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives in Scheduled Project Period We have successfully meet most of the objectives outlined in our 1999 proposal and have established and carried out the environmental monitoring program required for the demonstration site. Where difficulties have arisen, solutions have been found, and the tasks are being addressed in our present project.

Reports, Manuscripts, and Presentations Resulting from the Project Report
Ward, L.G., R.E. Grizzle, F.L. Bub, R. Langan, G. Schnaittacher and J. Dijkstra. 2001. New Hampshire Open Ocean Aquaculture Demonstration Project, Site Description and Environmental Monitoring Report on Activities from Fall 1997 to Winter 2000. University of New Hampshire Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, Durham, New Hampshire.

Manuscript
Grizzle, R.E., L.G. Ward, R. Langan, G. Schnaittacher, J. Di
ra and J. Adams. In press. Environmental monitoring at an open ocean aquaculture site in the Gulf of Maine: results for 1997-2000. Proceedings from the Open Ocean Aquaculture IV (from Research to Reality) Symposium, June 17-20, 2001, St. Andrew, New Brunswick. Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium, P.O. Box 7000, Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

Presentations
Grizzle, R.L., L.G. Ward (speaker), R. Langan, G. Schnaittacher and J. Dijkstra. 2001. Environmental monitoring in the vicinity of an open ocean aquaculture site in the southwestern Gulf of Maine: some preliminary results. Program and Abstracts for Open Ocean Aquaculture IV (from Research to Reality) Symposium, June 17-20, 2001, St. Andrew, New Brunswick.

Bub, F.L. (speaker), J. Lund and M. Brodeur. 2001. Measurements of the physical environment: what have we learned and what do we need. Program and Abstracts for Open Ocean Aquaculture IV (from Research to Reality) Symposium, June 17-20, 2001, St. Andrew, New Brunswick.

Tasks and a
ities f
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Tasks for the next reporting period
The tasks for the next reporting period (September 2001 to August 2001) are defined in the objectives of our 2001 proposal which include the following. 1) Continue the routine field monitoring of the water column and substrate at and near the OOA site to comply with permitting and environmental concerns. 2) Restore and maintain the instrument buoy at the OOA field site and develop data processing and archiving protocols. 3) Develop and initiate an environmental information transfer protocol that will make all the physical and water quality information readily available to all project participants, federal and state regulating agencies, and the general public via the internet. 4) Develop a new, streamlined, less expensive monitoring program that would comply with permitting and environmental needs and be at a scale appropriate for private OOA enterprises.

Work plan to accomplish tasks
We will use the same approach previously established for the new environmental monitoring protocol with quarterly cruises for water quality, physical structure and bottom sediments/benthos. We will add bottom videography work starting in spring 2002 to examine epifauna. We completed our first cruise in October 2001. The instrument buoy was re-established at the aquaculture field site on December 20, 2001. We will continue the deployment with quarterly maintenance and data downloads for the project period. We will establish an OOA database that will be archived at UNH Jackson Estuarine Laboratory initially and made available via the Internet. Finally, the sampling protocol will continuously be evaluated to further streamline the field sampling, the instrument buoy and the video monitoring system. A new set of recommendations for the next environmental monitoring period will evolve from theses efforts.

Concerns or difficulties
We have no concerns and have not encountered any difficulties to date in the new environmental monitoring project.

Expenditures
All expenditures were within the expected range. No budgetary difficulties were encountered.