Example 3: Identification of Species and Humans that May Use Habitats

The following table is a summary list of species identified at or near the potential dredged material

management site. It characterizes the species by habitat (e.g., planktonic, benthic) and by function within

the ecosystem. Most of this information will have been assembled during the site designation process.

Tabulations such as these allow the risk assessor to judge the diversity of habitats among the aquatic

community and provide some sense of general diversity and ecological function at the management site.

Note that the species in this table, while they occur at or near the site, will not necessarily be selected as

receptors for further analysis. For example, at most sites it is unlikely that phytoplankton will receive

more than a short-term exposure to the dredged materials (primarily during disposal), because most of the

contaminants potentially associated with dredged materials have a high affinity for sediment particles and

low solubility.

Species List for Management Area and Adjacent Areas

Receptor

Common Name

Functional Group

Phytoplankton

Primary producer

Asterionella

Primary producer

Melosira

Primary producer

Nitzschia

Epibenthic Animals

Homerus americanus

Lobster

Scavenger/predator

Crassostrea virginica

Oyster

filter feeder

Infauna/Benthic Animals

Mya arenaria

Soft shell clam

Filter feeder

Mercenaria mercenaria

Hard shell clam

Filter feeder

Cardium edule

Cockle

Filter feeder

Gammarus duebeni

Amphipod

Deposit feeder

Nereis virens

Sandworm

Scavenger/predator

Fish

Anguilla rostrata

Eel

Predatory fish

Scomber scombrus

Mackerel

Migratory pelagic feeder

Pseudoplueronectes

Winter flounder

Bottom feeding fish

americanus

In addition to these species, there are also humans who use the area around the site, including workers

involved in dredging, transport, or management of the material, fishermen, and boaters. Because there is a

winter flounder fishery near the site, other individuals may be exposed through fish consumption.

Chapter 2 Problem Formulation