November1975 and March 1976

Analyses of benthic communities have been used since 1968 (Pearce et al. 1976a) to indicate impacts from contaminants on the ecosystem of the New York Bight apex. Studies done at Sandy Hook have had four phases: 1) reconnaissance, 2) seasonal sampling (five quarterly cruises between August 1973 and September 1974 ^Pearce et al., 1976b, 1976c, 197 7aJ), 3) intensive grid sampling in areas known to be affected by sewage sludge and dredge spoil disposal (Pearce et al., 1977b), and 4) monitoring of selected stations in the apex.