Habitat methods

Shellfish

Each pond was divided into 100 meter square grids.  In randomly selected grids, a 1 meter square quadrat was randomly placed for sampling.  118, 162, and 173 quadrats were sampled in Winnapaug, Quonochontaug and Ninigret, respectively.  The quadrats were excavated to a depth of 12 inches with shovel and quahaug rakes.  The sediment was sifted through a ½ inch mesh basket.  Subtidal stations were excavated by scuba divers using hands and garden rakes.  They sifted the sediment through 1/8 inch mesh onion bags.  Once sifted, the bivalves were identified and enumerated.  The hinge width of the quahaugs and the longest axis of the soft-shelled clams were measured using vernier calipers.  Conductivity, temperature, and depth were recorded at each quadrat prior to excavation using a YSI Model 85 CTD.

Finfish

Fyke and gill nets were deployed for 24 hour sets in July, August, and September, 2000 at two stations in Quonochontaug only (map below). Fish were identified, counted, and measured. These were the same nets and stations used in past surveys.

Winter flounder were targeted in 2002 since, as a resident population, they have the potential to illustrate trends over time with greater accuracy. January through May, 2002, fyke nets were deployed for 48 hour sets at two stations in Quonochontaug and Winnapaug (map below).