The relationship of proposed offshore nuclear power plants to marine fisheries of the South Atlantic Region of the United States

Abstract

Proposed offshore nuclear power plants in the South Atlantic Region of the United States present unique problems to the major fisheries of the area. As presently conceived these installations would be sited in waters that coincide with spawning grounds or lie within migratory pathways between offshore spawning sites and inshore nursery grounds of important commercial and recreational species. Effects of entrainment in intake cooling water or heated effluent could profoundly affect stocks of these fisheries unless several factors are taken into consideration. Influence of unique coastal topography on dispersal and concentration of spawning stocks, eggs and larvae of commercial species as well as food organisms is discussed. Preliminary results of long term studies on continental shelfs of the region and estuarine studies in South Carolina are summarized. Research needs necessitated by siting requirements of offshore nuclear power plants are delineated.