VI-133 



Parallel studies should be done for other disease-causing organisms 

 such as the viruses and microscopic organisms such as the viruses 

 and microscopic organisms that produce toxicants such as Clostridium 

 and Gonyaulax . 



Another group of pathogens sorely in need of research and understanding 

 are those which affect desirable estuarine organisms. Crabs in 

 Chesapeake Bay have been known to suffer epidemics of viral diseases. 

 Oysters in the Northeast have been subjected to, and nearly eliminated 

 from large areas, by the disease MSX . A great deal of work must be 

 done to determine the extent and variety of these disease-causing 

 organisms and to develop control measures so that desirable crops 

 might be maintained. The ability to protect economically important 

 organisms is essential before aquaculture can be pursued on a profi- 

 table basis. 



SUMMARY 



1. The cause and effect relationships of nutrient supply, bacterial 

 action, and algal growth processes must be better understood. 

 Environmental conditions inducing and supporting nuisance 

 eutrophication must be controlled. 



2. Detailed knowledge of the environmental requirements and the 

 ecology of estuarine bacteria should be developed. 



3. More must be learned about coliform bacteria as indicators of 

 pollution. Methodology appropriate for estuarine waters must be 



