A Shellfish Study for the Proposed Floating Personal Water Craft Dock System and Fixed Access Dock at

Penny Lane Marina, Margate, NJ.

Survey Conducted For:

Penny Lane Marina Roy Goldberg, Owner 9420 Amherst Avenue

Margate, New Jersey 08402

Survey Conducted By:

Richard Stockton College of New Jersey’s Coastal Research Center

30 Wilson Avenue Port Republic, NJ. 08241

(609) 652-4245 November 18th & 19th, 2010

A Shellfish Study for the Proposed Floating Personal Water Craft Dock System & Fixed Access Dock at Penny Lane Marina

9420 Amherst Avenue, Margate, Cape May County, New Jersey November 18th & 19th, 2010

Introduction The shellfish study was designed and implemented using the Shellfish Survey Guidelines published by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) as authorized by Jeffrey C. Lockwood, 1991 National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat and Protected Resources Division. The proposed development of Penny Lane Marina includes two main floating docks and 51 Jet Ski ports. The dock would extend 250 feet from the existing bulkhead along Amherst Avenue (in the northwest to southeast direction), and is approximately 75 feet wide. The proposed marina is bordered on both sides by existing dock structures. The bay floor slopes from a depth at the bulkhead of -5.0 out to a depth of -30.0 feet NAVD 88. The target species is the Hard Clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) a shellfish of commercial and biological significance. Methods and Materials The study area was selected by analyzing the area of the proposed marina and evenly distributing the entire study area into uniform sub-sections (chart 1). The range of water depths was from -5.0 to -30.0 feet below the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 shown in McLarnon’s USACOE Permit Plan. Using ESRI ArcGIS 9.3.1 a virtual grid was set up in the same approximate position of the proposed dock system with corresponding known locations at each of the intersections of the grid totaling 24 points (charts 1 and 2). These points within the grid served as the locations for both the juvenile and adult clam survey. Twelve locations were used for the juvenile clam survey and twelve for the adult clam survey. The distance between points in both the adult and juvenile clam survey is 25 feet. Using the Leica RTK GPS system 1200, the positions of all the data points for both the juvenile clam study and the adult clam raking study were obtained. To conduct the juvenile clam study the 12 data point locations stored on the GPS system were used as waypoints to locate each sample site (chart 1, table 5). At each location, a single anchor was set to help stabilize the boat. A Wildco Ponar grab sample; with an area of 0.75 sq. ft., was used to acquire the samples. Replicate grabs were often necessary to obtain a full sample size. Once a full sample was obtained, the material was sifted through a 5mm sieve and inspected for juvenile clams. This process was repeated at each individual location. Additional variables such as sediment type, additional bivalve mollusks, as well as aquatic vegetation were also noted at each site. At each location the abundance per square foot (ft2) and size distribution (mean and range) were also reported (tables 1 and 3). To conduct the adult clam rake study, site locations stored on the GPS were again used to navigate to the pre-established locations (chart 1, table 6). At each location two anchors were set, one at the bow and one at the stern. The anchor lines were let out equally and incrementally in 10’ sections. Each 10’ section was raked using a 16” x 3” toothed bull rake at each location until a 30’ transect distance was achieved. Additional variables such as sediment type, other bivalve mollusks, as well as aquatic vegetation were also noted at each site. At each location, the abundance per ft2 and size distribution (mean and range) was also reported (Tables 2 and 4).

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Results – juvenile shellfish survey As reported above the study area was sampled for juvenile shellfish by utilizing a Wildco Ponar Grab Sample with an area of 0.75 sq. ft. Twelve sites were established and sampled representing the area of the proposed marina. Zero juvenile Hard Clam (Mercenaria mercenaria) were found in the study area. A total of 9 sq. ft. was sampled with an overall density of 0 clams/sq. ft. The sedimentology of the area consisted of very fine black sand with silt, black silt with sand, or fine black sand with silt. There were only 2 major species of aquatic vegetation at all of the locations surveyed, Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca) and Agardh’s Red Weed (Agardhiella tenera). A total of, 17 Long-Clawed Hermit Crabs (Pagurus longicarpus), 8 Mud Dog Whelks (Nassarius obsoletus), 2 Juvenile Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus), 2 Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis), and 1 Blood Ark (Anadara ovalis), were found in the process of locating juvenile Hard Clams (tables 1 and 3). Results – adult shellfish survey As reported above the study area was sampled using a 16” x 3” toothed bull rake. A total of 3 Hard Clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) were found in the entire area which consisted of 12 individual sites approximately 25 feet from each other respectively. Each site was raked a distance of 30’. Clams were found in 2 of the 12 sites. A total of 479.88 square feet was raked with an overall density of 0.0062 clams/sq. ft. The mean size of the clams collected was 7.73cm with an overall range from 5.6 to 10.0 cm. The sediments in the area consisted of very fine black sand with silt, or black silt with sand. There was only 1 major species of aquatic vegetation at all of the locations surveyed, Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca). One Common Spider Crab (Libinia emarginata) was found in the process of locating adult Hard Clams (tables 2 and 4). Conclusion The study area at 9420 Amherst Avenue, Margate, Atlantic County, NJ is the location of the proposed development of Penny Lane Marina. The area was surveyed by utilizing ArcGIS software, GPS equipment, grab sampling techniques, and a clam rake to help isolate the Hard Clam (Mercenaria mercenria). According to The NJAC’s Coastal Zone Management Rules “a shellfish habitat area is defined as an area which… has a current shellfish density equal to or greater than 0.20 shellfish per square foot”. Both the juvenile and the adult clam study had densities below the cited threshold. The juvenile clams (those surveyed with the 5mm sieve screen) produced a value averaged across the total surface area sampled by the ponar grab samples (9.0 ft2) at 0 clams per square foot. The adults recovered in the clam rake that covered 479.88 square feet yielded 0.0062 clams per square foot. These numbers indicate that the clam density within the area delineated for the installation of a personal water craft dock system and fixed access dock at Penny Lane Marina does not substantiate a viable Hard Clam habitat.

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Water Quality Characteristics for Penny Lane, Margate, NJ.

Site of the Proposed Marina Development

Temperature, Salinity, Dissolved Oxygen, Depth, pH, Specific Conductivity, and Turbidity Data for

(Mercenaria mercenaria), Hard Clam Populations

Introduction: The Richard Stockton Coastal Research Center (CRC) completed a juvenile and adult hard clam study for the proposed development of Penny Lane Marina, Margate, NJ in November 2010. Twenty four sites were raked and grab samples were taken for juvenile and adult hard clams. In this study, no juvenile clams were observed and just 3 adult clams were obtained within 480 square feet of space raked in the project area. A water quality assessment was also included in the proposal based on the follow variables: temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, depth, pH, specific conductivity, and turbidity for the water just above the sediment surface. Water Quality at the Site: The CRC complied the data on November 18th & 19th 2010 with a study of the water quality parameters for the 24 sites subjected to clam raking or grab sampling using a YSI water quality probe to obtain the results listed in table 7, below. The table lists the site location using the same designations used in the clam study. The dissolved oxygen values are shown as both a percentage of the maximum level in seawater and as milligrams per liter of water. The depth of measurement at the mid-tidal elevation stage the work was done is also listed. The specific conductivity is given as well although the salinity is the most common expression of the salt content of the water. Conclusions: The temperature is normal for the time of year within the bay environment of Atlantic County. The salinity is also within normal ranges for mid-tide conditions behind the barrier island, however, the average value failed to fall within the optimal range for the Hard Clam of 26.5 to 27.5 ppt. The dissolved oxygen levels are excellent with average values of 8.74 mg/L, and 95.6% respectively. The pH value of 7.94 is within the normal range for all stages of Hard Clam development. None of the remaining water quality parameters including depth, specific conductivity, and turbidity, would dictate that Mercenaria mercenaria could not live in the waters of the proposed development of Penny Lane Marina (see appendix at end).

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Transect Juvenile Clams (live) (mm) Other Shellfish Observations Hard Clam Density Mean Range

J1 - - Adult Hard Clam Shell, 2 Juvenile Blue Claw Crabs - - -

J2 -

4 Mud Dog Whelk (Nassarius obsoletus ), 2 Long-Clawed Hermit Crabs (Pagurus

longicarpus ), 2 Juvenile Blue Crab (Callinectes sapidus) , 1 Blook Ark (Anadara ovalis )

1 Shrimp, Adult Hard Clam Shells, 1 Juvenile Hard Clam Shell - - -

J3 - 3 Mud Dog Whelk (Nassarius obsoletus) 1 Shrimp - - -J4 - 1 Mud Dog Whelk (Nassarius obsoletus) Mussel Shells - - -J5 - - - - - -J6 - - - - - -J7 - - Mussel Shells - - -J8 - - Mussel Shells - - -J9 - - Mussel Shells

J10 - 3 Long-Clawed Hermit Crabs (Pagurus longicarpus ) - - - -

J11 - 1 Long-Clawed Hermit Crabs (Pagurus longicarpus ) - - - -

J12 - Mussel Shells - - -

J13 -9 Long-Clawed Hermit Crabs (Pagurus

longicarpus ), 2 Adult Blue Mussels (Mytilus edulis)

- - - -

J14 - 2 Long-Clawed Hermit Crabs (Pagurus longicarpus ) Mussel Shells - - -

J15 - - Mussel Shells - - -

Table 1: Grab Samples Used to Determine the Density of Juvenile Hard Clams

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Transect Adult Clams (live) (cm) Clams Per Site Other Shellfish Observations Transect Length Hard Clam Density Mean (cm) Range (cm)

A1 0 2 Adult Hard Clam shells 30' 0 - -A2 0 30' 0 - -A3 0 1 Adult Hard Clam Shell 30' 0 - -A4 0 30' 0 - -A5 0 30' 0 - -A6 7.6, 10.0 2 2 Adult Hard Clam shells 30' 0.05 8.8 2.4A7 5.6 1 30' 0.025 - -A8 0 30' 0 - -A9 0 30' 0 - -

A10 0 1 Adult Common Spider Crab (Libinia emarginata )

Mussel Shells 30' 0 - -

A11 0 30' 0 - -A12 0 36 Mussel Shells 30' 0 - -

479.88 sq. ft. sampled, 3 adult Hard Clams = 0.0062 clams/sq. ft.

Table 2: Rake Samples of 12, 30-foot Traverses within development Site

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Site # Species & viability of aquatic vegetation Sediment

J1 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J2 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J3 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J4 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J5 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Silt with Sand, Black

J6 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J7 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J8 no vegitation found Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J9 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J10 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J11 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

J12 no vegitation found Silt with Sand, Black

Table 3: Aquatic Vegetation & Sediment Type / Grab Sample

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Site # Species & viability of aquatic vegetation Sediment

A1 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, BlackA2 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua) Very Fine Sand with Silt, BlackA3 no vegitation found Very Fine Sand with Silt, BlackA4 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

A5 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ), and Agardh's Red Weed (Agardhiella tenera ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

A6 no vegitation found Silt with Sand, Black

A7 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ), and Agardh's Red Weed (Agardhiella tenera ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

A8 no vegitation found Silt with Sand, BlackA9 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Silt with Sand, Black

A10 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, BlackA11 Minimal amounts of Arardh's Red Weed (Agardhiella tenera ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, BlackA12 Minimal amounts of Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactua ) Very Fine Sand with Silt, Black

Table 4: Aquatic Vegetation & Sediment Type / Rake Sample

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Transect Easting Northing Transect Easting NorthingJ1 486801.20 179114.28 A1 486777.12 179065.83J2 486780.99 179100.91 A2 486797.34 179081.28J3 486761.67 179087.53 A3 486817.55 179093.77J4 486771.48 179156.50 A4 486746.80 179107.15J5 486750.07 179142.82 A5 486767.61 179120.82J6 486730.15 179127.66 A6 486787.23 179136.28J7 486739.67 179197.23 A7 486715.59 179147.28J8 486719.75 179184.44 A8 486735.50 179162.74J9 486699.83 179169.88 A9 486756.31 179177.31

J10 486708.45 179239.44 A10 486684.37 179189.50J11 486687.94 179225.77 A11 486705.78 179204.36J12 486669.51 179211.20 A12 486725.69 179219.82

Table 5: Penny Lane Shellfish Study 11/18/2010 Juvenile Clam Survey Points

Table 6: Penny Lane Shellfish Study 11/19/2010 Adult Clam Survey Points

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SiteTemperature

(Celsius)Salinity

(ppt)Dissolved Oxygen

(as a %)Dissolved Oxygen

(mg/L)Depth (feet) pH

Specific Conductivity (mS/cm)

Turbidity (NTU)

A1 11.27 28.96 95.6 8.84 0.100 7.91 44.91 6.00A2 11.25 28.94 91.0 8.23 0.589 7.89 44.91 5.10A3 11.22 28.94 95.6 8.57 0.791 7.76 44.87 5.30A4 10.70 29.80 97.0 8.99 1.560 7.98 46.11 4.90A5 10.71 29.76 96.7 8.97 1.833 7.98 46.07 8.60A6 10.66 29.67 101.3 9.15 1.869 7.98 45.94 5.40A7 10.65 29.57 99.2 8.98 2.090 7.98 45.80 5.00A8 10.62 29..59 97.2 8.95 1.916 7.98 45.85 5.30A9 10.63 29.57 96.4 8.83 3.492 7.97 45.83 5.80

A10 10.60 29.49 98.3 9.09 4.492 7.99 45.71 6.20A11 10.60 29.49 95.8 8.89 6.234 7.98 45.71 6.10A12 10.61 29.49 98.6 9.10 4.828 7.99 45.71 6.20J1 11.11 29.23 93.5 8.46 0.492 7.92 45.30 6.20J2 11.21 29.03 93.1 8.58 0.124 7.92 45.03 5.30J3 11.11 29.01 94.1 8.66 0.324 7.90 45.00 6.10J4 11.31 29.09 97.3 8.66 6.903 7.94 45.10 5.20J5 11.34 28.91 96.1 8.55 4.353 7.95 44.81 5.30J6 11.36 28.43 95.8 8.90 2.151 7.95 44.20 5.90J7 11.27 29.13 95.3 8.44 7.581 7.94 45.15 6.40J8 11.19 29.11 95.2 8.76 7.877 7.94 45.13 7.00J9 11.14 29.14 95.8 8.63 5.503 7.95 45.18 7.60

J10 11.11 29.33 90.7 8.38 11.469 7.95 45.44 6.60J11 11.11 29.17 91.6 8.40 11.270 7.95 45.23 9.60J12 11.13 29.24 94.6 8.70 6.465 7.95 45.32 5.90

Avg. 11.00 29.24 95.66 8.74 3.93 7.94 45.35 6.13

Table: 7 Penny Lane Marina Shellfish Study Water Quality Data

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References

1. J. C. Lockwood, “Shellfish Survey Guidelines”, National Marine Fisheries Service, Habitat and Protected Resources Division, Highlands, N.J., 1991.

2. N.J.A.C., “Coastal Zone Management Rules”, 7:7E-3.2, 19-22, (2009).

3. R. D. McLarnon, PE., “Penny Lane Associates USACOE Permit Application Plan”,

(2010).

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APPENDIX OF LITERATURE FOUND DISCUSSING HARD CLAM HABITAT PARAMETERS

The References Below Cover Specific Parameters for Mercenaria mercenaria clams 1. ER-L and ER-M sediment quality guideline values are from Long et al. (1995) and Long and Morgan (1990). TEL and PEL sediment quality guidelines are from MacDonald (1994) and MacDonald et al. (1996). Unacceptable DO: any observation with DO < 0.3 mg/l, or 20% or more time-series observations < 2 mg/l, or all time-series observations < 5 mg/l. 2. Northern quahog Mercenaria mercenaria abundance and habitat use in Chesapeake Bay Journal of Shellfisheries Research, August, 2005 by Roger Mann, Juliana M. Harding, Melissa J. Southworth, James A. Wesson Clam densities decreased significantly across the four types of substrate with the highest densities observed in shell substrate followed by sand, mud and anoxic muds in order of decreasing occupation (Kruskal Wallis, H = 1,414.27, DF = 3, P < 0.01; Fig. 3). Less than 1% of all clams collected were from anoxic mud substrates whereas shell, sand, and mud substrates contained 11%, 68% and 21% of clams, respectively. Although shell and sand substrates contained the highest observed densities of hard clams, these substrate types were only present in 38% of patent tong samples collected from potential clam habitats.

3. Abundance: In the IRL as in other areas within its range, Mercenaria mercenaria is most abundant in shell-containing soft bottoms. They are also found (in decreasing order of abundance) on sand flats, sand/mud flats and on muddy bottoms (Wells 1957; Pratt 1953). A study by Peterson et al., (1984) also showed that densities of 0 - 2 year old hard clams in eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds of North Carolina was more than 5 times the average density of clams in nearby sand flats (9 per square meter in eelgrass, vs. 1.6 per square meter in nearby sand flats. Further, hard clams from Zostera beds appeared to be somewhat larger, on average, than those from sand flats. Hydrodynamic baffling by seagrasses may be at least partially responsible for the observed result (Peterson et al., 1984). Reduction in currents near the benthos enhances the deposition of fine sediments and suspended materials between blades of seagrass, especially near patch edges. Hydrodynamic baffling therefore provides a rich food source for juvenile clams.

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4. FWS/OBS-82/10,77 AUGUST 1984

HABITAT SUITABILITY INDEX MODELS: HARD CLAM Rosemarie Mulholland Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service School of Forest Resources and Conservation 117 Newins-Ziegler University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611

SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: Embryo, Larva, Juvenile

pH. Calabrese (1972) observed that the successful recruitment of mercenaria requires that the pH of estuarine waters not fall below 7.0; he found no significant decrease in the number of clam embryos developing normally within the pH range of 7.0-8.75, but that number was greatly reduced at pH 9.0. Survival of clam larvae was normal at pH 6.25-8.75, but the range for normal growth was 6.75-8.50. Although clam larvae can survive at pH 6.25, a pH of 7.0 is required for normal development of the embryo. Levels of pH below 7.0 limit recruitment of the species (Calabrese 1972). Dissolved oxygen. Morrison (1971) found that growth of shelled veligers of M. mercenaria was normal when dissolved oxygen concentration was 4.2 mg/l or greater. Growth essentially ceased at concentrations of 2.4 mg/l and less. Larvae survived extended exposures (14 days) to 1 mg/l dissolved oxygen but grew little. Prolonged exposure to levels of less than 4.0 mg/l lengthened the clam's planktonic stage and decreased its probability of survival. Embryos developed normally at oxygen levels as low as 0.5 mg/l; however, 100% mortality occurred at 0.2 mg/l. Fluctuations in dissolved oxygen do not affect adult hard clams as much as do fluctuations in temperature and salinity (Stanley and DeWitt 1983). The burrowing ability of M. mercenaria was neither severely nor permanently impaired by exposure to reduced oxygen levels (less than 1mgl1 seawater) for up to 3 weeks (Savage 1976). Pratt and Campbell (1956) found no correlation between growth rates and various concentrations of dissolved oxygen. All life stages tolerate nearly anoxic conditions for long periods, though they may cease growing (Stanley and DeWitt 1983). Salinity. Salinity appears to be most critical for M. mercenaria during the egg and larval stages (Stanley and DeWitt 1983). At Long Island Sound, New York, eggs developed into straight-hinged veligers only within the relatively narrow salinity range of 20.0 to 32.5 parts per thousand (ppt ), The optimum for development of clam eggs was about 26.5 to 27.5 ppt (Davis 1958). Growth of larvae, once they attained the straight-hinged stage, was comparatively good at salinities as low as 20 ppt (Davis 1958), but Chanley (1958) found that growth of juvenile M. mercenaria was retarded at salinities of 22.5 ppt or lower. Castagna and Chanley (1973) found that metamorphosis of M. mercenaria from veliger to seed clam (byssal plantigrade stage) was inhibited below 17.5 to 20 ppt. Temperature. Davis and Ca1abrese (1964) noted that 1aboratory-rea red straight-hinged

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veligers of M. mercenaria were capable of ingestion, but not digestion, at 10°C (50°F),- and consequently did not grow. Growth was positively related to temperature at 18.0° to 30.0°C (64° to 86°F). Growth of straighthinged veligers of M. mercenaria was little affected by temperature differences within the range of 20° to 30°C (68° to 86°F). Although the optimum temperature for growth of M. mercenaria larvae was not well defined, growth was optimum at the following temperature/salinity combinations: 30°C (86°F)/22.5 ppt and higher, 27.5°C (81.5°F)/17.5 and 20.0 ppt, and 25°C (77°F)/15.0 ppt. Substrate. The nature of the bottom substrate seems to be the main factor responsible for settling of larvae and for the qualitative composition of bottom communities (Thorson 1955). Keck et ale (1974) reported from laboratory studies that significantly higher (P ~ 0.05) numbers of M. mercenaria larvae set in sand than in mud; they suggested that the addition of organic material to the sediment may be responsible for reduced setting because of increased bacteria levels, reduced dissolved oxygen, and increased production of hydrogen sulfide. Carriker (1959) recommended that the substrate be firm and free of excessive organic mud for larval clam culture; muddy bottoms can be surfaced with shells, sand, or gravel. Adult Clams were most abundant in predominantly fine sediments, but in these sediments their abundance was generally a function of the coarseness of the minor constituents. Clams do not grow well in silty substrates. Pratt and Campbell (1956) found an inverse relationship between growth of M. mercenaria and the fineness of the sediment (expressed as percentage of silt and clay). The inferior growth was attributed to frequent gi1l clearing, which expended energy and interfered with feeding. Johnson (1977) also reported slower growth of M. mercenaria in finer sediment due to increased expulsion of pseudofeces. Suspended solids. Davis (1960) noted that both the larvae and egg stage are affected by suspended solids. “Eggs did not develop correctly at silt concentrations of 3.0 or 4.0 g/L, and straight-hinged veligers was normal at silt concentrations of 0.75g/L, retarded at 1.0 to 2.0g/L, and negligible at 3.0 and 4.0g/L.”

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