158 MARINE FISHERIES OF NORTH CAROLINA 



Carolina oysters have since 1890 been sold as Chesapeake oysters is testi- 

 mony that should not be overlooked. 



The relative absence of the many enemies of the oyster in its waters 

 favors North Carolina as an oyster-producing area. It is necessary in such 

 oyster-producing regions as Long Island Sound and Delaware Bay to 

 practice control of enemies if a maximum production is to be attained. 

 North Carolina has indeed been fortunate not to be concerned with pollu- 

 tion in Pamlico Sound. During 1948 there were no areas closed to oystering 

 in Pamlico Sound because of pollution. 



The conditions briefly discussed above all point to the possibilities that 

 exist for the development of a great industry. Since the time of Winslow's 

 survey, the potentialities have been frequently noted with an emphasis 

 upon private leasing for oyster culture. This is the supposed solution to 

 the problem of increasing oyster production and development of the indus- 

 try. The repeated failure of private oyster culture appears to be discourag- 

 ing. The conclusion could be drawn that future attempts would not be 

 successful. The industry in general has not made much progress, in spite 

 of the favorable conditions that appear to exist for the area. Perhaps many 

 explanations are to be offered. 



The lack of education concerning oysters had undoubtedly much to do 

 with the failure of oyster culture in the past. However, all the answers to 

 the practical problems of the oyster planter are not known (Galtsoff, 

 1947). The scientific workers have been too few and have often had too 

 little time to devote to the necessary studies. The public and the industry 

 are often too impatient for results and for authoritative advice to allow 

 the scientists time to complete their studies. 



Oystering requires a good deal of experience and common sense in 

 applying the known information. Good results can be secured through 

 trial and error, but many persons have undertaken oyster culture without 

 the necessary experience and knowledge of water conditions, type of 

 bottom, and other pertinent information. The necessary capital for initial 

 investment has often been lacking to those that might be interested in 

 cultivating oysters. This is true in fishing, shrimping, and crabbing, but 

 in these activities the returns are more or less immediate and the dealers 

 often will risk short-term loans for nets, gasoline, and supplies. Since 

 oyster culture, because of past failures, does not have a good reputation 

 and doubt exists as to its practicability, individuals may find it difficult to 

 secure long-term loans for engaging in it. 



A man must have a strong incentive to engage in such a business as 

 oyster farming. Many facts may readily discourage such attempts. The 

 present regulations are restrictive in nature with limits placed on -the 

 number of acres an individual can lease in North Carolina. In Pamlico 



