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| ![](media/im        | #                                              |
| age1.png){width="1. |                                                |
| 8486111111111112in" | #                                              |
| height="0.5         |                                                |
| 479166666666667in"} | > **essential fish habitat assessment with     |
|                     | > additional information on Non EFH-Designated |
| **Maine Office:**   | > species**                                    |
|                     | >                                              |
| **451 Presumpscot   | > **Prepared for:**                            |
| Street**            | >                                              |
|                     | > **AES Sparrows Point LNG, LLC**              |
| **Portland, Maine   | >                                              |
| 04103**             | > **Baltimore, Maryland**                      |
|                     | >                                              |
| **New York          | > **Prepared by:**                             |
| Office:**           | >                                              |
|                     | > **Northern Ecological Associates, Inc.**     |
| **10 Lafayette      | >                                              |
| Square**            | > **Portland, Maine**                          |
|                     | >                                              |
| **Suite 1601**      | > **Christian Soucier, Ph.D., Principal        |
|                     | > Investigator**                               |
| **Buffalo, New York |                                                |
| 14203**             | ###### JANUARY 2007                            |
|                     |                                                |
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| **Pennsylvania      |                                                |
| Office:**           |                                                |
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| **134 Broad         |                                                |
| Street**            |                                                |
|                     |                                                |
| Stroudsburg,        |                                                |
|                     |                                                |
| **Pennsylvania      |                                                |
| 18360**             |                                                |
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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

**[Section Page]{.smallcaps}**

[**1.0** **INTRODUCTION 1**](#introduction)

[2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION 3](#project-description)

[2.1 Project Area 3](#project-area)

[2.2 Proposed Action 4](#proposed-action)

[2.3 Benefits 7](#benefits)

[2.4 Need and Alternatives 7](#need-and-alternatives)

[3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 8](#existing-environment)

[3.1 Sediments 9](#sediments)

[3.2 Water Quality 11](#water-quality)

[4.0 species overviews 12](#species-overviews)

[4.1 EFH-Designated Species 12](#efh-designated-species)

[4.2 Non EFH-Designated Fish and crustaceans
37](#non-efh-designated-fish-and-crustaceans)

[4.3 Prey Species 42](#prey-species)

[5.0 impacts 44](#impacts)

[5.1 Habitat Impacts 45](#habitat-impacts)

[5.2 Direct Impacts 46](#direct-impacts)

[5.3 Indirect Impacts 52](#indirect-impacts)

[5.4 Cumulative and Synergistic Impacts
53](#cumulative-and-synergistic-impacts)

[6.0 Conclusion 54](#conclusion)

[7.0 References 55](#references)

**LIST OF TABLES**

**[Table Page]{.smallcaps}**

[**[Table 1. EFH Designated Fish and Invertebrate Species and Life
History Stages in the Project Area (USACE 2006; USDOC 1999a, 1999b; and
SAMFC 1998). 14]{.smallcaps}**](#__RefHeading___Toc153126298)

[Table 2. Snapper-Grouper Species List as Defined by SAMFC and
Commercial/Recreational Designations 23](#__RefHeading___Toc153126299)

[Table 3. Trawl Catch Abundance, June and October 2006 Sampling.
37](#__RefHeading___Toc153126300)

[Table 4. Prey Species for EFH-Designated Fish Species and Life History
Stages Likely To Occupy the Project Area.
43](#__RefHeading___Toc153126301)

[Table 5. Potential Impacts for EFH-Designated Species and Life History
Stages in the Proposed Project Area. 47](#__RefHeading___Toc153126302)

[Table 6. Potential Impacts for Non-EFH Designated Species with
Commercial and/or Recreational Value in the Proposed Project Terminal
Area. 51](#__RefHeading___Toc153126303)

**LIST OF FIGURES**

**[Figure Page]{.smallcaps}**

**[Figure 1. Proposed Project Location 2]{.smallcaps}**

**LIST OF ACRONYM AND ABBREVIATIONS**

°C degree Celsius

\% percent saturation

µS/cm microseimens per centimeter

AET Apparent Effects Thresholds

bbl barrel

bcsfd billion cubic standard feet of natural gas per day

BSC Bethlehem Steel Corporation

BTU British thermal unit

councils regional fishery management councils

DMRF dredged material recycling facility

DO Dissolved Oxygen

EFH Essential Fish Habitat

EIA Energy Information Administration

ft feet

HAPC Habitat Areas of Particular Concern

LNG Liquefied Natural Gas

m meter

m^3^ cubic meter

mcy million cubic yards

MFCMA Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act

mg/l milligrams per liter

NMFS National Marine Fishery Service

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NTU nephelometric turbidity unit

PAH polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon

PCB polychlorinated biphenyl

PDM processed dredged material

PEL Probable Effects Level

PIANC Permanent International Association Navigation

ppt parts per thousand

SAV submerged aquatic vegetation

SIGTTO Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operations

SQuIRT Screening Quick Reference Table

TEL Threshold Effects Level

TMDL total maximum daily load

USACE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

USDOC U.S. Department of Commerce

USEPA U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

VIMS Virginia Institute of Marine Science

VOC volatile organic compound

YOY young-of-the-year

# 1.0 INTRODUCTION

AES Sparrows Point LNG, LLC (Sparrows Point LNG) proposes to construct,
own, and operate a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) import, storage, and
regasification terminal (LNG Terminal) at the Sparrows Point Industrial
Complex situated on the Sparrows Point peninsula east of the Port of
Baltimore in Maryland. LNG will be delivered to the LNG Terminal via LNG
marine traffic, offloaded from these ships to shoreside storage tanks,
regasified on the LNG Terminal site (Terminal Site), and transported to
consumers via pipeline. The LNG Terminal will have a regasification
capacity of 1.5 billion standard cubic feet of natural gas per day
(bscfd), with potential to expand to 2.25 bscfd. Regasified natural gas
will be delivered to markets in the Mid-Atlantic Region and northern
portions of the South Atlantic Region, through an approximately 88-mile,
30-inch outside diameter natural gas pipeline (Pipeline) to be
constructed and operated by Mid-Atlantic Express, LLC (Mid-Atlantic
Express). The Pipeline will extend from the LNG Terminal to
interconnections with existing natural gas pipeline systems near Eagle,
Pennsylvania. Together, the LNG Terminal and Pipeline projects are
referred to as the Sparrows Point Project or Project. Both Sparrows
Point LNG and Mid-Atlantic Express (hereinafter collectively referred to
as AES) are subsidiaries of The AES Corporation.

The Project footprint is located in the counties of Baltimore, Harford
and Cecil in Maryland, and in the counties of Lancaster and Chester in
Pennsylvania. The Terminal Site, which is located entirely within
Baltimore County, is a parcel located within a former shipyard. The
route proposed for the Pipeline (Pipeline Route), which crosses all of
the listed counties, includes industrial, commercial, agricultural, and
residential lands. Together, the Terminal Site and the Pipeline Route
comprise the Project Area.

As described in Section 1.10 of Resource Report 1, *General Project
Description*, The AES Corporation is considering the possibility of
building a combined cycle cogeneration power plant (Power Plant) on the
Terminal Site. The Power Plant would be configured with one F-Class
combustion gas turbine, one steam turbine, and associated auxiliaries.
It would operate only on natural gas and would produce approximately 300
megawatts (MW) of clean electric power within an area of high energy
demand. The Power Plant would be connected to the local utility electric
system via an overhead transmission line.

In accordance with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (MFCMA) and in response to the National Marine Fishery
Service (NMFS) letter dated May 23, 2006, this assessment identifies the
potential impacts on essential fish habitat (EFH) of the proposed
Sparrows Point LNG Terminal Project.

The MFCMA, as amended by the Sustainable Fisheries Act of 1996 (Public
Law 104-267), set forth several new mandates for the U.S. Department of
Commerce (USDOC) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
NMFS, regional fishery management councils (councils), and other federal
agencies to identify and protect important marine and anadromous fish
habitat. Although the concept of EFH is similar to "critical habitat"
under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, measures recommended to
protect EFH are advisory, rather than prescriptive.

Figure 1. Project Location.

The councils, with assistance from NMFS, are required to delineate
"essential fish habitat" for all managed species. EFH is defined as
"those waters and substrate necessary to fish for spawning, breeding,
feeding, or growth to maturity." The regulations further clarify EFH by
defining "waters" to include aquatic areas that are used by fish (either
currently or historically) and their associated physical, chemical, and
biological properties; "substrate" includes sediment, hard bottom, and
structures underlying the water; and, areas used for "spawning,
breeding, feeding, and growth to maturity" to cover a species' full life
cycle. Prey species are defined as being food sources for one or more
designated fish species; the presence of adequate prey is one of the
biological properties that can make a habitat EFH-designated.

Federal agencies that fund, permit, or carry out activities that may
impact EFH adversely are required to consult with NMFS regarding the
potential effects of their actions on EFH. According to USDOC (1999a),
the contents of an EFH assessment should include:

-   A description of the proposed action;

-   An analysis of the effects (including cumulative) of the proposed
    action on EFH, the managed fish species, and major prey species;

-   The federal agency's views regarding the effects of the action on
    EFH; and,

-   Proposed mitigation, if applicable.

This EFH assessment includes:

-   A description of proposed construction activity in the Chesapeake
    Bay;

-   A description of the existing environment;

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-   A listing of EFH-designated species for the Sparrows Point LNG
    Terminal Project Area;

-   Information relating to the habitat suitability and relative
    abundance of EFH-designated species, with life history stages, in
    the Sparrows Point LNG Terminal Project Area;

```{=html}
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```
-   A summary of the diets of EFH-designated species (e.g., prey
    species) in the Sparrows Point LNG Terminal Project Area;

-   An analysis of the potential impacts of project activities on
    EFH-designated species and species of special interest in the
    Sparrows Point LNG Terminal Project Area; and,

-   An analysis of the potential indirect, cumulative, and synergistic
    impacts of project activities on EFH-designated species and species
    of special interest in the Sparrows Point LNG Terminal Project Area
    of the Chesapeake Bay.

# 2.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

## 2.1 Project Area

The Sparrows Point LNG Terminal will be located on an approximately
80-acre parcel within the existing Sparrows Point Industrial Complex
located in Baltimore County, Maryland. Approximately 45 acres of the
site is upland area and the remainder is a nearshore riparian rights
area. Previously, the site was owned and operated by Bethlehem Steel
Corporation (BSC) as a steel manufacturing and shipbuilding facility.
The Sparrows Point Shipyard is situated on a promontory that extends
into the Chesapeake Bay east of the Port of Baltimore. More
specifically, the Sparrows Point LNG Terminal Site is located on the
marine channel adjacent to the Fort McHenry channel, near the confluence
of the Fort McHenry Channel and the Brewerton Angle.

The approximately 80-acre project site consists of a parcel of land
located between an existing graving dock (southern boundary) and a
floating dry dock (northern boundary). The water's edge is on the
western boundary of the project site, and the eastern boundary extends
just beyond the existing fabrication building located on the property.
The project site was owned previously by the BSC, and was used for steel
manufacturing and shipbuilding. Currently, the project site is used to
store scrap metal and to perform some light industrial maintenance work
and warehousing.

The proposed LNG Terminal will include a marine terminal consisting of a
pier with berthing areas on both sides, LNG unloading equipment, a LNG
storage facility, vaporization and vapor handling systems, a gas
send-out system, and administrative and support buildings. The marine
terminal will be located on the Patapsco River just off of the Brewerton
Channel, adjacent to the existing graving dock at the Sparrows Point
Shipyard. The western edge of the project parcel will be sheet-piled and
the berth will be located approximately 75 feet (ft) west of this
bulkhead.

## 2.2 Proposed Action

In order to support berthing operations at the facility, AES will need
to deepen and widen the existing marine channel to a depth of
approximately 45 ft and width of approximately 440 ft. Additionally, AES
will dredge a turning basin to allow ships to be turned under tug
support and berthed at the marine terminal bow out. The turning basin
will be approximately 1,640 ft in diameter. The areas adjacent to each
of the berths will also be dredged to a depth of approximately 45 ft.
Total dredge quantity is expected to be from 2.5 to 4 million cubic
yards (mcy).

The LNG berths will be designed to accommodate the dimensional
characteristics of the majority of existing LNG tankers with storage
capacities in excess of 786,225 barrels (bbl) or 125,000 cubic meters
(m³). The marine facility will also be designed to accommodate proposed
LNG tankers with a capacity of up to 1,364,891 bbl (217,000 m³).
Normally, the LNG carriers will arrive at the pier loaded and will leave
in ballast condition.

A new shoreward bulkhead line will also be established to straighten out
the waterfront in the proposed LNG Terminal area. A description of the
individual components for the proposed LNG terminal is provided below.

### LNG Finger Pier/Access Trestle for Vehicles and a Pipeway

Access between land and the unloading platform will be provided by a
pile-supported trestle. The steel pipe piles will support a
pre-cast/cast-in-place concrete superstructure that will serve as a
roadway and a pipeway. The superstructure will consist of pre-cast
concrete pile caps placed on top of the steel pipe piles. A concrete
deck structure consisting of pre-stressed, pre-cast concrete planks,
with a cast-in-place concrete topping will span between the pile caps. A
concrete spillway will be installed beneath the piping as part of the
pipeway structure, and the trestle will be sloped to the shoreline to
provide for equipment access and collection of any LNG leaks or spills.
The unloading platform will be located at the end of the trestle. A
single LNG berth will be located on both the north and south sides of
the finger pier.

### Turning Basin and Entrance Channel

To support the proposed marine terminal operations, an approach channel
and turning basin will be constructed by expanding existing channels
through dredging. The Sparrows Point LNG terminal turning basin and
approach channel will provide an access point for approaching LNG
carriers from the existing Brewerton Channel to the southeast. LNG
carriers transiting to the proposed marine terminal will do so under
active tractor tug escort. The speed of an incoming LNG carrier will be
reduced gradually during its transit of the Brewerton Channel until the
ship is brought to full stop at the entrance of the approach channel to
the marine terminal. The tug boats will then assist the ship to turn
into the approach channel. The incoming vessel will transit the approach
channel again under active tractor tug control. The LNG carrier will be
brought to full stop in the approach channel, and will be turned and
berthed with tug assistance at either berth with bow pointing out. The
departure procedures for LNG carriers will be similar to the incoming
transiting LNG carriers as described above, except that the outgoing
vessels will not be turned in the turning basin.

Preliminary layout of the approach channel and turning basin has been
formulated using the following considerations:

-   LNG tanker vessel design capacities and size (including anticipated
    future generations of vessel designs not currently in service)
    expected to call at the terminal.

-   Channel design guidance references (Society of International Gas
    Tanker and Terminal Operations \[SIGTTO\] 1997) and Permanent
    International Association Navigation Congress \[PIANC\] 1997) for
    use in calculating the minimum channel width (such as vessel speed,
    wind speed and direction, current speed and direction, wave height,
    period, and direction, navigation aid, type of seabed, channel
    depth, type of side slopes, and hazard level of cargo).

-   Factors and guidance reference information (SIGTTO 1997) affecting
    channel depth design (including vessel design draft, vertical ship
    motion due to wave action, squat, keel clearance, and water density
    effects).

Based on the above considerations, the approach channel preliminary
layout is approximately 45 ft deep and 440 ft wide. The proposed turning
circle has a 1,640-foot diameter, also with a nominal water depth of 45
ft, to allow the turning of all fully-loaded LNG carriers with tug
assistance. The final geometry and layout of the approach channel and
turning basin is determined through fast-time and real-time simulation
studies, which are conducted in close collaboration with the local pilot
association.

The area to be used for LNG vessel approach and maneuvering has been
dredged in the past and maintains a permit issued by the United States
Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Water Quality Certification from the
State of Maryland to perform dredging using hydraulic or mechanical
techniques. Dredging is allowed under existing permit for maintenance
and waterfront operations to a depth of 39 ft in approximately the same
area as proposed for the Sparrows Point LNG terminal project.

An estimated 3.0 to 4.5 million cubic yards (mcy) of material may be
removed through dredging of the approach channel, turning basin, and
berths. Dredging within the project limits is anticipated to begin in
the berthing area, and progress towards the outer channel to allow for
earlier commencement of pier/dock construction operations. Depending on
the bathymetric configuration of this area at the time of project
construction, actual volume to be dredged and material handling
requirements may be less than currently envisioned. However, the
proposed approach has been developed to anticipate dredge operations
consistent with this location's dredge approvals and remaining volumes
needed for LNG terminal development. The project has also allowed for
methods that may be needed if dredge volumes are greater and/or
environmental quality of dredge material in sections of the dredge area
are degraded relative to currently permitted dredge materials. AES will
follow procedures for dredge performance consistent with recent past
dredge approvals for this location, updated based on data collected for
this project.

The approach channel expansions will be performed primarily by use of
mechanical clamshell dredge or an environmental bucket technology if
required, with some limited areas near shore excavated by backhoe
dredge. Conventional mechanical dredge techniques will be used, or if
chemical analyses obtained for dredge planning indicate sediment quality
is degraded more significantly than is allowed by current dredge
permits, environmental dredge bucket removal or an equivalent would be
used. The material dredged will be managed at an on-shore dredge
material recycling facility that will be developed for this project and
ultimately disposed of at an appropriate, off-site upland location.

### Dredged Material Recycling Facility

As part of the project construction phase, AES will construct a dredged
material processing facility adjacent to the existing waterway at the
Sparrows Point Facility. This phase will precede actual dredging
operations.

The initial step in processing is the reduction of the water content of
the dredged sediments. The proposed dewatering process would involve
dewatering of loaded barges at the dredging site or the dredge material
recycling facility (DMRF). The proposed 10,000 cubic yards per day DMRF
will occupy approximately five acres of the 15 acres of upland property
located immediately to the south of the Terminal Site (see Figure 1C-3
in Appendix C of Resource Report 1, *General Project Description*).
Loaded scows would be allowed to settle so that the free-liquid portion
would be visibly free of suspended sediments prior to pumping the decant
water to the cargo area of a dedicated dewatering barge. After settling,
the decant water from dewatered dredged material at the processing
facility will pass through a settling tank system and be filtered prior
to discharge back to the harbor. Chemical and physical analysis will be
conducted on the decant water in accordance with a MDE Water Management
Program Individual Permit for Industrial Water Discharge that will be
issued for the DMRF. Threshold values for discharge will be set forth in
that permit. Alternately, after the initial barge settling period,
portable pumps will be utilized to pump the water to land based tanks
(i.e. frac tanks) for additional settling. Following this secondary
settling, the water will be filtered and discharged under applicable
permit conditions.

Following processing, the processed dredged material (PDM) will be
transported via onsite trucks to the designated stockpile/staging area
of the Sparrows Point site. At the stockpile area, the trucks will
deposit the PDM material into the designated staging area within the
permitted temporary storage site. The PDM will be placed using hydraulic
excavators, bulldozers and vibratory compactors into large stockpiles
for temporary storage in inventory until the material is sold for
beneficial use. The PDM will be trans-loaded by wheel loaders or
hydraulic excavators into over road trucks for off-site shipment to
ultimate destination sites. The processed dredged material will be
transported off-site at an anticipated rate of approximately 5,000 cubic
yards per day.

Other potential options for management of dredged material include
off-site disposal, open ocean disposal at approved off-shore locations,
and upland fill sites. These options also depend on chemical makeup of
the dredged material, approvals from applicable agencies and, in some
cases, approval by the receiving facility(s). Currently, none of these
alternatives are considered to be viable as the recycling alternative,
and they are not as consistent with Port of Baltimore long-term goals
for management of dredged material as the proposed recycling option.

## 2.3 Benefits

In addition to serving the Mid-Atlantic energy market, the Sparrows
Point Project will serve sections of the south Atlantic market,
specifically focusing on the Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC
markets. Because of its location, the Sparrows Point Project will be a
more efficient supplier of gas to its target markets than gas suppliers
in the Gulf of Mexico. The result will be a reduction in the "basis" in
the Sparrows Point Project's market. Thus, the Sparrows Point Project
will serve a need for additional natural gas (discussed below in Section
2.4) by providing the market with a new supply of reliable,
competitively priced LNG.

## 2.4 Need and Alternatives

Energy demand in the United States continues to grow at a relatively
constant pace. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration
(EIA) (EIA 2006), total energy consumption in the United States is
projected to increase from the 100 quadrillion British thermal units
(BTU) used in 2004 to the projected use of 127 quadrillion BTU per year
in 2025 (an increase of 27%). The projected growth in energy demand
(from present to 2025) will vary by fuel type. For example, demand for
coal and petroleum are expected to increase, with coal expecting a steep
increase after 2020. Demand for natural gas is expected to continue with
strong growth to 2020, after which it is expected to level off.

Most importantly, natural gas has increasingly become the fuel of choice
in the United States. There are a number of underlying conditions that
characterize the U.S. gas market's supply and demand, including:

-   Increased gas demand driven by 200 gigawatts of gas-fired generation
    investment since 1999 with limited amounts of alternative fuel
    capability;

-   Declining domestic gas production throughout the lower 48 states and
    offshore;

-   Increased gas imports from Canada nearing current maximum capacity;

-   Decreased gas supply deliverability in the current transmission
    infrastructure;

-   Curtailment of demand destruction that began during the sustained
    high price environment; and,

-   Stabilization of gas demand due to the rebound in the U.S. economy
    beginning in 2003.

These conditions have led to supply constraints and a steadily
increasing gas price floor, well above pre-2000 historical levels of
below \$3/thousand cubic feet The North American natural gas industry is
facing a critical period over the next ten to fifteen years, where
increased supply availability will be essential. Moreover, with
continuing worldwide gas demand, the balance between natural gas supply
and demand will likely continue to tighten leading to sustained and
higher prices unless new sources of natural gas supply, including LNG,
are developed and delivered to the market via import terminals and
associated pipeline facilities.

The need for incremental sources of natural gas supply to meet growing
demand is particularly acute in the Mid-Atlantic and surrounding regions
of the United States. The EIA is forecasting significant natural gas
growth in the Mid-Atlantic region for the 15-year period from 2005 to
2020 (EIA 2006). Other alternate fuel types (such as coal and oil) are
not as environmentally benign as natural gas and are short-term viable
alternatives to meet the growing demand for energy in the region.
Compared with fuel oil or coal, natural gas is a relatively clean and
efficient fuel that can reduce relative impacts on air quality (e.g.,
reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter,
and carbon dioxide) and generate the same amount of electricity.

The contribution of renewable fuels to the U.S. electricity supply mix
remains relatively small as reported in the EIA's Annual Energy outlook
for 2006 (EIA 2006). Although conventional hydropower remains the
largest projected source of renewable generation through 2030, a lack of
untapped large-scale sites, coupled with environmental concerns, limits
its growth; its projected share of total generation falls from 6.8
percent in 2004 to 5.1 percent in 2030 (EIA 2006). While wind generation
will be among the leaders in renewable energy generation, the
anticipated expansion over current capacity will only increase by a
modest 0.4 percent of total generation in 2004 to 1.1 percent in 2030
(EIA 2006). Energy from wind power, while important to the overall
energy mix, is not projected to grow significantly to be a commercially
viable alternative to the Project. Additionally, energy from nuclear
power is not a commercially viable substitute able to replace or
significantly offset the demand for natural gas over the next 20 years
(EIA 2006).

While several LNG terminals have been proposed in the Northeast United
States, most of these terminals are substantially north or south of the
proposed Sparrows Point Project. Therefore, they would not serve the
intended market need. While two other projects could potentially serve a
portion of the mid-Atlantic Market (the Crown Landing and Cove Point
expansion project) by 2020, AES forecasts that the Mid-Atlantic region
would have sufficient demand to not only absorb the Sparrows Point
volume but also the Crown Landing volume, the Cove Point expansion, and
still require additional other supply.

For these reasons, there is no viable alternative to the Sparrows Point
Project.

# 3.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

The Baltimore Harbor watershed is located to the east of Baltimore City,
and includes numerous small tributaries to the north side of the
Patapsco River. The tributaries drain to tidal estuaries. The watershed
is entirely within the Maryland coastal plain and streams tend to be
short and tidally influenced. Many streams in the industrial area have
been channelized and the natural drainage pattern has been altered
(e.g., cooling water for BSC is withdrawn from Jones Creek and
discharged to Bear Creek). It is estimated that 60% of the freshwater in
the harbor originates from Patapsco River (Maryland Department of the
Environment \[MDE\] 2004).

The Patapsco River estuary is highly developed and is mainly urban
residential, commercial, and industrial. A large wastewater treatment
plant owned by the City of Baltimore discharges into the middle tidal
region of the Patapsco (MDE 2004).

No Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC) are known to occur within
the proposed Project Terminal Area but several may occur along potential
vessel transit routes (although these routes have not been determined as
of yet and will most likely depend on fluctuating factors such as
weather and market trends). All but one of these areas can be found of
the south Atlantic coasts of North and South Carolina; specifically
within the areas of The Point, 10 Fathom Ledge, Big Rock, Georgetown
Hole, the Charleston Bump Complex, and in areas adjacent to the Outer
Banks, Cape Hatteras, and the Ocracoke Islands (NMFS 2006b; SAMFC 1998).
The remaining HAPC has been identified in the lower region of Chesapeake
Bay and is thought to be used by sandbar sharks as nursery and pupping
grounds (NMFS 2006b). The nearest submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)
location recently reported by Orth et al. (2005) was approximately three
miles south of the Project Area on the western side of the Patapsco
River in Stony Creek. Older records suggest a similar lack of SAV
historically within three miles of the Project Area (Orth et al. 1994).
Field surveys performed by AES in June 2006 confirmed the absence of SAV
within the Project footprint, and no SAV was located within
approximately two miles of the Project Area.

## 3.1 Sediments

During the past several years, extensive studies have been conducted on
the levels of metals, mercury and organic contaminants in Baltimore
Harbor sediments (Ashley and Baker 1999; McGee et al. 1999; Mason and
Lawrence 1999). Large spatial gradients in contaminant levels in the
sediments due to relatively poor mixing result in contaminant \"hot
spots\" near storm water outfalls and industrial areas. Elevated levels
of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals are found around
Sparrows Point, historically the site of intensive coal coking and steel
production. Organochlorines, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
are elevated adjacent to storm water outfalls. Forty percent of the
sites within the Baltimore Harbor have PCB levels that exceed the
\"effects range-medium\" value of Long et al. (1995). Survival of the
estuarine amphipod *Leptocheirus plumulosus* was reduced in seven of
twenty-five Baltimore Harbor sediment sites studied by McGee et al.
(1999). Toxicity at monitoring stations in Bear and Colgate Creeks may
have been due to sediment-associated metals, while sediment toxicity in
the Inner Harbor was likely due to both metals and organic contaminants
(PAH).

In June 2006, AES collected sediment samples from a floating barge using
a vibracore sampler at three (3) depths identified as "shallow" (0--2
feet below the sediment surface), "intermediate" (depths greater than
two (2) feet below the sediment surface but less than the anticipated
depth of dredging) and "deep" (depths at approximately 40 feet below the
sediment surface). Shallow and intermediate samples were assumed to be
representative of the sediment that would be removed as part of the
proposed channel dredging and deep samples were assumed to be
representative of the channel that would be exposed to the benthic
environment after the completion of dredging operations. Fifteen (15)
sediment samples were collected for off-site laboratory analysis: eight
(8) shallow, three (3) intermediate, and four (4) deep. Each sample was
submitted to an on-shore laboratory for the analysis of organic and
inorganic parameters in accordance with U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (USEPA) promulgated methods. Analyzed parameters included
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-VOCs, chlorinated pesticides,
PCBs, priority pollutant metals, cyanide, total organic carbon, tributyl
tin, and hexavalent chromium.

To evaluate the results of the laboratory analyses, the reported data
were compared to the NOAA's Screening Quick Reference Tables (SQuIRT),
updated September 1999. The SQuIRT reference cards were developed by
NOAA to identify levels of contaminants that could potentially impact to
coastal resources and habitats. For this evaluation, the marine sediment
criteria were used for comparison of the AES Sparrows Point sediment
samples. The marine sediment criteria are defined over a range of
potential toxicity to biological resources as the Threshold Effects
Level (TEL) (the level below which no observable adverse effects are
anticipated), the Probable Effects Level (PEL) (the level where
observable adverse effects are frequently expected) and the Apparent
Effects Thresholds (AET) (the level above which adverse effects are
always expected).

PAHs were detected in each of the sediment samples collected from the
"shallow" and "intermediate" sampling depths. The "shallow" sediment
samples generally exhibited concentrations of PAHs that exceeded the
AET, indicating that adverse effects to biological resources were
expected from interaction with these sediments. The "intermediate"
sample PAH concentrations generally exceeded TEL but fell below the PEL
indicating that observable adverse impacts to biological resources from
exposure to these sediments were likely.

Elevated levels of several PPL metals were also detected in the
"shallow" and "intermediate" samples collected. Generally, the
concentrations of PPL metals fell above the TEL but below the AET and
with two notable exceptions. Concentrations of lead and zinc exceeded
the AET in each "shallow" sample indicating that adverse effects to
biological resources would always be expected due to the presence of
these contaminants. These data indicate that the removal of the
"shallow" and some of the "intermediate" sediment during dredging
operations should reduce potential contaminant impacts to biological
resources in the areas tested.

Generally, the results of the "deep" sediment samples fell below the TEL
indicating that no observable adverse effects are anticipated from
interaction with these sediments. One parameter of interest, benzo (a)
pyrene was detected at a concentration greater than the TEL but below
the AET, indicating that observable adverse effects could be expected.
The results of the "deep" samples collected and analyzed indicate that
no observable adverse effects are likely for biological resources that
could be exposed to these sediments after dredging.

## 

## 

## 

## 3.2 Water Quality

The Maryland 2004 303(d) List contains basins and sub-basins that have
measured water quality impairment. The tidal portion of Baltimore
Harbor, including the Patapsco River, is on the list with the following
impairments: poor biological community, nutrients, sediments, and PCBs
in sediments (MDE 2004).

Water quality in Baltimore Harbor is impaired by several compounds and
metals including PCBs, chromium, zinc, lead, mercury, nickel, copper,
cyanide and chlordane. According to the 2002 305(b) report (MDE 2002),
chlordane, PCBs, metal, low dissolved oxygen, and bacteria in the tidal
waters of Baltimore Harbor were attributed to industrial and municipal
discharges, nonpoint sources, poor tidal flushing, and unknown sources.
Fish consumption advisories were issued in 1986 and expanded in 2001 for
Chlordane, PCBs, and dieldrin.

Baltimore Harbor is also classified as Category 3, a pristine or
sensitive watershed in need of protection because of failing indicators
such as high phosphorus and nitrogen loadings, poor SAV abundance and
habitat index, poor tidal benthic index of biotic integrity, high
percent impervious surface, and high population density (MDE 2004). A
total maximum daily load (TMDL) study was completed for Chlordane in the
Baltimore Harbor (MDE 2001). Chlordane is a broad-spectrum pesticide
that was used from 1940s until 1988, at which point it was banned. Since
chlordane is found in fish tissue here, MDE issued a fish consumption
advisory for this waterway.

In June and October 2006, AES collected water quality data at 46
stations in the Project Area (26 stations in June and an additional 20
stations in October). At each station, water quality data were collected
near the surface, in mid-water column and near the bottom (only surface
readings were collected at 10 of the 44 stations that were sampled
during the October effort). The water quality data included pH,
temperature in degrees Celsius (°C), dissolved oxygen as milligrams per
liter (mg/l) and percent saturation (%), salinity in parts per thousand
(ppt), conductivity in microseimens per centimeter (µS/cm), and
turbidity in nephelometric turbidity units (NTU). Data were collected
with a YSI model 6920 meter.

[]{.mark}

The water quality results from these sampling events were similar to
previous studies of the relatively well-studied harbor (e.g., Dail et
al. 1998; Hall et al. 2002; Maryland Department of National Resources
\[MDDNR\] 2005) and indicated that dissolved oxygen, particularly at
depths lower in the water column, was frequently recorded at levels low
enough to inhibit biological productivity (e.g., approximately 2.0 mg/L)
during the June effort, with a substantial increase to over 5.0 mg/l
during the October effort. Water quality results also indicated that
water temperatures were typically warm (averaging approximately 25°C in
June and 18°C in October) and had salinities at typically low levels
(approximately 7--8 ppt) for this mesohaline system.

# 

# 4.0 species overviews

This section describes the habitat requirements of the EFH-designated
species, non-EFH designated fish and shellfish species (with special
focus placed on those most likely to occur within the proposed Project
construction area \[Project Terminal Area\]), and rare and endangered
species that potentially occur within the proposed Project Area.
Specifically, Section 4.1 provides individual species assessments of
EFH-designated species, and Section 4.2 provides individual species
assessments of non-EFH designated fish and shellfish species.

## 4.1 EFH-Designated Species

A summary EFH designations specific to the Patapsco River does not exist
at this time but consultation with local NMFS staff indicates that the
Chester River estuary in Kent and Queen Anne's County on Maryland's
Eastern Shore could be used as proxy data in the preparation of the EFH
assessment for the proposed Terminal Site (NMFS 2006a). However,
documentation regarding EFH and HAPC along the proposed vessel traffic
routes does exist. Although U.S. Territorial Waters extend to some 200
miles offshore, information regarding EFH and HAPC designations along
possible vessel traffic routes extends to a maximum of approximately 135
miles seaward and will be the focus of this discussion. EFH and HAPC
designations for coastal finfish and shellfish species in this area were
based on information compiled by the New England Fisheries Management
Council, the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, the South
Atlantic Fisheries Management Council, and the Highly Migratory Species
Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Available information on life history and habitat requirements for each
EFH-designated species is summarized in this section, along with
relevant survey information. Primary reference sources are cited once,
at the beginning of each summary. For most species, the primary source
was one of a series of EFH source documents prepared by the NMFS in
1999. Designated life history stages (eggs, larvae, juveniles, and
adults for finfish and juveniles and adults for sharks) for the 10
minute x 10 minute "square" of latitude and longitude that includes the
proposed Project Area are identified at the beginning of each species
assessment and in Table 1.

Conclusions regarding the likelihood of occurrence of each species and
life history stage in the proposed Project Area are presented at the end
of each species assessment. In reaching these conclusions, emphasis was
given to the depth, water quality, and bottom substrate preferences of
each individual species. Another important factor is whether the
dominant bottom sediments in the proposed Project Area provide suitable
habitat for invertebrates that are preyed upon by bottom feeding EFH
species. Available information on feeding habits of EFH-designated
species and on benthic resources in the proposed Project Area is
presented in Section 4.4 of this EFH assessment report.

A previous EFH assessment conducted by USACE and performed in part for
this area of the Patapsco indicated that, of the species listed in Table
1, only juvenile and adult summer flounder and juvenile and adult
bluefish were likely to occur in the proposed Terminal Site (USACE
2006). Additional sampling performed in support of that EFH assessment
further confirmed those conclusions as the sampling resulted in the
capture of bluefish and summer flounder (USACE 2006).

A total of 99 bony finfish (this estimate includes 26 species in
addition to the snapper-grouper complex that is recognized as such by
SAFMC \[1998\] and is comprised of 73 species), 13 shark/skate species,
and 5 invertebrate species, are currently designated as EFH species in
both the proposed Project Terminal Site and the area that encompasses
proposed vessel routes within U.S Territorial Waters (Table 1). Each
EFH-designated species and the corresponding designated life stages are
presented in Table 1.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc153126298 .anchor}Table 1. EFH Designated Fish and
Invertebrate Species and Life History Stages in the Project Area (USACE
2006; USDOC 1999a, 1999b; and SAFMC 1998).

  --------------------------------- ---------- ------------ --------------- ------------
  **Species**                       **Eggs**   **Larvae**   **Juveniles**   **Adults**

  **[Fish Species]{.mark}**         **E**      **L**        **J**           **A**

  Albacore tuna (*Thunnus                                   X                
  alalunga*)                                                                

  Atlantic butterfish (*Peprilus    X          X            X               X
  triacanthus*)                                                             

  Atlantic mackerel (*Scomber                               X               X
  scombrus*)                                                                

  Atlantic sea herring (*Clupea                             X               X
  harengus*)                                                                

  Black sea bass (*Centropristus               X            X               X
  striata*)                                                                 

  Bluefin tuna (*Thunnus thynnus*)                          X               X

  Bluefish (*Pomatomus saltatrix*)  X          X            X               X

  Cero (*Scomberomorus regalis*)                            X               X

  Cobia (*Rachycentron canadum*)    X          X            X               X

  Dolphinfish (*Coryphaena          HAPC       HAPC         HAPC            HAPC
  hippurus* )                                                               

  King mackerel (*Scomberomorus     X          X            X               X
  cavalla*)                                                                 

  Little tunny (Euthynnus                                   X               X
  alletteratus)                                                             

  Monkfish (*Lophius americanus*)   X          X            X                

  Red drum (*Sciaenops ocellatus*)  HAPC       HAPC         HAPC            HAPC

  Red hake (*Urophycis chuss*)      X          X            X               X

  Scup (*Stenotomus chrysops*)                              X               X

  Skipjack tuna (*Katsuwonus                                                X
  pelamis*)                                                                 

  Snapper-grouper complex (73       HAPC       HAPC         HAPC            HAPC
  species)\*                                                                

  Spanish mackerel (*Scomberomorus  X          X            X               X
  maculatus*)                                                               

  Summer flounder (*Paralichthys    X          X            X               X
  dentatus*)                                                                

  Swordfish (*Xiphias gladius*)                             X                

  Whiting (*Merluccius bilinearis*)                         X               X 

  Windowpane (*Scophthalmus         X          X            X               X
  aquosus*)                                                                 

  Winter flounder                                           X               X
  (*Pseudopleuronectes americanus*)                                         

  Witch flounder (*Glyptocephalus   X          X                             
  cynoglossus*)                                                             

  Yellowfin tuna (*Thunnus                                  X               X
  albacares*)                                                               

  Yellowtail flounder                          X                             
  (*Pleuronectes ferruginea*)                                               

  **Invertebrate Species**          **E**      **L**        **J**           **A**

  Long finned squid (*Loligo                                X               X
  pealei*)                                                                  

  Ocean quahog (*Artica islandica*)                         X               X

  Rock shrimp (*Sicyonia            X          X            X               X
  brevirostris*)                                                            

  Royal shrimp (*Pleoticus          X          X            X               X
  robustus*)                                                                

  Surf clam (*Spisula solidissima*)                         X               X

  **Shark Species**                 **E**      **L**        **J**           **A**

  Atlantic sharpnose shark                                                  X
  (*Rhizoprionodon terraenovae*)                                            

  Blue shark (*Prionace gluaca*)                                            X

  Dusky shark (*Carcharinus                                 X                
  obscurus*)                                                                

  Sandbar shark (*Carcharinus                               HAPC            HAPC
  plumbeus*)                                                                

  Sand tiger shark (*Carcharius                              X              X
  taurus*)                                                                  

  Scalloped hammerhead shark                                X                
  (*Sphyrna lewini*)                                                        

  Shortfin mako shark (*Isurus                              X               X
  oxyrhincus*)                                                              

  Spiny dogfish (*Squalus                                   X               X
  acanthias*)                                                               

  Tiger shark (*Galeocerdo                                  X               X
  cuvieri*)                                                                 

  **Skate Species**                 **E**      **L**        **J**           **A**

  Clearnose skate (*Raja                                    X               X
  eglanteria*)                                                              

  Little skate (*Leucoraja                                  X               X
  erinacea*)                                                                

  Rosette Skate (*Leucoraja garmani                         X                
  virginica*)                                                               

  Winter skate (*Leucoraja                                  X               X
  ocellata*)                                                                
  --------------------------------- ---------- ------------ --------------- ------------

\* The snapper-grouper complex is treated as a grouped species as
defined by the SAMFC (1998).

Key:

E = eggs

L = larvae

J = juveniles

A = adults

AES conducted two fish-sampling studies in the Project Area in June and
October of 2006. The study consisted of towing a 30-foot otter-trawl
from a research vessel at a speed of approximately 1.7 to 2.2 knots for
a straight-line distance of approximately 0.33 nautical miles; the tow
time for each trawl was 10 minutes. Two of the species listed in Table
1, bluefish and summer flounder, were recovered during the course of
this study.

### 4.1.1 Fish Species

**[Albacore Tuna (*Thunnus alalunga*): Juveniles]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: USDOC 1999b

Albacore is a circumglobal, epipelagic, and oceanic species. Juveniles
and subadults prefer surface waters off the coast of the Mid-Atlantic
Bight with a temperature preference between 16 and 19°C, although larger
individuals have a wider depth and temperature range (between 14 to
25°C). This species tends to aggregate near temperature discontinuities
and migrate within water masses. However, this species does not seem to
cross temperature and oxygen boundaries, as it does not tolerate oxygen
levels lower than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/l). This species may also
be associated with floating objects, including *Sargassum* weed.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Albacore tuna are highly migratory and
pelagic, and may pass through the Project Area to feed during their
annual migration.

**[Atlantic Butterfish (*Peprilus triacanthus*): All
Stages]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Cross *et al.* (1999)

[]{.mark}

Butterfish are fast-growing, short-lived, pelagic fish that form loose
schools, often near the surface. Eggs and larvae are pelagic and common
in the high salinity zones of some estuaries in southern New England and
the Middle Atlantic Bight and in the mixing zone in Chesapeake Bay.
Additionally, eggs have a temperature preference between 12 to 23°C and
larvae have a temperature preference between 4 to 28°C.

Juvenile and adult butterfish are pelagic that form loose schools, often
near the surface. They are eurythermal with a temperature preference
between 4 and 22°C and can tolerate a range of salinities with
preferences between 5 to 32 ppt. They are frequently found over sand,
mud, and mixed substrates.

[Project Area]{.underline}: All stages of the butterfish are expected to
be found in the Project Area.

**[Atlantic Mackerel (*Scomber scombrus*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary source]{.underline}: Studholme *et al*. (1999)

[]{.mark}

Atlantic mackerel are found in deep water during winter on the
continental shelf from Sable Island Bank (Canada) to Chesapeake Bay and
move inshore and northeast during the spring. This pattern is reversed
in the fall. Juveniles are typically collected from shore to 1,050 ft
and in temperatures between 4 and 22°C. Adults are typically collected
from shore to 1,250 ft and in temperatures between 4 and 16°C.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Atlantic mackerel is a migratory species and
can be expected to occur in the oceanic side of the Project Area, from
nearshore to the open ocean.

**[Atlantic Sea Herring (*Clupea harengus*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Reid *et al.* (1999)

Adult Atlantic sea herring migrate south into southern New England and
mid-Atlantic shelf waters in the winter after spawning in the Gulf of
Maine, on Georges Bank, and Nantucket Shoals. Juvenile and adult herring
are abundant in coastal and mid-shelf waters from southern New England
to Cape Hatteras in the winter and spring. In the spring, adults return
north, but juveniles do not undertake coastal migrations.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Atlantic herring are pelagic species and can
be expected to occupy the water column in the open ocean portion of the
Project Area.

**[Black Sea Bass (*Centropristis striata*): Larvae, Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Steimle *et al.* (1999a)

[]{.mark}

Black sea bass are usually strongly associated with structured,
sheltering habitats such as reefs and wrecks. When larvae reach 10 to 16
mm total length (TL), they tend to settle and become demersal on
structured inshore habitat such as sponge beds. In the Mid-Atlantic
Bight, recently settled juveniles move into coastal estuarine nursery
areas between July and September. The estuarine nursery habitat of
young-of-year (YOY) black sea bass is relatively shallow, hard bottom
with some kind of natural or man-made structure including amphipod
tubes, eelgrass, sponges, and shellfish beds with salinities above 8
ppt. Black sea bass do not tolerate cold inshore winter conditions.
Following an overwintering period presumably spent on the continental
shelf, older juveniles return to inshore estuaries in late spring and
early summer. They are uncommon in open, unvegetated, sandy intertidal
flats or beaches. Like juveniles, adult sea bass are very structure
oriented, especially during their summer coastal residency. Unlike
juveniles, adults only enter larger estuaries and are most abundant
along the outer Atlantic coast. Larger fish tend to be found in deeper
water than smaller fish.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Black sea bass are expected to occupy the
Project Area. However, due to the strong association of this species
with three-dimensional structures, the likelihood of this species being
present within vessel traffic lanes will be very low.

**[Bluefin Tuna (*Thunnus thynnus*): Juveniles and Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Colette and Nauen (1983)

[]{.mark}

This is a very large, highly migratory species. In the western North
Atlantic, bluefin tuna migrate seasonally from spring spawning grounds
in the Gulf of Mexico to summer feeding grounds off the northeast U.S.
coast (USDOC 1999b). Distributions are probably constrained by the 12°C
isotherm. Although essentially an oceanic species, bluefin tuna often
occur over the continental shelf and in embayments, particularly during
the summer months when they feed actively on herring, mackerel, and
squids. They are often found in mixed schools with skipjack tuna of the
same size (Tiews 1963). Larvae are generally retained in the Gulf of
Mexico until they grow into juveniles. In June, YOY move to juvenile
habitats thought to be located over the shelf around 34° and 41° N in
the summer and further offshore in the winter (USDOC 1999b). Juveniles
migrate to nursery areas located between Cape Hatteras, North Carolina
and Cape Cod, Massachusetts (Mather *et al.* 1995).

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Due to the strong migratory and epipelagic
nature of this species, juvenile and adult bluefin tuna may pass through
the Project Area to feed during the migration.

**[Bluefish (*Pomatomus saltatrix*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Shepherd and Packer (2006)

Bluefish spawn offshore in open ocean waters. Spawning generally occurs
offshore near the edge of the continental shelf. Eggs are not known to
occur in estuarine waters, and larvae are only rarely collected in
estuaries. Generally, bluefish eggs and larvae are collected in spring
and summer in temperatures greater than 18^o^C and in water with
salinities above 31 ppt.

Juvenile bluefish move inshore in early- to mid-June, arriving when
temperatures reach approximately 20°C. Juveniles are typically found
near shorelines, including the surf zone, during the day and in open
waters at night. However, it is presently unknown if bluefish are
estuarine dependent since the distribution of juveniles over the
continental shelf has not been described. Like adults, they are active
swimmers and feed on small forage fishes, which are commonly found in
nearshore habitats. They remain inshore in water temperatures up to 30°C
and return to the continental shelf in the fall when water temperatures
reach approximately 15°C. Juvenile bluefish are associated mostly with
sand, but are also found over silt and clay bottom substrates. They
usually occur in waters with salinities of 23--33 ppt, but can tolerate
salinities as low as 3 ppt. Adults are generally oceanic but are found
nearshore as well as offshore. Adults usually prefer warm water (at
least 14 to 16°C) and full salinity.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
YOY juvenile bluefish prefer coastal embayments and estuaries in the
summer and can be expected to occupy the water column throughout the
Project Area. Adults are typically pelagic and would occupy the open
ocean portion of the Project Area.

**[Cero (*Scomberomorus regalis*): Juveniles and Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Collette and Nauen (1983) and NMFS (1999)

Spawning of cero or king mackerel takes place May through September with
peaks in July and August. Batch spawning takes place in tropical and
subtropical waters, frequently inshore. The eggs are pelagic and hatch
into planktonic larvae. The cero is involved in migrations along the
western Atlantic coast. With increasing water temperatures, Cero move
northward from Florida to Rhode Island between late February and July,
and migrate back in the fall. Cero have been reported to migrate along
the western Atlantic coast in large schools; however, there appears to
be a resident population in the southern Atlantic states (Georgia and
Florida) as this species is available to sport fishers year round. The
diet of these fish primarily consists of fishes and to a lesser extent
penaeid shrimp and cephalopods. The fishes that make up the bulk of
their diet are small schooling clupeids (e.g., menhaden, alewives,
thread herring, and anchovies).

Cero mackerel are important both commercially and recreationally and are
a valued sport fish year round in mid to south-Atlantic states.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Cero is a pelagic species and can be
expected to occupy the water column in the open ocean portion of the
Project Area.

**[Cobia (*Rachycentron canadum*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Sources]{.underline}: Richards (1967), National Audubon Society
(1983), and Chesapeake Bay Program (2006)

Cobia is a southern species that overwinters near the Florida Keys and
migrates in the spring and summer to the mid-Atlantic to spawn.
Juveniles and adults rarely are found as far north as Massachusetts and
occasionally are present in the deeper waters of Chesapeake Bay in the
summer. Cobia are caught by sports fishermen as far north in the
Chesapeake as the mouth of the Potomac River. This warm-water species
prefers temperatures from 20-30°C. Cobia spawn in estuarine and offshore
areas, including near the mouth of the Chesapeake and offshore from
mid-June to mid-August. Eggs and larvae generally are not found in lower
salinity portions of estuaries.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Cobia are pelagic, warm water species. An
occasional adult or juvenile cobia may occur in the water column of the
Project Area during the summer. Juveniles and adults can also be
expected to occupy the nearshore portion of the Project Area.

**[Dolphinfish (*Coryphaena hippurus*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Sources]{.underline}: Gibbs and Collette (1959) and Oceanic
Institute (1993)

The common dolphinfish (*Coryphaena hippurus*) is an oceanic pelagic
fish found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters. Males and
females are sexually mature in their first year, usually by 4-5 months
old. Spawning can occur at body lengths of 20 cm and occurs offshore,
some near the continetal shelf or in areas above 24ºC. Females may spawn
two to three times per year, and produce between 80,000 and 1,000,000
eggs per event. Larvae are found all year, with greater numbers detected
in spring and fall. Larvae are most abundant at depths greater than 50 m
at water temperatures of above 24ºC and a salinity of 33 ppt and above.
This species prefer a DO of 6 mg/L and is very sensitive to low DO.
Juveniles have been observed inshore but majority are seen offshore in
temperatures of 26-34ºC. Early juveniles often show signs of distress at
DO levels less than 5.5 mg/L.

Adult populations of the mid-Atlantic are generally highest in the
summer due to their seasonal north-south migrations. The northern
distributional limit is the 20ºC isotherm and can be found in oceanic
salinities.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Dolphinfish are a pelagic species and can be
expected to occupy the water column in the open ocean portion of the
Project Area. Larger aggregations of dolphinfish are likely to be found
of the coasts of North and South Carolina where HAPC has been identified
for this species in the following areas: The Point, 10 Fathom Ledge, Big
Rock, Georgetown Hole, and the Charlestown Bump Complex.

**[King and Spanish Mackerel (*Scomberomorus cavalla and S. maculatus*):
All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Sources]{.underline}: Godcharles and Murphy (1986), Collette
and Nauen (1983)

King and Spanish mackerels are highly migratory epipelagic, neritic fish
that migrate north from Florida as far as the Gulf of Maine in the
summer and fall. King mackerel spawn in coastal waters of the Gulf of
Mexico and off the south Atlantic coast. In the south Atlantic, king
mackerel larvae have been taken at surface salinities ranging from 30 to
37 ppt and temperatures ranging from 22 to 28°C. King mackerel larvae
are typically found near or off the continental shelf and near the Gulf
Stream.

Spanish mackerel spawn in mid-June in the lower part of Chesapeake Bay.
Spawning typically occurs at night when water temperature drops below
26°C. Spanish mackerel larvae have been collected in waters as shallow
as 30 ft and as deep as 300 ft. Some juvenile Spanish mackerel use
estuaries as nursery grounds, but most stay nearshore in open-beach
waters.

In general, temperature and salinity are believed to be the most
important factors governing the distribution of the king and Spanish
mackerels. Their northern range limit is in the vicinity of Block
Island, Rhode Island. Water temperatures ranging from 21 to 27°C are
preferred by Spanish mackerel and this species is rarely observed in
waters cooler than 18°C. All life stages of king and Spanish mackerel
usually inhabit waters with salinities of 32 to 36 ppt. Spanish mackerel
usually avoid freshwater or low salinities near the mouth of rivers.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Due to the migratory, epipelagic nature, and
habitat preferences of the king and Spanish mackerels, a few adult king
and Spanish mackerels may pass through the Project Area to feed during
their annual northward migration and when they return south in the fall.
The occurrence of early life stages of these species would be rare in
the Project Area.

**[Little Tunny (*Euthynnus alletteratus*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: NMFS 2006c

Spawning occurs in April through November in the eastern and western
Atlantic Ocean and, while in the Mediterranean Sea, spawning takes place
from late spring through summer. Little tunny spawn outside the
continental shelf region in water of at least 25°C, where females
release as many as 1,750,000 eggs in multiple batches when they reach a
length of 31 inches or 14 pounds. The males release sperm, fertilizing
the eggs in the water column. These fertilized eggs are pelagic,
spherical, and transparent.

Found in tropical and subtropical waters on both sides of the Atlantic,
including the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico, the little
tunny often forms large, elliptical schools, which cover up to two miles
on the long axis. Individuals of the species rarely live over 5 years.
Little tunny feed mostly on small crustaceans, squid and small fishes.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Due to the migratory and epipelagic nature
of this species, little tunny can be expected to occupy the water column
in the open ocean portion of the Project Area.

**[Monkfish (*Lophius americanus*): Eggs, Larvae, and
Juveniles]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Steimle *et al.* (1999b)

[]{.mark}

Spawning locations are not well known but are thought to be on inshore
shoals (depths generally greater than 50 ft) to offshore Southern New
England, Mid-Atlantic Bight, and Gulf of Maine shelf waters. Monkfish
eggs are shed within buoyant, ribbon-like, non-adhesive mucoid veils or
rafts. Larvae have been collected in offshore waters in the Mid-Atlantic
Bight during March to April. Some larvae have been collected on the
continental shelf at depths of 60 to 90 ft in May to July; after July,
none have been observed in depths less than 90 ft. Larvae have been
found off southern New Jersey, south of Long Island, in the New York
Bight at depths of 30 to 300 ft, and off South New England.

Adults in the MAB migrate inshore in late winter--spring and move back
offshore in summer and fall, probably to avoid warmer inshore water.
Neither juveniles nor adults are caught in bottom temperatures greater
than 15°C or depths less than 50 ft. Juvenile and adult monkfish caught
in a bottom trawl survey in Narragansett Bay conducted four times a year
during 1990 through 1996 were almost completely restricted to depths of
more than 90 ft.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
a few monkfish larvae may be found in surface waters in the Project Area
in June and July. Eggs may occur in surface waters of the Project Area
as well, probably during a more extended period of time.

**[Red Drum (*Sciaenops ocellatus*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Buckley (1984) and Reagan (1985)

The red drum is an estuarine-dependent species found along the Atlantic
coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. Adults are euryhaline and eurythermal
and have been found to be most abundant at salinities of 30 to 35 ppt
and observed in water temperatures ranging from 2 to 33°C. Spawning of
red drum in the mid- and south Atlantic typically occurs from mid-August
and extends to late September. It is speculated that red drum in the
Atlantic coast spawn in nearshore waters adjacent to channels and
passes, similar to those on the Gulf coast. Salinity is an important
factor in hatching success. Eggs float at salinities greater than 25 ppt
and sink at lower salinities, which could lead to clumping, respiratory
stress, and mortality. It has been postulated that eggs and larvae are
transported by deep subsurface currents of high-density water in
Chesapeake Bay. Larvae occupy either vegetated or unvegetated bottoms in
estuaries. Temperature is an important factor as larvae develop. At
water temperatures below 20°C, larvae may be unable to make the
transition to active feeding. Juveniles are also both euryhaline and
eurythermal. They have been found at salinities of 0 to 50 ppt and water
temperatures ranging from 13 to 28°C. Yearling juveniles live in
protected waters with little wave action. At the end of the first year,
they move into deeper bays or marine littoral areas during cold weather
and then migrate back into the estuary during the spring.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Due to the habitat preference of the red
drum, larvae and juveniles may be present throughout the Project Area
with a concentration in or around coastal inlets. However, eggs and
adults would be rare in the Project Area.

**[Red Hake (*Urophycis chuss*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Steimle *et al.* (1999c)

[]{.mark}

The red hake occurs in continental waters from the Gulf of St. Lawrence
to the mid-Atlantic States (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). Red hake spawn
offshore in the mid-Atlantic Bight in the summer, primarily in southern
New England. The distribution of eggs is unknown because they cannot be
distinguished from other hakes. However, EFH for eggs is defined as
surface temperatures less than 10°C and salinity less than 25 ppt.
Larvae dominate the summer ichthyoplankton in the mid-Atlantic Bight and
are most abundant on the mid- and outer-continental shelf. Red hake
larvae prefer temperatures of 8 to 23°C and depths less than 200 m.
Larvae typically settle to the bottom in the fall and need shelter.
Juveniles seek shelter and commonly associate with scallops, surf clam
shells, and seabed depressions. Juveniles prefer depths from less than
395 ft to the low tide line and temperatures between 2 to 22°C. Adults
prefer depths from 100 to 425 ft and temperatures between 2 to 22°C.
Adults are typically associated with sand-mud bottom in holes and
depressions. Both juveniles and adults make seasonal migrations in
response to changes in water temperatures.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Hake eggs (including eggs of other species
besides red hake) are common in the Project Area from May to November,
but red hake larvae are less likely to occupy shallow coastal waters.
Juvenile and adult red hake are attracted to deeper, cooler water in the
shipping channels, and thus can be expected to occupy the Project Area
throughout the year.

**[Scup (*Stenotomus chrysops*): Juveniles and Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Steimle *et al*. (1999d)

[]{.mark}

YOY juveniles are commonly found from the intertidal zone to depths of
about 100 ft in portions of bays and estuaries where salinities are
above 15 ppt. Juvenile scup appear to use a variety of coastal
intertidal and subtidal sedimentary habitats during their seasonal
inshore residency, including sand, mud, mussel beds, and eelgrass beds.
Adults move inshore during early May and June between Long Island and
Delaware Bay. Adults are found inside bays and sounds, but like
juveniles, do not penetrate low salinity areas. Adults are often
observed or caught over soft, sandy bottoms and in or near structured
habitats, such as, rocky ledges, wrecks, artificial reefs, and mussel
beds. Adults move offshore once water temperatures fall below 7.5 to
10°C in the fall.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Juvenile and adult scup are known to occupy
sandy bottom areas, but are more likely to occur on the shallower sandy
shoal areas of the Project Area. Based on their range of habitat
utilization, juvenile and adult scup are expected to occupy the Project
Area during the spring and summer months.

**[Skipjack Tuna (*Katsuwonus pelamis*): Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Colette and Nauen (1983)

[]{.mark}

Skipjack tuna are highly migratory, circumglobal pelagic fish that
inhabit tropical and warm-temperate waters and are generally limited by
the 15°C isotherm. Skipjack tuna are often found in mixed schools with
bluefin tuna of the same size. Like bluefin tuna, skipjack tuna often
occur over the continental shelf and in embayments, particularly during
the summer months when they feed actively on herring, mackerel, and
squid. In the Mid-Atlantic Bight, adults typically occur in pelagic
waters where water temperatures range from 20 to 31°C.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Skipjack tuna are highly migratory and
pelagic, and may pass through the Project Area to feed during their
annual migration.

[]{.mark}

**[Snapper-Grouper Complex (73 species) : All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: SAFMC (1998)

The snapper-grouper complex consists of 10 families and 73 species and
is recognized, managed, and is EFH-HAPC designated by the South Atlantic
Fisheries Management Council. For assessment purposes, this complex of
species is grouped and treated as one species designation since
snapper-grouper habitat usually contains multiple species that are
listed within the complex (Table 2), a majority of which often exhibit
similar life strategies.

Snapper-grouper complex individuals use different habitats -- both
benthic and pelagic -- during different life stages. These species share
an association with coral or hard bottom structures during part of their
life cycle and all contribute to an interrelated reef fishery ecosystem.
The planktonic larval stage generally lives in the water column feeding
on zooplankton. Juveniles and adults tend to occupy areas near the ocean
floor, often near hard structures with moderate to high relief, such as
reefs, rocky bottoms, caves and ledges, and outcroppings. However, the
juveniles of some species may occupy seagrass beds, mangroves, lagoons,
and bays. Furthermore, individuals may migrate to different habitats
across the shelf diurnally and seasonally.

Spawning regimens also exhibits temporal, spatial, and behavioral
variability, though some patterns have emerged. For example, spawning
generally occurs over one or two months in the winter, but spawning can
occur year-round with more than two significant peaks during the year.
Spatially, different species use shelf edge environments with moderate
to high structural relief, while other species appear to use shallow
areas. Furthermore, spawning occurs both in large aggregations and in
pairs.

Spawning sites are clearly an important component of essential fish
habitat. While specific data on spawning sites are limited, some
specific sites have been identified for certain species.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC)
for the snapper-grouper complex are known to occur along the south
Atlantic coasts of North and South Carolina. Potential vessel transit
routes (although these routes have not been determined as of yet) may
traverse these areas on their approach and departure from the mouth of
the Chesapeake Bay. The areas that have been specifically identified as
snapper-grouper complex EFH-HAPC are The Point, 10 Fathom Ledge, Big
Rock, Georgetown Hole, and the Charleston Bump Complex.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc153126299 .anchor}Table 2. Snapper-Grouper Species
List as Defined by SAFMC and Commercial/Recreational Designations

  --------------------- ------------------------ ---------------- ------------------
  **Common Name**       **Scientific Name**      **Commercially   **Recreationally
                                                 Important**      Important**

  MARINE                                                          

  Almaco jack           *Seriola rivoliana*      x                x

  Atlantic spadefish    *Chaetodipterus faber*   x                x

  Banded rudderfish     *Seriola zonata*         x                x

  Bank sea bass         *Centropristis ocyurus*  x                x

  Bar jack              *Caranx ruber*                             

  Black grouper         *Mycteroperca bonaci*    x                x

  Black margate         *Anisotremus             x                 
                        surinamensis*                             

  Black sea bass        *Centropristis striata*  x                x

  Black snapper         *Apsilus dentatus*       x                 

  Blackfin snappper     *Lutjanus buccanella*    x                 

  Blue runner           *Caranx crysos*                            

  Blueline tilefish     *Caulolatilus microps*   x                 

  Bluestripe grunt      *Haemulon sciurus*       x                 

  Coney                 *Epinephelus fulvus*     x                 

  Cottonwick grunt      *Haemulon melanurum*                       

  Crevalle jack         *Caranx hippos*                            

  Cubera snapper        *Lutjanus cyanopterus*   x                x

  Dog snapper           *Lutjanus jocu*          x                 

  French grunt          *Haemulon flavolineatum* x                 

  Gag grouper           *Mycteroperca                             x
                        microlepis*                               

  Golden tilefish       *Lopholatilus                             x
                        chamaeleonticeps*                         

  Goliath grouper       *Epinephelus itajara*                      
  (jewfish)                                                       

  Grass porgy           *Calamus arctifrons*                       

  Gray snapper          *Lutjanus griseus*       x                x

  Gray triggerfish      *Balistes capriscus*     x                x

  Graysby               *Epinephelus cruentatus* x                 

  Greater amberjack     *Seriola dumerili*       x                x

  Hogfish               *Lachnolaimus maximus*   x                x

  Jolthead porgy        *Calamus bajonado*       x                 

  Knobbed porgy         *Calamus nodosus*        x                 

  Lane snapper          *Lutjanus synagris*      x                x

  Lesser amberjack      *Seriola fasciata*       x                 

  Longspine porgy       *Stenotomus caprinus*                      

  Mahogany snapper      *Lutjanus mahogoni*      x                 

  Margate               *Haemulon album*         x                 

  Misty grouper         *Epinephelus mystacinus* x                 

  Mutton snapper        *Lutjanus analis*        x                x

  Nassau grouper        *Epinephelus striatus*   x                 

  Ocean triggerfish     *Canthidermis sufflamen* x                 

  Porkfish              *Anisotremus virginicus*                   

  Puddingwife           *Halichoeres*            x                 

  Queen snapper         *Etelis oculatus*        x                 

  Queen triggerfish     *Balistes vetula*        x                 

  Red grouper           *Epinephelus morio*      x                 

  Red hind              *Epinephelus guttatus*   x                 

  Red porgy             *Pagrus pagrus*          x                x

  Red snapper           *Lutjanus campechanus*   x                x

  Rock sea bass         *Centropristis           x                 
                        philadelphica*                            

  Sailors choice        *Haemulon parra*                           

  Sand tilefish         *Malacanthus plumieri*                     

  Saucereye porgy       *Calamus calamus*        x                 

  Scamp                 *Mycteroperca phenax*    x                 

  Schoolmaster          *Lutjanus apodus*        x                 

  Scup                  *Stenotomus chrysops*    x                x

  Sheepshead            *Archosargus             x                x
                        probatocephalus*                          

  Silk snapper          *Lutjanus vivanus*       x                x

  Smallmouth grunt      *Haemulon                                  
                        chrysargyreum*                            

  Snowy grouper         *Epinephelus niveatus*   x                x

  Spanish grunt         *Haemulon macrostomum*                     

  Speckled hind         *Epinephelus             x                x
                        drummondhayi*                             

  Tiger grouper         *Mycteroperca tigris*    x                 

  Tomtate               *Haemulon aurolineatum*  x                x

  Vermilion snapper     *Rhomboplites            x                x
                        aurorubens*                               

  Warsaw grouper        *Epinephelus nigritus*   x                x

  White grunt           *Haemulon plumieri*      x                x

  Whiteboned porgy      *Calamus leucosteus*     x                x

  Wreckfish             *Polyprion americanus*   x                 

  Yellow jack           *Caranx bartholomaei*    x                x

  Yellowedge grouper    *Epinephelus                               
                        flavolimbatus*                            

  Yellowfin grouper     *Mycteroperca venenosa*                    

  Yellowmouth grouper   *Mycteroperca            x                 
                        interstilitialis*                         

  Yellowtail snapper    *Ocyrus chrysurus*       x                 
  --------------------- ------------------------ ---------------- ------------------

Note : SAFMC reports that 73 species compose the snapper-grouper complex
although only 72 could be found in their source documents.

**[Summer Flounder (*Paralichthys dentatus*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Packer et al. (1999)

Summer flounder are distributed from the eastern portion of Georges Bank
to South Carolina and Florida, but are most abundant south of Cape Cod
(Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). This species exhibits strong
inshore-offshore movements. Summer Flounder eggs are pelagic and buoyant
with the highest concentrations being found within nine miles of the
shore of New Jersey and New York. Eggs are most abundant in the fall
months between depths of 100 to 230 ft. Summer flounder larvae are most
abundant 12 to 50 mi from shore at depths of 100 to 230 ft in the
northern part of the mid-Atlantic Bight from September to February.
Planktonic larvae and post-larvae derived from offshore fall and winter
spawning migrate inshore from October to May, entering coastal and
estuarine nursery areas to complete transformation.

Summer flounder exhibit strong inshore--offshore movements. Adults and
juveniles typically move offshore in the fall and remain there through
the winter. Adults and juveniles occupy shallow coastal and estuarine
waters during spring and summer. Some juveniles remain inshore for an
entire year before migrating offshore, while others move offshore in the
fall and return the following spring. Juvenile summer flounder utilize
several different estuarine habitats such as marsh creeks, seagrass
beds, mud flats, and open bay areas, but are not found in areas with
pollution issues that lack food sources or that lack sufficient water
circulation. Juveniles are sometimes found in Chesapeake Bay, with YOY
found in tidal creeks with salinities greater than 15 ppt but more
abundant in higher salinity systems. As long as other conditions are
favorable, substrate preferences and prey availability are the most
important factors affecting distribution. Some studies indicate that
juveniles prefer mixed or sandy substrates; others show that mud and
vegetated habitats are used. Adults are reported to prefer sandy
habitats, but can be found in a variety of habitats with both mud and
sand substrates. Spawning occurs in open ocean areas as fish are moving
to their offshore wintering areas. Eggs and larvae are found in offshore
waters, particularly in fall (eggs) and winter (larvae) months.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat preference of this
species, the buoyant eggs are expected to occur in the Project Area.
Eggs and larvae may be common within the oceanic portion of the Project
Area. Juvenile and adult summer flounder would be common throughout the
lower potions of the Chesapeake Bay, but less so in the Project Terminal
Area. However, given their association with sandy substrates and the
fact that they feed on a variety of bottom-dwelling invertebrates and
fish species that occupy the Project Area, transitory individuals can be
expected to occupy the Project Area during the summer months.

**[Swordfish (*Xiphias gladius*): Juveniles]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: USDOC (1999b)

Swordfish are epipelagic to mesopelagic. This species is circumglobal,
ranging through tropical, temperate, and sometimes cold-water regions.
Their optimum temperature range is believed to be 18 to 22°C, but they
will dive into 5 to 10°C waters at depths of up to 2130 ft. This species
also migrate diurnally, coming to the surface at night. Specifically,
two different migration patterns have been observed: swordfish in
neritic (shallow, near-coastal) waters of the northwest Atlantic were
found in bottom waters during the day and moved to offshore surface
waters at night. Swordfish in oceanic waters migrated vertically from a
daytime depth of 1640 to 295 ft at night. Juveniles are typically found
in pelagic waters warmer than 18°C from the surface to a depth of 1640
ft.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Swordfish are highly migratory and pelagic,
and may pass through the Project Area to feed during their annual
migration.

**[Whiting (*Merluccius bilinearis*): Larvae and
Juveniles]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Morse *et al.* (1999)

[]{.mark}

Whiting, or silver hake, spawn on the outer continental shelf. Eggs and
larvae are distributed in mid and outer shelf waters, but not in coastal
waters. Significant egg production occurs during May to October, with a
peak in August. Primary spawning grounds apparently occur between Cape
Cod and Montauk Point, New York, on the southeastern slope of Georges
Bank, and in Massachusetts Bay. Juveniles are common during spring and
summer in relatively shallow waters in Southern New England and south of
Long Island. Coastal waters off New Jersey, Long Island, and Rhode
Island are centers of abundance in the fall. Adults occupy bottom
habitats of all substrate types. In general, adults prefer depths
between 100 to 1,000 ft and water temperatures below 21°C.

[]{.mark}

Juvenile whiting are primarily caught at depths greater than 30 ft and
prefer high DO concentrations (10 to 11 mg/l), high salinities (greater
than 27 ppt), and a wide range of temperatures (3 to 23°C). Juveniles
are present in the New York Bight at all times of year and adults are
mostly restricted to the colder months (winter and spring). Juveniles
prefer shallower water (80 to 250 ft) during the fall and deeper water
(greater than 500 ft) in the spring, while adults prefer depths greater
than 150 ft in the fall and greater than 400 ft in the spring. Eggs and
larvae are primarily restricted to mid and outer continental shelf
waters.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
juvenile whiting can be expected to occupy the Project Area throughout
the year and adults in the winter and spring. Larvae typically occur in
deeper water, and therefore are not likely to be found within the
Project Area in significant numbers.

**[Windowpane (*Scophthalmus aquosus*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Chang *et al.* (1999)

Windowpane are a shallow water mid- and inner-shelf species found
primarily between Georges Bank and Cape Hatteras on fine sandy sediment.
Spawning occurs on inner shelf waters, including many coastal bays and
sounds, and on Georges Bank. Juveniles and adults are similarly
distributed. They are found in most bays and estuaries south of Cape Cod
throughout the year at a wide range of depths (less than 5 to 130 ft),
bottom temperatures (3 to 12°C in the spring and 9 to 12°C in the fall),
and salinities (5.5 to 36 ppt). Juveniles that settle in shallow inshore
waters move to deeper offshore waters as they grow. Adults occur
primarily on sand substrates off southern New England and mid-Atlantic
Bight. Spawning occurs primarily in offshore areas but may occur in high
salinity portions of estuaries as well. Larvae are found primarily in
continental shelf waters in the autumn. Although in general larvae may
be present in high salinity estuarine areas in the spring, they are
considered rare in Chesapeake Bay. Eggs have not been recorded in
Chesapeake Bay.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat utilization of this
species, juvenile and adult windowpane would be rare throughout the
Project Area. Similar to the summer flounder, occasional transients can
be expected to occupy the Project Area during the summer months. Eggs
and larvae would not be anticipated to be present in the Project Area.

**[Winter Flounder (*Pseudopleuronectes americanus*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Pereira *et al.* (1999)

[]{.mark}

Winter flounder spawning occurs from late winter through early spring,
peaking south of Cape Cod in February and March. Recently settled YOY
juveniles are found close to spawning grounds and in high concentrations
in depositional areas with low current speeds. YOY juveniles migrate
very little in the first summer, move to deeper water in the fall, and
remain in deeper cooler water for much of the following year. Habitat
utilization by YOY is not consistent across habitat types and is highly
variable among systems and from year to year. Several field and lab
studies suggest a "preference" for muddy/fine sediment substrates where
they are most likely to have been deposited by currents. Adult winter
flounder prefer temperatures of 12 to 15°C, DO concentrations greater
than 2.9 mg/l, and salinities above 22 ppt, although they have been
shown to survive at salinities as low as 15 ppt. Mature adults are found
in very shallow waters during the spawning season.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Due to their range of habitat utilization,
juveniles and adults can be expected to be common in the Project Area
throughout the year.

[]{.mark}

**[Witch Flounder (*Glyptocephalus cynoglossus*): Eggs and
Larvae]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Luca *et al.* (1999)

[]{.mark}

Witch flounder inhabit continental shelf waters as deep as 4,920 ft.
Adults inhabit mud and clay substrates, or mud and clay mixed with sand,
but rarely on sand. Spawning occurs from shore to the outer continental
shelf, primarily at depths of 330 to 525 ft, from March through October,
but peaks in the Mid-Atlantic Bight between May and June. Eggs are laid
at or near the bottom, but rise into the water column where subsequent
egg and larval development occurs. Larvae remain in the water column for
a long time, from four to six months to a year. Offshore larval surveys
indicate that larval witch flounder are evenly distributed over the
continental shelf from Cape Hatteras to southwest Nova Scotia. Larvae
are present in the New York Bight from May to July, primarily in deep
water (165 to 300 ft).

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat requirements of eggs
and larval witch flounder, they are expected to occupy the offshore
water column portion of the Project Area.

**[Yellowfin Tuna (*Thunnus albacares*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: USDOC (1999b)

Yellowfin tuna is an epipelagic, oceanic species. This species is
circumglobal, typically found in tropical and temperate waters ranging
from 18 to 31°C. Similar to all other tuna species, yellowfin tuna is a
known schooling species, with juveniles found in schools at the surface,
mixing with skipjack and bigeye tuna. Adults have the same habitat
preference as the juveniles and can be found in pelagic waters from the
surface to 330 ft deep.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Yellowfin tuna are highly migratory and
pelagic, and may pass through the Project Area to feed during their
annual migration.

**[Yellowtail Flounder (*Limanda* *ferruginea*): Larvae]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Johnson *et al.* (1999)

[]{.mark}

Yellowtail flounder occupy continental shelf waters on the Atlantic
coast between depths of 35 and 1,200 ft, but are more common in depths
less than 330 ft. Larvae have been collected at depths of 35 to 100 ft
in April and 100 to 300 ft during May to September. Larvae are present
in the New York Bight from April to July.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
yellowtail flounder larvae are expected to occur in the Project Area
during spring and summer.

### 4.1.2 Invertebrate Species

**[Long-Finned Squid (*Loligo pealei*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Cargnelli *et al.* (1999a)

[]{.mark}

Long-finned inshore squid are a pelagic schooling species that can be
found in continental shelf and slope waters from Newfoundland to the
Gulf of Venezuela. Juveniles inhabit the upper 10 m of the water column
over water 165 to 490 ft deep on continental shelf. Juveniles are
typically found in coastal inshore waters in spring/fall while migrating
to offshore waters in winter. Juveniles have a temperature preference of
10 to 26°C and salinities of 31.5 to 34.0 ppt. Adult long-finned inshore
squid inhabit the continental shelf and upper continental shelf slop to
depths of 400 m. Adults are typically found over mud or sandy mud
bottoms, and have been found at surface temperatures ranging from 9 to
21°C and bottom temperatures ranging from 8 to 16°C.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
juveniles and adults can be expected to occur in the Project Area.

**[Ocean Quahog (*Arctica islandica*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Cargnelli *et al.* (1999b)

[]{.mark}

Ocean quahogs are extremely slow-growing and long-lived, distributed on
the continental shelf from Newfoundland to Cape Hatteras, North
Carolina. The inshore limit of their distribution appears to be defined
by the 16^o^C bottom isotherm in the summer months. Juveniles are
typically found offshore in sandy substrates, but may survive in muddy
intertidal environments if protected from predators. Juveniles in the
Mid-Atlantic Bight have a temperature preference of 1 to 12^o^C, depth
of 150 to 250 ft, and salinities of 32 to 34 ppt. Adults usually are
found in dense beds over level bottoms, just below the surface of the
sediment, ranging from medium to fine grain sand. Adults have a
temperature preference of 6 to 16^o^C, depth of 150 to 200 ft, and
oceanic salinities. Adults are also capable of surviving low DO levels
by burrowing into the sand and respire anaerobically for up to seven
days.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
juveniles and adults are expected to occur in the Project Area. However,
they would be limited to the bottom of the offshore ocean with little to
no impact.

**[Rock Shrimp (*Sicyonia brevirostris*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: SAFMC (1998)

Rock shrimp occur in terrigenous and biogenic fine to medium sand
substrate habitats with small patches of silt and clay. They also
utilize coral and hard bottom habitats, but are found only sporadically
in areas with mud substrates. Rock shrimp are distributed along the
Atlantic Coast from Virginia to Florida, south to Cuba and the Bahamas,
and in the Gulf of Mexico. These bottom feeders inhabit waters ranging
from 60 to 600 ft in depth with the highest concentrations occurring
between 80 and 215 ft.

[]{.mark}

Rock shrimp generally spawn from November to January with females
spawning three or more times in a season, often coinciding with the full
moon. Larvae can be found year round without regard for temperature,
salinity, depth, or moon phase. The Florida coast shelf current systems
are essential for keeping larvae on the Florida coast and for
transporting them onshore, while the Gulf Stream is essential for
dispersing the larvae.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization,
all life stages can be expected to occur in deepwaters of the Project
Area. However, similar to other substrate-dwelling invertebrates, most
individuals would be limited to the bottom of the offshore ocean and
suffer little or no impact.

**[Royal Red Shrimp (*Pleoticus robustus*): All Stages]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: SAFMC (1998)

Royal red shrimp are usually found in waters over blue/black mud, sand,
muddy sand, or white calcareous mud. They are distributed throughout the
Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic from Cape Cod to French Guinea. Royal
red shrimp inhabit waters of the upper continental slope from depths of
590 to 2,400 ft, but they are most commonly found between 820 and 1,560
ft.

Essential fish habitat for royal red shrimp also includes the Gulf
Stream, because it disperses royal red shrimp larvae.

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization,
all life stages can be expected to occur in deepwaters of the Project
Area. However, similar to other substrate-dwelling invertebrates, most
individuals would be limited to the bottom of the offshore ocean and
suffer little or no impact.

**[Surf Clam (*Spisula solidissima*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Cargnelli *et al.* (1999c)

[]{.mark}

The greatest concentration of Atlantic surf clam is usually found in
well-sorted, medium sand, but they may also occur in fine sand and
silty-fine sand. Atlantic surf clam is distributed in western North
Atlantic continental shelf waters from the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence
to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Atlantic surf clam can inhibit waters
from the surf zone to a depth of 420 ft. Along Long Island and New
Jersey waters, the highest concentrations occur at less than 60 ft. The
preferred temperature range is between 1 to 25^o^C with spawning
occurring in temperatures greater than 15^o^C. In New Jersey, spawning
occurs from late June to early August and may begin as early as late May
or early June in inshore waters.

Atlantic surf clams are typically found in salinities higher than 28
ppt, but are capable of surviving salinities as low as 12.5 ppt for a
period of two days. Studies have found severe hypoxic events (DO less
than 3 parts per million \[ppm\]) in New Jersey killing Atlantic surf
clam. Positive hypoxia effects include the decimation of Atlantic surf
clam predators, would allow successful recruitment of recently settled
clams. Currently, there is minimal information on the effects of
currents on Atlantic surf clam, particularly on feeding and bedload
transport of small clams. The dynamic environments in which Atlantic
surf clam live may substantially affect flux of food and population
distribution where oceanic storms can displace adults a considerable
distance from their burrows.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
juveniles and adults can be expected to occur in the Project Area.
However, similar to the ocean quahog, juveniles and adults would be
limited to the bottom of the offshore ocean with little to no impact.

### 4.1.3 Shark Species

**[Atlantic Sharpnose Shark (*Rhizoprionodon terraenovae*):
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: USDOC (1999b)

The Atlantic sharpnose shark is a small coastal species, inhibiting the
waters of the northeast coast of North America. This species is a common
year-round resident of the South Atlantic Bight and can be found in
schools of uniform size and sex. Adults prefer temperature between 20 to
30°C and salinity between 21 to 35 ppt.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
adults can be expected to occur in the nearshore portions of the Project
Area.

**[Blue Shark (*Prionace gluaca*): Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: USDOC (1999b)

Blue shark is an oceanic-epipelagic, fringe-littoral, cosmopolitan
species, occurring throughout the tropical, subtropical, and temperate
open waters (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). Atlantic blue sharks are
highly migratory with a regular clockwise trans-Atlantic migration route
following the warm Gulf Stream waters. The general range of blue shark
is from Argentina to Newfoundland in the western Atlantic. The
temperature preference of blue shark is between 7 to 18°C.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization,
blue shark may pass through the Project Area to feed during their annual
migration.

**[Dusky Shark (*Carcharinus obscurus*): Juveniles]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Compagno (1984) and USDOC (1999b)

[]{.mark}

The dusky shark is a coastal-pelagic, inshore and offshore
warm-temperate and tropical species found in the continental insular
shelves and oceanic waters. Lateral range of dusky shark is close
inshore in the surf zone to well out to sea, and a depth preference from
the surface to 1,310 ft deep. Adults do not prefer areas with reduced
salinities and tend to avoid estuaries. (Compagno 1984). In the western
Atlantic, dusky sharks are highly migratory with a geographical range
from Nova Scotia to Cuba (including the northern Gulf of Mexico).

Male dusky sharks attain sexual maturity at 231 (cm) (fork length) and
19 years of age, while females mature at 235 cm (fork length) and 21
years (Natanson et al. 1995). Dusky sharks are viviparous with a
yolk-sac placenta. In the western Atlantic, young per litter ranges from
six to 10 per brood (Knickle 2002a). Females move inshore to drop the
young and then depart the nursery area shortly after. Pups measure
85-100 cm TL at birth (Castro 1983).

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Although migratory and pelagic, dusky sharks
spawn in nearshore water, and therefore juveniles are expected to occur
in the Project Area.

**[Sandbar Shark (*Carcharinus plumbeus*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Compagno (1984) and USDOC (1999b)

[]{.mark}

The sandbar shark is an abundant, coastal-pelagic shark of temperate and
tropical waters that occurs inshore and offshore. It is found on
continental and insular shelves and is common at bay mouths, in harbors,
inside shallow muddy or sandy bays, and at river mouths, but tends to
avoid sandy beaches and the surf zone. Sandbar sharks migrate north and
south along the Atlantic coast, reaching as far north as Massachusetts
in the summer. Sandbar sharks bear live young in shallow Atlantic
coastal waters between Great Bay, New Jersey, and Cape Canaveral,
Florida. The young inhabit shallow coastal nursery grounds during the
summer and move offshore into deeper, warmer water in winter. Late
juveniles and adults occupy coastal waters as far north as southern New
England and Long Island.

[]{.mark}

Sandbar sharks are viviparous where the embryos are nourished via a
placenta sac. Mating occurs in the spring or early summer (May-June) and
pups are born from June through August. Litter size varies by region and
dependent upon the size of the mother. Sandbar sharks bear live young in
shallow bays and estuaries of the east-central U.S. from Delaware to
North Carolina. The young inhabit shallow coastal nursery grounds until
late fall and move southward and further offshore in the winter and
return to the nursery ground during the summer months. This movement
between shallow coastal waters and warmer, deeper waters may continue
for a period of up to five years (Knickle 2002b).

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Sandbar sharks are migratory and
coastal-pelagic species. The Project Area is a potential nursery ground
for this species and has HAPC status. Late juvenile and adult sandbar
sharks may also occupy the nearshore coastal waters of the Project Area.

**[Sand Tiger Shark (*Caracharius taurus*): Juvenile and
Adults]{.underline}**

**Primary Source:** Compagno 2002

Sand tiger shark is a tropical to warm-temperate, inshore to offshore,
and littoral to deepwater species. Sand tiger sharks occur in
continental and insular waters from the outer shelves and down the
slopes to seamounts, possibly 5,250 ft deep. Occasional species have
been observed to come into the tide line along beaches or enter mouths
of rivers (Bigelow and Schroeder 1953). They may also be found in
shallow bays and around coral reefs. The general range of sand tiger
shark is from Brazil to Maine in western Atlantic. Sand tiger sharks
have been observed hovering motionless just above the seabed in or near
deep sandy bottom gutters or rocky caves, usually in the vicinity of
inshore rocky reefs and islands.

Although female sand tiger shark may produce up to 17,000 eggs, only two
embryos develop (one in each oviduct). The embryos are hatched within
the mother and retained there until the resultant young are ready for
independent existence. The embryos are oviphagous (egg-eating) and
nourished by feeding on unfertilized eggs. Pregnant females captured
near Woods Hole, Massachusetts contained only eggs, thus making it
likely that juvenile species in southern New England have come from a
more southerly birthplace. Females mature and reproduce at eight years
of age while males mature and reproduce at four to five years of age.

**Project Area:** Based on their range of habitat utilization, juvenile
and adult sand tiger sharks can be expected to occupy the water column
in the oceanic section of the Project Area.

**[Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (*Sphryna lewini*):
Juveniles]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: USDOC (1999b)

The scalloped hammerhead shark is a very common, large, schooling
species, commonly associated with warm waters. This species has been
found in coastal regions, appearing in shallow waters such as estuaries
and inlets. Vertical movement of this species is from the surface down
to a depth of approximately 900 ft. Specifically, early juveniles are
typically associated with shallow coastal waters of the South Atlantic
Bight and late juveniles are typically associated with shallow coastal
waters of the U.S. Atlantic seaboard from the shoreline to the 660 ft
isobath.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat requirements of
juvenile scalloped hammerhead shark, this species may occur in the
nearshore waters of the Project Area.

**[Shortfin Mako Shark (*Isurus oxyrhincus*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Compagno (2002) and USDOC (1999b)

The shortfin mako shark is a common, extremely active, highly migratory,
offshore littoral and epipelagic species found in tropical and warm
temperate seas. Its geographical range in the western Atlantic is from
the Gulf of Maine to southern Brazil and possibly northern Argentina.
Shortfin mako shark have a depth variance from the surface down to at
least 1,640 ft. It occurs well offshore but penetrates the inshore
littoral just off the surf zone in places where the continental shelves
are very narrow. This species prefers clear water to turbid water and
have a temperature range between 17 to 22°C. Juveniles tend to stay near
the surface above 65 ft and in waters 20 to 21°C and avoid the
thermocline and cold deeper waters. Juveniles tend to use the offshore
continental waters as nursery areas. Shortfin mako shark is
ovoviviparous, producing litters of young ranging from four to 25 per
brood and measuring between 60 and 70 cm at birth. Both sexes reach
sexual maturity between ages of four to six years. Birth occurs mostly
in late winter to midsummer. This species is an oceanic species at the
top of the food chain, feeding on fast-moving fishes such as swordfish,
tuna, and other sharks.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on habitat requirements of this
species, they are expected to occur in the offshore portion of the
Project Area.

**[Spiny Dogfish (*Squalus acanthias*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: McMillan and Morse (1999) and Bigelow and
Schroeder (1953)

The spiny dogfish, *Squalus acanthias* is a highly migratory coastal
squaloid shark with a circumboreal distribution. *S. acanthias* has been
recorded as the most abundant shark in the western North Atlantic. The
range of the spiny dogfish extends from Labrador to Florida, but is most
abundant from Nova Scotia to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. Adults
migrate northward in the spring and summer and southward in the fall and
winter. Fish that spend the summer north of Cape Cod move south to Long
Island in the fall and as far south as North Carolina in the winter.
Seasonal inshore-offshore movements and coastal migrations are related
to water temperature. Generally, spiny dogfish spend the summers in
inshore waters and overwinter in deeper offshore waters. They are
usually epibenthic, but occupy pelagic zones as well. They can be found
from nearshore shallows to offshore shelf waters up to depths of 2,950
ft and are tolerant of a wide range of water temperatures (1 to 22°C).
Dogfish prefer oceanic salinities (30 to 34 ppt).

Adult spiny dogfish fertilization occurs internally and is
ovoviviparous. The gestation period averages 18--22 months. Parturition
generally takes place offshore in the winter yielding litters averaging
six to seven pups but have been recorded as high as 15.

In the spring, juveniles and adults occur in deeper, generally warmer
waters on the outer shelf from North Carolina to Georges Bank. In the
fall, they occur in the shallower, moderately warm waters from mid to
north Atlantic. Dogfish are rare transient visitors to estuaries since
they prefer higher salinities.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Given the life history and habitat
preferences, juvenile and adult spiny dogfish may occur within the
Project Area.

**[Tiger Shark (*Galeocerdo cuvieri*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[]{.mark}

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Compagno (1984) and USDOC (1999b)

[]{.mark}

Tiger sharks inhabit warm waters in both deep oceanic and shallow
coastal regions (Castro 1983). Tiger sharks have a tolerance for
different marine habitats, but prefer turbid waters in coastal areas
(Compagno 1984). Tiger sharks commonly are found in river estuaries,
harbors, and other inlets where runoff from the land may attract a high
number of prey items (Knickle 2002c). Shallow areas around large island
chains and oceanic islands including lagoons are also part of tiger
sharks' natural environment. Depth preference of this species is from
the surface to depths of 350 m (Knickle 2002c). This species undergoes
seasonal migrations, moving into temperate waters from the tropics
during the warmer months and returning during the winter months. It is a
very large species, reaching 550 cm TL and 900 kg. Tiger sharks are
ovoviviparous, producing large litters of young ranging from 10 to 80
per brood and measuring between 50 and 85 cm TL at birth. In the
northern hemisphere, mating usually takes place between March and May
and the young are born between April and June of the following year.

[]{.mark}

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on habitat requirements of the tiger
shark, this species may occur in the offshore portion of the Project
Area during migration.

### 4.1.4 Skate Species

**[Clearnose Skate (*Raja eglanteria*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source:]{.underline} Packer *et al.* (2003a)

The clearnose skate is found on soft bottoms along the continental
shelf, but also occurs on rocky or gravelly bottoms. In general,
clearnose skate are inshore along the continental shelf during the
spring and early summer, moving offshore and south during autumn and
early winter as water temperatures cool. In Chesapeake Bay, juvenile and
adult clearnose skate have been found in all seasons but are more
abundant from spring until December. During surveys of the Chesapeake
Bight, clearnose skate was more abundant in shallow water during spring
and summer than during autumn and winter and was more abundant in the
Bight during the summer and autumn than in the winter and spring. In the
1988 to 1999 Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) trawl surveys,
the most common catches of juvenile and adult clearnose skates occurred
in water temperatures between 8 to 24°C near the Bay mouth, but were
present throughout the Bay, rarely in tributaries. Result of the VIMS
surveys also showed a strong correlation with salinity as 85% of the
catch was captured at salinities greater than or equal to 22 ppt. The
depth of capture ranged from 3 to 100 ft, with the most common depths
ranging between 9 and 50 ft.

North of Cape Hatteras, spawning occurs in the spring and summer. Eggs
are deposited in sandy or muddy flats. Young skates may follow large
objects (such as adults). Eggs would likely be present in the lower part
of the Chesapeake where higher salinities occur.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat utilization of this
species, occurrences of juvenile and adult clearnose skates would be
rare throughout the Project Area, although occasional transient
individuals can be expected to occupy the Project Area during the summer
months.

**[Little Skate (*Leucoraja erinacea*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source:]{.underline} Packer *et al.* (2003b)

Little skate are generally found on sandy or gravelly bottoms, but also
occur on mud. The species generally makes no extensive migrations,
though when it occurs in inshore areas they may move between inshore and
offshore areas with seasonal temperature changes. This species is known
to remain buried in depressions during the day and are more active at
night. Overall depth preference of this species is 1 to 450 ft with a
water temperature range between 2 to 15°C. Bottom trawls conducted by
NMFS from the Gulf of Maine to Cape Hatteras from 1963-2002 resulted in
juveniles most commonly found between 8 and 16°C and salinities at 32-33
ppt. Results from these trawls indicated that adults were most commonly
found between 4 and 16°C in the spring and 9 and 14°C in the fall, and
salinities at 32-33 ppt. Little skate have been found in the lower part
of Chesapeake Bay, particularly around the bay mouth in higher salinity
waters. This species has been observed to leave some estuaries for
deeper water during warmer months.

Eggs are generally deposited in sandy bottoms, usually at depths less
than 330 ft. Pregnant little skate occur year-round, but spawning peaks
may occur in October and May. Eggs would likely be present in the lower
part of the Chesapeake where higher salinities occur.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat utilization of this
species, juvenile and adult little skates would be rare throughout the
Project Area, although an occasional passing individual could occur
within the Project Area during the spring and fall months.

**[Rosette Skate (*Leucoraja garmani virginica*):
Juveniles]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Packer *et al.* (2003c)

Rosette skate is typically found on soft bottoms, including sand to mud
bottoms, mud with echinoid and ophiuroid fragments, and shell and
pterpod ooze. It occurs in depths from 100 to 1,740 ft, but is most
common between 240 and 900 ft. In the Chesapeake Bight, rosette skate
are typically found in depths between 100 and 640 ft, generally at depth
greater than 240 ft and appears to have a shoreward movement during the
summer. In the Chesapeake Bight, rosette skate has a temperature range
between 6 to 17°C, with a preference between 9 to 13°C, and a salinity
range between 31 to 36 ppt, with a preference between 35 to 36 ppt.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat utilization of this
species, juveniles would occur within the deep waters of the offshore
Project Area.

**[Winter Skate (*Leucoraja ocellata*): Juveniles and
Adults]{.underline}**

[Primary Source:]{.underline} Packer *et al.* (2003d)

Similar to the little skate, winter skate are generally found on sandy
or gravelly bottoms, but also occur in mud. This species remains buried
in depressions during the day and are most active at night. Juvenile and
adults winter skates have been caught at depths ranging from shoreline
to 1,215 ft, although most abundant at less than 365 ft. This species
has been captured over a water temperature range of -1.2 to 19°C. During
the winter months, captures off the coast of the mid-Atlantic typically
occur when water temperatures range from 10 to 12°C. Winter skate are
found in saline waters, with adults in water with salinities greater
than 30 ppt and juveniles found in slightly less saline waters,
generally around 25 to 30 ppt. Winter skate have been reported from the
Chesapeake from December to April in lower parts of the Bay with higher
salinities.

Females with developed egg cases are found in summer and fall, though
reproduction may possibly occur throughout the year. Eggs are deposited
in sandy or muddy flats.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on the habitat utilization of this
species, juvenile and adult little skates would be rare throughout the
Project Area, although an occasional passing individual could occur
within the Project Area during the winter months.

## 4.2 Non EFH-Designated Fish and crustaceans

This section provides information on life history and habitat
requirements for important recreational and commercial, non
EFH-designated species that may occur within the proposed Project
Terminal Site since this area is most likely to be directly impacted by
the proposed construction and the additional areas (*i.e.,* the vessel
transit routes beginning at the demarcation of U.S. Territorial Waters
and continuing inland to Chesapeake Bay), are not likely to be
significantly affected by the increase in ship traffic as the majority
of routes that will be traveled are over deep water. For this reason,
the focus of further non EFH-designated-species discussion will be
placed on non EFH-designated species that are most likely to occur
within the Terminal Site of the propose Project Area and not along
prospective vessel transit routes.

Unlike the EFH-designated species, no life stages of importance have
been designated for the non EFH-designated species, and therefore each
species assessment addresses all life stages of that particular species.
Conclusions regarding the likelihood of occurrence of each species and
life history stage in the Project Area are presented at the end of each
species assessment. These species includes striped bass (*Morone
saxatilis*), blue crab (*Callinectes sapidus*), horseshoe crab (*Limulus
polyphemus*), Atlantic croaker (*Micropogonias undulates*), spot
(*Leiostomus xanthurus*), alewife (*Alosa pseudoharengus*), blueback
herring (*Alosa aestivalis*), American eel (*Anguilla rostrata*), yellow
perch (*Perca flavescens*), and white perch (*Morone americana*).
Similar to the treatment of EFH-designated species in Section 4.1,
primary reference sources are cited once, at the beginning of each
summary. Available information on feeding habits of EFH-designated
species and on benthic resources in the Project Terminal Area is
presented in the Section 4.4 of this EFH assessment report.

During the fish sampling survey conducted by AES in June and October of
2006, a total of 13 species were captured in the proposed Project
Terminal Area, with white perch being the most dominant in both
abundance and biomass. Table 2 provides the results of that survey.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc153126300 .anchor}Table 3. Trawl Catch Abundance,
June and October 2006 Sampling.

[]{.mark}

  --------------- ----------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------
  **Common Name** **Scientific      **Total      **Percent   **Total      **Percent
                  Name**            (number)**   of Total**  (grams)**    of Total**

  ***June***                                                               

  White perch     *Morone           390          84          15,563       88
                  americana*                                              

  Atlantic        *Micropogonias    42           9           976          6
  croaker         undulatus*                                              

  Spot            *Leiostomus       19           4           368          2
                  xanthurus*                                              

  Striped bass    *Morone           6            1           162          1
                  saxatilis*                                              

  Atlantic        *Brevoortia       3            \< 1        105          1
  menhaden        tyrannus*                                               

  Blue crab       *Callinectes      2            \< 1        450          2
                  sapidus*                                                

                  **Total:**        **462**      **100**                  **100**

  ***October***                                                           

  White perch     *Morone           158          44          4,705        32
                  americana*                                              

  Spot            *Leiostomus       114          32          3,921        27
                  xanthurus*                                              

  Bay Anchovy     *Anchoa           32           9           47           \< 1
                  mitchilli*                                              

  Blue crab       *Callinectes      30           8           4,448        30
                  sapidus*                                                

  Weakfish        *Cynoscion        8            2           110          \< 1
                  regalis*                                                

  Summer Flounder *Paralichthys     5            1           1,048        7
                  dentatus*                                               

  Alewife         *Alosa            3            \< 1        61           \< 1
                  pseudoharengus*                                         

  Florida Pompano *Trachinotus      3            \< 1        53           \< 1
                  carolinus*                                              

  Striped Bass    *Morone           3            \< 1        240          2
                  saxatilis*                                              

  Bluefish        *Pomatomus        2            \< 1        82           \< 1
                  saltatrix*                                              

  Gizzard Shad    *Dorosoma         1            \< 1        20           \< 1
                  cepedianum*                                             

                  **Total:**        **359**      **100**     **14,735**   **100**
  --------------- ----------------- ------------ ----------- ------------ -----------

**[Striped Bass (*Morone saxatilis*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Fay et al. (1983)

Striped bass is a "generalist" species in that it can tolerate a variety
of environmental conditions and eat a variety of organisms. The
mid-Atlantic distribution ranges from Cape Hatteras to the St. Lawrence
River, Canada. However, there are distinct populations associated with
the Roanoke River, Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River and the Hudson River.
Striped bass are an anadromous species, spawning once a year in fresh or
nearly fresh water. Spawning for the mid-Atlantic region takes place
primarily in April, May and June. Striped bass eggs tolerate
temperatures of 14 to 23°C, and larvae tolerate temperatures of 10 to
24°C. Larvae generally stay in or near the area spawned. Juvenile
striped bass tolerate temperatures of 10 to 27°C and tend to remain in
the river or estuarine habitat where they were spawned. Adult striped
bass tolerate temperatures of 0 to 30°C. Striped bass are opportunistic
carnivores with a diet that may consist of a mix of fish and various
invertebrates. A study of the mid-Atlantic stocks found that as their
size increases, striped bass diet evolves from invertebrates, to a
mixture of fish and invertebrates, and then to a diet of primarily fish
with various invertebrates also consumed.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Striped bass eggs and larvae are unlikely to
be found in the Project Area since they are spawned in fresh to nearly
fresh water and the larvae stay in the area of spawning. Juvenile
striped bass also tend to remain in the spawning habitat but may use
nearshore areas as a foraging area. Both juvenile and adult stripped
bass are likely to occupy the Project Area since the Chesapeake Bay
serve as an important nursery and forage area.

**[Blue Crab (*Callinectes sapidus*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Hill et al. (1989)

The blue crab is found in coastal waters from Massachusetts to South
America. Its primary habitat is in bays and brackish estuaries.
Substrate preference varies with life stage. Areas with SAV and soft
sediments are important for juvenile crabs, which use the vegetation as
refuge from predation. Adult crabs prefer harder substrates such as
sand, rock, or mud bottoms. Mating takes place primarily in relatively
low salinity waters in upper portions of estuaries and lower portions of
rivers. After mating, females migrate to high salinity waters in lower
estuaries, sounds and nearshore spawning areas. Juveniles then migrate
to shallower, low salinity waters where they grow and mature. Blue crabs
are predators of commercially important clams and oysters, and serve as
food for commercially important species such as striped bass.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Based on their range of habitat utilization
and availability of food sources, all life stages of blue crab are
expected to occur in the Project Area.

**[Atlantic Horseshoe Crab (*Limulus polyphemus*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Atlantic States Marine Fishery Commission
(1998)

The horseshoe crab is a benthic arthropod that utilizes both estuarine
and continental shelf habitats. They are not a true "crab" and are
classified in their own class (Merostomata), which is more closely
related to arachnids. Horseshoe crabs range from the Yucatan peninsula
to northern Maine but are most abundant between Virginia and New Jersey.
The NMFS bottom trawl surveys from 1963-2002 show that 74 percent of the
horseshoe crabs caught were in waters shallower than 66 ft. Horseshoe
crabs are ecological generalists that can survive in a range of
environmental conditions. Studies report that adult horseshoe crabs
migrate from deep bay waters and the Atlantic continental shelf to spawn
on intertidal sandy beaches. Spawning generally occurs from March to
July. Eggs are laid in the sediment and hatch approximately 14 to 30
days after fertilization. Larvae may over-winter in the sediment but
when they emerge they generally settle in shallow water areas to molt.
Juvenile horseshoe crabs usually spend the first two years on intertidal
flats near the breeding beaches. Older individuals move out of
intertidal areas to a few miles offshore, but some remain in intertidal
areas year round.

Larvae feed on a variety of small polychaetes and nematodes. Juvenile
and adults horseshoe crabs feed primarily on mollusks including various
clams and blue mussels, but will prey on a wide variety of benthic
organisms.

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization
and availability of food sources, horseshoe crabs are expected to occur
in the Project Area.

**[Atlantic Croaker (*Micropoqonias undulatus*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Diaz and Onuf (1985)

The Atlantic croaker spawns in the fall in marine waters. Spawning
grounds are not clearly defined and can range from the mouths of
estuaries to continental shelf depth of at least 175 ft. Croaker eggs
are pelagic, and upon hatching, the larvae and postlarvae move into
estuaries. It has been postulated that larvae transport into the
estuarine nursery grounds is from a combination of both passive current
transport and active swimming. Once recruited from nearshore marine
waters in the fall and winter, larvae move up the estuary to areas of
brackish water and transition into juveniles. Juveniles take up
residence in the estuarine nursery area and are common in tidal riverine
habitats. It has been reported that due to the daily fluctuations of
water level increase, juveniles in the Chesapeake Bay avoid shallow
areas and are concentrated in the deep, main channels of the estuaries.

Croaker can tolerate a wide range of temperatures with juveniles caught
in water temperatures ranging from 0 to 36°C. In general, the early life
stages of the croaker are most tolerant to cold, and adults are the
least cold tolerant. This species also has a wide range of salinity
tolerance and has been found in salinities ranging from 0 to 70 ppt,
with a salinity preference of 0.5 to 18 ppt. This species prefers bare,
soft muddy bottoms with areas that are covered with large quantities of
detritus.

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization
and availability of food sources, Atlantic croaker are expected to occur
in the Project Area.

**[Spot (*Micropogonias undulatus*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Phillips et al. (1989)

Most spot spawn offshore over the outer continental shelf, from October
to March. However, some spot have been observed to spawn inshore. Spot
larvae are most dense in mid-water and at the bottom during the day and
appear to migrate to the surface at night. It has been postulated that
postlarvae spot are transported inshore by the water currents and from
the incoming flood tide. In the Chesapeake Bay, young spot remain in the
estuaries until September or October, and then migrate out of the
estuary to the open ocean. The temperature preference of spot ranges
between 8 to 31°C. This species has been found at salinities ranging
from 0 to 60 ppt, with a preference of 16 ppt or greater.

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization
and availability of food sources, larval and juvenile spot are expected
to occur in the Project Area, while eggs and adults would be rare
throughout the Project Area.

**[Alewife and Blueback Herring (*Alosa pseudoharengus* and *A.
aestivalis*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Mullen et al. (1986) and Pardue (1983)

Alewife and blueback herring (river herring) make spawning runs up all
or nearly all streams with access to lakes, ponds, and backwaters. River
herring spawn once a year in spring or early summer in fresh or brackish
water. Alewife select a wide variety of spawning sites, using standing
water and oxbows, as well as mid-river sites, where blueback herring
prefer to spawn in fast currents over hard substrate. Eggs of river
herring are initially demersal and adhesive in still water, but pelagic
in running water. After water-hardening, all eggs become pelagic and
lose their adhesive properties. Juveniles may remain in the lower ends
of the rivers where spawning occurred, with some seasonal (summer and
fall) migration. In most Atlantic coast populations, juvenile river
herring emigrate from freshwater-estuarine areas between June and
November of their first year. River herring larvae in the Chesapeake Bay
apparently remain near or slightly downstream of presumed spawning
areas, with a preferred water temperature range of 10.5 to 26.3°C and
salinity of less than 12 ppt. Water temperature preference of juvenile
river herring ranged between 11.5 to 32°C and a salinity preference of
29 to 32 ppt.

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization,
adult river herrings are expected to migrate through the Project Area
(to their spawning beds) prior to spawning season. Eggs and larvae tend
to remain near the spawning area and therefore would be rare in the
Project Area. Juveniles are expected to occur in the Project Area.

**[American Eel (*Anguilla rostrata*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Facey and Van Den Avyle (1986)

The American eel is catadromous. It spends most of its life in rivers,
freshwater lakes, and estuaries, but returns to the sea to spawn.
Spawning occurs in the Sargasso Sea as early as February and may
continue at least till April. Larval eels are transported from the
spawning grounds to the eastern Atlantic seaboard by the Antilles
Current, Florida Current, and the Gulf Stream. Once there, larval eels
begin migrating upstream. Most larval eels move into coastal areas,
estuaries, and up freshwater rivers in late winter or early spring. Male
juvenile and adult eels tend to be more abundant in estuaries than in
upriver areas. Due to the broad geographic range and diverse habitats,
American eel has a flexible and broad range of temperature and salinity
requirements. Larvae have been found in temperatures as low as --0.8°C
while the preferred water temperature range of juveniles and adults
ranged between 6 to 30°C. Post-larval eels tend to be bottom dwellers
and hide in burrows, tubes, snags, plant masses, other types of shelter,
or the substrate itself. Flow alteration in estuaries can affect
upstream migration of small eels. Similarly, tide and time of day can
also play a role in limiting movement up tidal creeks.

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization,
adult eels are expected to migrate through the Project Area (to their
spawning beds) prior to spawning season. Eggs will not be present in the
Project Area. Larval and juveniles are expected to occur in the Project
Area during their migration upriver.

**[Yellow Perch (*Perca flavescens*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Krieger et al*.* (1983)

This species is predominantly a freshwater species, although it has been
found in brackish water at river mouths (up to 13 ppt) in the Chesapeake
Bay. This species is frequently associated with shoreline (littoral)
areas in lakes and reservoirs where there are moderate amount of
vegetation present. This species require freshwater for spawning and
spawning migrations begin from deep water into tributaries, lake
shallows, or low velocity areas of rivers from April to June when water
temperature reach 7 to 13°C. The preferred water temperature of adults
ranges from 17.6 to 25°C. Habitat requirements of juveniles are similar
to those of adults, with a preferred water temperature range of 20 to
23°C.

[Project Area:]{.underline} Based on their range of habitat utilization,
eggs and larvae will not be present in the Project Area. Juveniles and
adults may be present, but would be very rare throughout the Project
Area.

**[White Perch (*Morone americana*)]{.underline}**

[Primary Source]{.underline}: Stanley and Danie (1983)

White perch are ubiquitous in estuaries and freshwater ecosystems,
preferring substrates with fairly level bottoms composed of compact
silt, mud, clay, or sand. White perch species spawn in estuaries,
rivers, lakes, and marshes, typically in freshwater but may occur in
brackish water at salinities up to 4.2 ppt. Preferred spawning habitats
encompass a range of environmental conditions, including waters that are
tidal and nontidal, clear or turbid, fast or slow. Eggs are demersal and
usually attach singly to detritus, although thin sheets occasionally
occur. The preferred water temperature for white perch eggs ranges
between 15 and 20°C. Newly hatched larvae remain in the general spawning
area during the first couple of weeks. As larvae grow, they
alternatively swim vertically or sink, exhibiting an increase in
demersal preference. Larvae have a similar temperature tolerance as
eggs, with a salinity tolerance of up to 3 to 5 ppt. The inshore zones
of estuaries and creeks are nursery grounds for white perch, where
juveniles have been observed to remain there for up to a year. Juveniles
also exhibit a preference for demersal habitat, and occasionally migrate
to offshore waters during the day, but return to the protected beach and
shoal areas at night and during rough waters. Adults show similar
seasonal movements, catalyzed by temperature. The preferred water
temperature of juveniles and adults ranges from 2.0 to 32.5°C, with a
salinity tolerance ranging from fresh to sea water.

[Project Area]{.underline}: Eggs and larvae would be rare throughout the
Project Area. However, juveniles and adults would be common year-round
through the Project Area. During the June 2006 fish survey, white perch
were by far the most common species caught in terms of individuals and
biomass, accounting for nearly 90% of biomass collected.

## 4.3 Prey Species

Principal prey items for EFH-designated species, identified as probable
occupants of the proposed Project Area, are listed in Table 4. Adults
and juveniles with different diets are listed separately.

[]{.mark}

Of the 27 EFH-designated bony-fish species identified (including the
snapper-grouper complex), 13 exhibit both pelagic and benthic feeding
preferences during there juvenile and adult stages, 10 exhibit
preferences for pelagic prey species, and four prefer feeding on
benthos. Of the 13 EFH-designated shark/skate species identified, five
exhibit both pelagic and benthic feeding preferences during there
juvenile and adult stages, four exhibit preferences for pelagic prey
species, and four prefer a benthic feeding strategy.

[]{.mark}

The non EFH-designated fish and shellfish assessed in this report (those
that are most likely to occur in the Project Terminal Site Area) all
feed on benthic and infaunal organisms. Juvenile striped bass, as noted
above, have diets that include various benthic and infaunal organisms,
but adults of these species primarily feed on fish. Blue crabs forage on
the benthos and have diets that consist mainly of benthic invertebrates.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc153126301 .anchor}Table 4. Prey Species for
EFH-Designated Fish Species and Life History Stages Likely To Occupy the
Project Area.

  ------------------- ------------ -------------------------------------------------
  **Species**         **Zone\***   **Principal Prey**

  **FISH**            ** **        ** **

  Albacore tuna       BP           Fish, crustaceans, and squid

  Atlantic butterfish P            Adults feed mainly on jellyfish; juveniles feed
                                   primarily on plankton

  Atlantic mackerel   BP           Zooplankton, small fish, benthic and planktonic
                                   crustaceans, and mollusks

  Atlantic sea        BP           Juveniles eat small planktonic copepods; adults
  herring                          consume planktonic and benthic crustaceans, some
                                   fish, and planktonic invertebrates

  Black sea bass      BP           Finfish and benthic crustaceans

  Bluefin tuna        P            Small schooling fishes and benthic crustaceans;
                                   juveniles also eat octopi

  Bluefish            BP           Fish, benthic and planktonic crustaceans, and
                                   cephalopods

  Cero                P            Both juveniles and adults eat fish; adults also
                                   eat cephalopods and shrimp

  Cobia               BP           Both juveniles and adults eat fish; while adults
                                   also eat crabs and squid

  Dolphinfish         BP           Fish, cephalopods, zooplankton, crustaceans, and
                                   squid

  King mackerel       P            Fish, penaeid shrimp, and squid

  Little tunny        BP           Crustaceans, fish, squids, heteropods and
                                   tunicates; while juveniles mostly eat fish, and
                                   planktonic and benthic crustaceans

  Monkfish            P            Fish

  Red drum            BP           Fish, benthic crustaceans, shrimp, and mollusks

  Red hake            BP           Shrimp, amphipods and other crustaceans, squid,
                                   herring, flatfish, mackerel, etc.

  Scup                BP           Amphipods, worms, sand dollars, and squid

  Skipjack            P            Benthic and planktonic crustaceans, fish,
                                   cephalopods, and mollusks

  Snapper-grouper     P            Fish and large invertebrates
  complex (73                      
  species)                         

  Spanish mackerel    P            Small fish (clupeoids and anchovies),
                                   crustaceans, penaeoid shrimp, and cephalopods

  Summer flounder     BP           Benthic and planktonic crustaceans, bivalves,
                                   mollusks, marine worms, and finfish

  Swordfish           P            Fish, crustaceans, and squid

  Whiting             BP           Both juveniles and adults eat fish and squid;
                                   juveniles also eat shrimp and euphausiids

  Windowpane          B            Fish, small crustaceans, zooplankton, and
                                   zoobenthos

  Winter flounder     B            Shrimp, amphipods, crabs, sea urchins, and snails

  Witch flounder      B            Both juveniles and adults eat bivalves and
                                   planktonic crustaceans; while adults also consume
                                   benthic crustaceans, polychaetes, and brittle
                                   stars

  Yellowfin tuna      P            Fish, crabs and shrimp, squid, mollusks, and
                                   planktonic crustaceans

  Yellowtail flounder B            Polychaete worms and amphipods, echinoderms,
                                   shrimp, isopods and other crustaceans and
                                   occasionally fish

  **SHARKS/SKATES**                 

  Atlantic sharpnose  BP           Fish, shrimp, crabs, worms, and mollusks
  shark                            segmented worms and mollusks

  Blue shark          BP           Fish, sharks, squid, pelagic red crabs, shrimp,
                                   cetacean carrion, sea birds, and garbage

  Clearnose skate     B            Decapod crustaceans, bivalves, polychaetes, squid
                                   and fish

  Dusky shark         BP           Fish, sharks, skates, rays, cephalopods,
                                   gastropods, crustaceans, carrion, and inorganic
                                   objects; NOTE: is it spelled Carcharinus

  Little skate        B            Primarily scallops

  Rosette skate       B            Decapod crustaceans, amphipods, polychaetes,
                                   squid, and fish

  Sand tiger shark    BP           Fish, sharks, rays, squid, crabs, and lobsters

  Sandbar shark       P            Fish, sharks, cephalopods, shrimp, rays, and
                                   gastropods

  Scalloped           P            Fish, cephalopods, lobsters, shrimp, crabs,
  hammerhead shark                 sharks, and rays

  Shortfin mako shark P            Fish, sharks, cephalopods, billfish, and
                                   cetaceans

  Spiny dogfish       BP           Fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and other
                                   invertebrates; NOTE they call it piked dogfish

  Tiger shark         P            Sharks, rays, fish, marine mammals, tortoises,
                                   seabirds, sea snakes, squid, gastropods,
                                   crustaceans, detritus porpoises, whales, sea
                                   turtles, cephalopods, domestic animals and humans

  Winter skate        B            Fish, crabs, shrimp, bivalves, and marine worms
  ------------------- ------------ -------------------------------------------------

\*B=Benthic, BP=Benthic & Pelagic, P=Pelagic

Source: Froese and Pauly (2006).

# 5.0 impacts

This section identifies the potential direct, indirect and cumulative
impacts of the proposed Project on the relevant life history stages of
EFH-designated species, their habitats, and their prey species. It also
addresses potential impacts to non EFH-designated species that have
important commercial and/or recreational value (as explained previously,
this discussion is limited to species that may occur within the Project
Terminal Site Area) and endangered and/or rare species, their habitat,
and their potential prey species that may occur in the Project Area.
Significant impacts are not anticipated for the majority of species and
life history stages. Table 5 identifies potential direct and indirect
impacts for each EFH-designated species. Table 6 identifies potential
direct and indirect impacts for each non EFH-designated species with
important commercial and/or recreational value in the Project Terminal
Area.

In regard to the Terminal Site, there will be temporary impacts to the
habitat and associated prey species for the duration of the Project.
However, since the Project Terminal Site Area is a small portion of this
type of habitat in the region, the overall impact on the affected
species will be minimal. In regard to prospective vessel transit routes,
no direct or indirect impacts to habitat are expected (although some
mortality to individuals may occur) given the overall depth of the water
that will most likely be traversed by LNG carriers, provided they adhere
to United States Coast Guard navigation rules and obey the Traffic
Separation Scheme that has been implemented for Chesapeake Bay (Pearson
et al. 1989).

## Habitat Impacts

As discussed previously, no HAPC's are known to occur within the
proposed Project Terminal Area but several may occur along potential
vessel transit routes (although these routes have not been determined as
of yet and will most likely depend on fluctuating factors such as
weather and market trends). All but one of these areas can be found on
the south Atlantic coasts of North and South Carolina; specifically
within the areas of The Point, 10 Fathom Ledge, Big Rock, Georgetown
Hole, the Charleston Bump Complex, and in areas adjacent to the Outer
Banks, Cape Hatteras, and the Ocracoke Islands (NMFS 2006b; SAMFC 1998).
The remaining HAPC has been identified in the lower region of Chesapeake
Bay and is thought to be used as nursery and pupping grounds by sandbar
sharks (NMFS 2006b). No direct or indirect impacts to habitat are
expected given the overall depth of the water that will most likely be
traversed by LNG carriers and that no ballast will be released or drawn
while in transit. Furthermore, a survey for SAV resulted in no locations
where SAV was present in the Project Terminal Area, or in potential
locations within approximately two miles of the Project Area. The
results of this survey are supported by additional surveys that have
been completed recently (Orth et al. 2005).

The proposed Project also involves the extraction of sediment from an
area that has been dredged in the past; no new areas will be dredged.
Existing habitat in this area is likely already impaired due to the
presence of contaminants and relatively low dissolved oxygen levels in
the water column. Material will be removed from the Project Area using a
mechanical clamshell dredge, unless sediment testing and/or permitting
indicates that a different extraction method---such as the use of an
environmental bucket---is warranted. Material will be placed onto barges
and transferred to an upland location for processing. The final dredged
material disposal site will be an appropriate upland location, so no
fish species or habitat impacts are anticipated as a result of disposal
activities.

[]{.mark}

Dredging production is expected to be up to 12,000 cubic yards per day
and last approximately 24 months. It is anticipated that ten (10) to
fourteen (14) 1,500 to 3,500-cubic yard work scows will be assigned to
the project for dredged material transport. All scows and containers
will be of solid hull construction and will be completely sealed and
watertight in order to avoid any release of dredge material.

[]{.mark}

Note that the area to be used for LNG vessel approach and maneuvering
has been dredged in the past and maintains a permit issued by the USACE
and Water Quality Certification from the State of Maryland to perform
dredging using hydraulic or mechanical techniques. Dredging is allowed
under existing permit for maintenance and waterfront operations to a
depth of less than 39 ft across approximately the same area as would be
developed for the Sparrows Point LNG terminal project.

[]{.mark}

### 5.1.1 Hydrodynamic Changes

Changes to the circulation of the Patapsco River are not anticipated as
a result of this project. Changes to the bottom topography are
anticipated in the areas to be dredged, but are insignificant relative
to the remaining portions of the estuary which would be untouched.

[]{.mark}

### 5.1.2 Water Quality

[]{.mark}

Water quality data recorded by AES in 2006 are similar to data collected
during previous studies of the relatively well-studied harbor (e.g.,
Dail et al. 1998; Hall et al. 2002; MDDNR 2005). Previous records
suggest that the quality of water found within and around the proposed
Project Area is severely degraded and it is unlikely that the proposed
construction will cause any additional long term impacts, although short
term impacts such as elevations in turbulence, turbidity, nutrients, and
wave action are likely to occur in the water column as a result of
dredging and vessel transit. Physical bottom disturbances attributed to
dredge operation or propeller turbulence may decrease oxygen
availability and increase internal nutrient loading and phytoplankton
productivity, ultimately impacting water quality (Riemann and Hoffmann
1991). Additionally, any contaminants residing in the sediment may be
disrupted during the course of these events and become resuspended and
contribute further to a decrease in overall water quality (Savino et al.
1994). Federal and state permitting will likely include conditions
intended to address these issues, and therefore no significant water
quality impacts are anticipated as a result of the proposed Project.

[]{.mark}

## 5.2 Direct Impacts

There are potential direct impacts that could affect EFH-designated
species, non EFH-designated commercially and/or recreational important
fish and shellfish species that are in the Project Area. For those
species expected to occur along the proposed vessel transit route,
mortality associated with ship movements and operations (such as
propeller wash) may be expected for coastal pelagic and highly migratory
species whose egg and larval stages are planktonic (Holland 1986;
Nielsen et al. 1986; Pearson et al. 1989); although little or no direct
impact is expected for the juvenile and adult stages of these species
given their mobility. Additionally, no direct or indirect impacts to
benthic habitat or bottom-dwelling finfish are expected as the potential
LNG carrier routes will likely traverse very deep waters. The potential
direct impact of the dredging operation to invertebrates and fishes near
or associated with the benthic environment is mortality resulting from
capture or displacement by the dredging apparatus. However, rates of
capture or displacement of EFH-designated fish are likely to be quite
limited, and overall species impact should be minimal (Table 5; Newell
et al. 1998).

Dredging in the Project Terminal Site Area would also cause the
mortality of any juvenile EFH-designated bottom fish and shellfish that
are removed from the bottom along with sediment. This type of direct
impact is expected to be primarily limited to small, juvenile windowpane
and summer flounder. The overall mortalities of an individual finfish
species would likely be quite limited, since these fish species are
likely rare, transient visitors to the Terminal Site and most fish are
capable of avoiding the dredge as it approaches (Table 5). Additionally,
these two species are more commonly associated with sandy substrate,
whereas the majority of the substrate that would be dredged is made
mostly of silty material (Nielsen et al. 1986; Newell et al. 1998).

[]{.mark}

None of the other EFH-designated fish species or life history stages
that are likely to occupy the Project Terminal Site Area are at risk
because they are either pelagic species or adult demersal species (of
which, only juveniles are at risk).

Non EFH-designated species such as striped bass have important
recreational and commercial value in this region. Adult striped bass are
unlikely to be directly affected by the dredging, as they would likely
avoid the disturbance (Table 6; Peddicord and McFarland 1978). Juvenile
striped bass likely forage in this area and may also be displaced by the
dredge if they are in the immediate area of the dredging. Similarly,
juvenile spot, adult or juvenile white perch, adult or juvenile yellow
perch, or Atlantic croaker could be displaced by the dredge if they are
in the immediate area during dredge operations. The Project Terminal
Site Area is, however, a very small portion of the habitat used as a
nursery and foraging area for these species, so the overall impacts on
these populations as a result of the dredging will be minimal (Table 6).
American eel, alewives, and blueback herring are predominantly found in
the Project Area only as transitory species, and therefore are not
likely to be significantly impacted by dredging operations.

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc153126302 .anchor}Table 5. Potential Impacts for
EFH-Designated Species and Life History Stages in the Proposed Project
Area.

+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| **Species**  | **St  | **Potential Impacts**                         |
|              | age** |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| **Fish**     |       | **TS = Terminal Site / VR = Vessel Transit    |
|              |       | Route**                                       |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Albacore     | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| tuna         | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Atlantic     | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
| butterfish   |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Atlantic     | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| mackerel     | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Atlantic sea | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| herring      | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Black sea    | L     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| bass         | arvae | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Bluefin tuna | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Bluefish     | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No impact; eggs are not found in      |
|              |       | estuarine waters.                             |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact; larvae are     |
|              |       | rare in estuarine waters.                     |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Temporary displacement of fish and    |
|              |       | their prey (forage fish). No significant      |
|              |       | impact.                                       |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Cero         | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Cobia        | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Transient, rare pelagic species. No   |
|              |       | significant impact.                           |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Dolphinfish  | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| King         | Eggs  | **VR:** Surface distribution -- likely to be  |
| mackerel     |       | impacted by vessel traffic.                   |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Surface distribution -- likely to be  |
|              | arvae | impacted by vessel traffic.                   |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Transient, rare pelagic species. No   |
|              |       | significant impact.                           |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Little tunny | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Monkfish     | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Red drum     | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** May be impacted by vessel traffic     |
|              | arvae | around coastal inlets.                        |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** May be impacted by vessel traffic     |
|              | niles | around coastal inlets.                        |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area     |
|              |       | because of low salinities.                    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Red hake     | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              |       | passage to/from the north.                    |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | arvae | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Scup         | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Skipjack     | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| tuna         | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Sna          | Eggs  | **VR:** HAPC; Demersal -- no impact likely    |
| pper-grouper |       | from vessel traffic.                          |
| complex      |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** HAPC; Pelagic -- may be impacted by   |
|              | arvae | vessel passage.                               |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** HAPC; no significant impact likely    |
|              | niles | due to habitat depth.                         |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** HAPC; no significant impact likely    |
|              | dults | due to habitat depth.                         |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Spanish      | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
| mackerel     |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Transient, rare pelagic species. No   |
|              |       | significant impact.                           |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Summer       | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
| flounder     |       | passage during Dec-Jan.                       |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Loss of benthic infaunal prey         |
|              |       | organisms would have minimal impact because   |
|              |       | fish also feed on pelagic prey organisms.     |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Loss of benthic infaunal prey         |
|              |       | organisms would have minimal impact because   |
|              |       | fish also feed on pelagic prey organisms and  |
|              |       | larger, more mobile benthic epifauna (e.g.,   |
|              |       | crabs).                                       |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Swordfish    | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Whiting      | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Windowpane   | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              |       | passage during May-Aug.                       |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Smaller YOY juveniles vulnerable to   |
|              |       | mortality/displacement from dredge. No        |
|              |       | significant impact from loss of benthic       |
|              |       | infaunal species because primary prey are     |
|              |       | more mobile epifaunal species.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact from loss of    |
|              |       | benthic infaunal species because primary prey |
|              |       | are more mobile epifaunal species.            |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Winter       | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| flounder     | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact from loss of    |
|              |       | benthic infaunal species because primary prey |
|              |       | are more mobile epifaunal species.            |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact from loss of    |
|              |       | benthic infaunal species because primary prey |
|              |       | are more mobile epifaunal species.            |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Witch        | Eggs  | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
| flounder     |       | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
|              | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Yellowfin    | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| tuna         | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Yellowtail   | L     | **VR:** Pelagic -- may be impacted by vessel  |
| flounder     | arvae | passage.                                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| **SHA        |       |                                               |
| RKS/SKATES** |       |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Atlantic     | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| sharpnose    | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
| shark        |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Blue shark   | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Clearnose    | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| skate        | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Dusky shark  | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Little skate | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Rosette      | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| skate        | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Sand tiger   | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| shark        | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Sandbar      | Juve  | **VR:** HAPC; Pelagic -- may be impacted by   |
| shark        | niles | vessel passage.                               |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** HAPC; Pelagic -- may be impacted by   |
|              | dults | vessel passage.                               |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Scalloped    | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| hammerhead   | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
| shark        |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Shortfin     | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| mako shark   | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Spiny        | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
| dogfish      | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Tiger shark  | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** Unlikely to occur in Project Area.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Winter skate | Juve  | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | niles | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | **VR:** No significant impact from vessel     |
|              | dults | traffic likely to occur.                      |
|              |       |                                               |
|              |       | **TS:** No significant impact.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc153126303 .anchor}Table 6. Potential Impacts for
Non-EFH Designated Species with Commercial and/or Recreational Value in
the Proposed Project Terminal Area.

+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| **Species**  | ####  | #### Potential Impacts                        |
|              | Stage |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Striped Bass | Eggs  | No significant impact.                        |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | No significant impact.                        |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | Smaller juveniles vulnerable to displacement  |
|              | niles | from dredge. Loss of benthic prey species.    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | Loss of benthic prey would have minimal       |
|              | dults | impact; fish also feed on pelagic prey        |
|              |       | organisms and larger, mobile benthic          |
|              |       | epifauna.                                     |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Blue Crab    | Eggs  | Eggs attached to females would be lost if     |
|              |       | crab is removed by dredge.                    |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | No significant impacts.                       |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | Juveniles are susceptible to mortality from   |
|              | niles | dredge.                                       |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | Loss of infaunal prey species. Dredge could   |
|              | dults | cause mortality but crabs are likely to avoid |
|              |       | it.                                           |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Atlantic     | Eggs  | No significant impact.                        |
| croaker      |       |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | No significant impact.                        |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | Vulnerable to displacement from dredge        |
|              | niles | activities.                                   |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | Displacement from dredge activities.          |
|              | dults |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Spot         | Eggs  | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | No significant impact.                        |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | Vulnerable to displacement from dredge        |
|              | niles | activities.                                   |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
|              | dults |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Atlantic     | Eggs  | No significant impact.                        |
| Horseshoe    |       |                                               |
| Crab         |       |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | No significant impact.                        |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | Older Juveniles could be removed by dredge.   |
|              | niles | Loss of infaunal prey species.                |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | Dredge could cause mortality. Loss of         |
|              | dults | infaunal prey species.                        |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Alew         | Eggs  | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
| ife/Blueback |       |                                               |
| herring      |       |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | No significant impact, as transitory in       |
|              | niles | Project Area.                                 |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | No significant impact, as transitory in       |
|              | dults | Project Area.                                 |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| American Eel | Eggs  | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | No significant impact, as transitory in       |
|              | niles | Project Area.                                 |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | No significant impact, as transitory in       |
|              | dults | Project Area.                                 |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| Yellow Perch | Eggs  | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | No significant impact, as only rarely occurs  |
|              | niles | in Project Area.                              |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | No significant impact, as only rarely occurs  |
|              | dults | in Project Area.                              |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
| White Perch  | Eggs  | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | L     | Unlikely to occur in Project Area.            |
|              | arvae |                                               |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | Juve  | Vulnerable to displacement by dredging        |
|              | niles | activities.                                   |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+
|              | A     | Vulnerable to displacement by dredging        |
|              | dults | activities.                                   |
+--------------+-------+-----------------------------------------------+

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

[]{.mark}

The blue crab is a non EFH-designated but commercially important
crustacean species found in the Project Area. Both blue crab juveniles
and adults forage along the bottom, so some degree of mortality within
these two life stages is expected to occur as a result of dredging. An
investigation for the NY & NJ Harbor Navigation Study (USACE 1999)
suggested that blue crabs prefer shoals and shallower areas and may not
be that common in the deeper channel of the Project Area. Adult blue
crabs are extremely mobile and are likely able to avoid a slow moving
dredge. Juvenile blue crabs are more likely to be removed by the dredge.
The overall direct impact to the blue crab population as a result of the
proposed dredging is expected to be small (Table 6). Following similar
reasoning, the overall direct impact to horseshoe crabs is also
anticipated to be insignificant.

Significant increases in sedimentation and turbidity could potentially
lead to gill abrasion and cause suffocation to fish species in the
Project Area as well as hinder predation efficiency by visually limiting
feeding fish at or adjacent to the Project Area.

[]{.mark}

## 5.3 Indirect Impacts

No significant indirect impacts would likely result from the increase in
vessel traffic along the potential transit routes. The most significant
impact of dredging on EFH in the Patapsco River would be the indirect
effects caused by the removal of benthic infaunal prey organisms, and
some epifaunal prey organisms, for bottom-feeding EFH-designated species
and non EFH-designated species that have important commercial and or
recreational value. Any benthic organism that lives within the sediment
(infauna) and the smaller, less motile organisms that live on top of the
bottom substrate (epifauna) and are not capable of avoiding the dredge,
would be pumped aboard the dredge vessel with the sand.

[]{.mark}

The negative effects of prey removal are temporary, lasting only as long
as it takes for benthic invertebrates to re-colonize the bottom. Larvae
of re-colonizing invertebrate species would be readily available from
adult populations that inhabit the areas on either side of the channel.
Therefore, while there would be an immediate loss of some prey resources
to some bottom feeding EFH-designated species and some non
EFH-designated species with commercial and/or recreational value, the
overall indirect impact of the dredging on the prey organisms of these
species will be small as re-colonization would take place shortly after,
perhaps within months as reported in other studies of dredged areas
(Reish 1979 and Pagliai et al. 1985)

[]{.mark}

The temporary loss of benthic prey resources caused by dredging would
not have any serious adverse effects on EFH for any species that feeds
primarily on more motile epifaunal organisms or fish, since these
organisms would re-occupy the dredged area almost immediately after
material was removed. For this reason, most of the EFH species and non
EFH-designated but commercially and/or recreationally important species
in the Project Area would probably continue to feed there even after the
dredge passed through (Tables 4 and 5).

[]{.mark}

Any bottom-feeding finfish that had trouble finding sufficient prey in
the Channel following dredging would simply re-locate to the adjacent
shoal water areas or to an unaffected portion of the Channel to feed.
Any pelagic piscivorous (fish-feeding) species might leave the immediate
area where the dredge was operating because of the noise it produces,
but would resume feeding as soon as the dredge leaves and forage fish
re-occupy the area.

[]{.mark}

## 5.4 Cumulative and Synergistic Impacts

A cumulative impact is defined in 40 C.F.R. § 1508.7 as:

> The impact on the environment which results from incremental impact of
> the action when added to other past, present, and reasonably
> foreseeable future actions regardless of what agency (Federal or
> non-federal) or person undertakes such actions. Cumulative impacts can
> result from individually minor but collectively significant actions
> taking place over a period of time.

[]{.mark}

A possible cumulative and/or synergistic impact associated with the
proposed increase in vessel traffic (and associated transit routes)
could result inasmuch that an overall increase in ocean/bay/harbor
traffic may increase the mortality rate of planktonic eggs and larvae
(Holland 1986; Nielsen et al. 1986; Pearson et al. 1989). It is not yet
(and may never be) known if the relationship between traffic and
mortality would be linear or exponential with the latter of which being
the least desirable. With respect to the Terminal Site construction
component, a cumulative and/or synergistic impact could result if
effects arising from dredging are combined with impacts of other nearby
dredging projects, if any, to cause a greater impact than the additive
effect of each individual impact. If a dredging event occurs adjacent to
the Project site, the re-colonization rate of the newly dredged site
might be slower due to the disturbed state of the Project site. Also,
dredging near the Project site may diminish the rate at which
re-colonization of the Project site occurs. However, other dredging
projects in the Project vicinity are periodic and would likely enable
re-colonization to occur. Synergistic effects associated with water
quality changes due to resuspension of sediment are not expected to
occur. Resuspended sediment is expected to rapidly settle, and currents
in this area would rapidly disperse suspended sediments that remain in
the water column. Therefore, the cumulative and synergistic impacts
associated with this project are expected to be minimal.

[]{.mark}

# 6.0 Conclusion

This assessment concludes that, overall, potential adverse impacts to
EFH-designated species and EFH in the Project Area will be minimal. Most
EFH-designated species are highly mobile and will not be impacted by
ship movements along potential transit routes. In regard to the dredging
component of the proposed Project, most EFH-designated species feed on
more motile epifaunal organisms or on small forage fish and would not be
seriously affected by temporary construction impacts. For any
bottom-feeding EFH species, the impact of dredging on local forage
habitat area would be temporary, lasting only until the dredged area is
re-colonized by new benthic organisms, a process that is expected to
take less than a year. For these reasons, we conclude that the proposed
increase in vessel traffic and proposed dredging of Baltimore Harbor in
the Project Area will not cause adverse effects to EFH-designated
species and EFH, thereby alleviating the need for mitigation measures.

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