174c 



PHILIP H. PARKER 



potential for Increase is another important aspect of 

 this problem. In the report of the Panel on Oceanography 

 (1966), it is stated that there is now a world-wide 

 shortage of protein food and that about half of the 

 mortality of children between ages 1 and 5 is due to 

 a protein-deficient diet. Agricultural experts (Senti 

 1967) indicate real concern about making adequate in- 

 creases in food production from the land. 



"It seems clear that because of the nationally 

 decreasing oyster production, the increasing population, 

 and the present food shortage, there should be a continuing 

 increase in demand for good oysters. Any area capable of 

 economically competitive production should be able to sell 

 increased quantities of suitable quality oysters. 



"Next, I would like to make some evaluation 

 of the oyster producing capabilities of Washington State 

 and particularly of Puget Sound. Some of the basic factors 

 that are important in such an evaluation are basic fertility 

 of the water, extent of the suitable area available, and 

 cultural techniques that fit the environment. 



"The water must have high fertility (an 

 abundance of oyster food) in order to sustain any major 

 increase in oyster production. Puget Sound has long been 

 recognized by professional oceanographers as a unique body 



