Analysis of populations of boring and fouling organisms in the vicinity of Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. Annual progress report, September 1, 1977--August 31, 1978

The growth, distribution, and species composition of marine borers (primarily shipworms) and fouling organisms were studied in the vicinity of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station. This report presents data on the relationship between the Generating Station and sedentary marine organisms, especially shipworms. A review and interpretation of the data for the period May 27, 1977--August 31, 1978, in the context of results since 1971 are given. A shipworm outbreak has again occurred in Oyster Creek. The overwhelmingly dominant species is Teredo bartschi, but a few T. navalis, B. gouldi, and T. furcifera were also found. The first sign of an outbreak of T. bartschi came in early spring, 1978, but by August, panels in Oyster Creek were riddled. The 1978 outbreak differs from the one that occurred soon after the Generating Station began operation, in that the earlier outbreak consisted of the endemic species Bankia gouldi and Teredo navalis. Dominant species of fouling organisms change on a monthly basis, but repeat on a seasonal basis. Some fouling organisms such as Limnoria may interfere with shipworm settlement