Through research it has been found that 

 applications of granular 2,4-D effec- 

 tively destroy waterchestnut infestations. 

 Airthrust boat is used to apply chemical 

 treatment. 



-*t^^** 



^The Back Bay-Currituck Sound problem 



Tlie Rack Bay-Currituck Sound area of Vir- 

 •riiiia and Nortli Carolina is one of the important 

 waterfowl concentration areas on the east coast. 

 More than a million ducks, geese, coots, and swans 

 were reported winterin<i- there in the in4()'s. Oidy 

 a seventh of that number winter there now. In 

 cooperation with the States of Virginia and North 

 Carolina, a Patuxent biologist is stationed in that 

 area to investigate this sharp decline in water- 

 fowl numbers. Man and nattire have made many 

 changes in and aromid this waterfowl haven, and 



determining wluit changes are responsible for the 

 decline in the waterfowl i)opulation is a complex 

 job. The biologist's approach is to study the 

 waterfowl of the area, the environment that pro- 

 duces their food supply, and the activities of man 

 in and about the Bay as they may relate lo the 

 problem. The goal is to restore this ancestral 

 home of migratory fowl to its former usefulness 

 as a wintering area. If this can be accomplished, 

 tlie remedial procedures would have application 

 in a number of other coastal waters. 



Modern diving equipment is used in research on waterfovvl food plants in Back Bay and Currituck Sound. 



