IV-89 



rapidly on the abundant food supply in this highly productive envir- 

 onment. Adult Silver salmon are caught throughout the year within 

 the estuarine zone. The Pink salmon fry enter the brackish estuarine 

 waters soon after hatching in the Spring, and are known to remain 

 there until August. 



OYSTERS 



The Atlantic oyster has evolved into an animal of broad adaptability 

 relative to salinity, temperature, and food requirements, as indicated 

 by its ranqe, on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America from 

 the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Mexican coast. 



The Atlantic oyster is most abundant in estuarine systems character- 

 ized by considerable inflows of freshwater, with constant water move- 

 ment, and fluctuating local salinities. The currents bring food to 

 these fixed animals and distribute the larvae. Two of the most pro- 

 ductive areas for the Atlantic oyster are the Chesapeake Bay and the 

 Louisiana bays and sounds affected by the great flow of the 

 Mississippi River. 



The salinity range most favorable to the Atlantic oyster lies between 

 five and thirty parts per thousand. Below five little or no repro- 

 duction takes place and the feeding ability is affected. Oysters 

 occupying areas with salinities exceeding fifteen parts per thousand 

 are subject to a number of predators such as the oyster drill. 



The Atlantic oyster has adapted to wide ranges of temperatures. It 

 survives in temperatures of around 34°F. and in temperatures of up 



