2. Survey of non-productive or 'barren grounds with the view of 

 determining their suitability for establishing new oyster "beds 

 by planting young pearl oysters. 



3. Observation on time and intensity of spawning and setting 

 on selected grotmds aroimd Margarita Island. 



a» Weekly observations at several selected stations. 

 Spawning may be determined by examining the oysters and 

 by taking T)lankton sam"oles and identifying the larvae. 



b. Study of setting by placing a series of collectors 

 (v;ire bags filled v;ith shells or other type) which are 

 replaced at least once a week and examined in the 

 laboratory. 



c. Additional observations on the intensity and rate 

 of setting on shellsi rocks» and other bottom material. 



U. Biological studies on the rate of growth of oysters. 



a. Determination of the exact time of their maturity 

 and of the sex ratio. 



5, Studies of the ecological factors responsible for the for- 

 mation of pearls. Effect of parasites, commensals, and of 

 mechanical irritation. (Elucidation of this point will be 

 very valuable in governing the selection of ne\-r pearl grounds.) 



6, Studies of the diseases and of the life histories of parasites 

 and enemies of the pearl oyster. 



7, Technological studies for developing methods of utilizing 

 pearl oyster meats. 



The -orogram nay be undertaken as a v/hole, or in part. Its execution requires 

 the establishment of a marine laboratory in Poriamar, continuous use of a motor boat (about 

 U2-U8 ft. long) eo^uipxied with dredges, and occasional services of scaphander divers. Personnel 

 needed for carrying out the program should consist of one marine biologist, trained in shell- 

 fishery work, one assi=tant marine biologist, and two laboratory aides. 



The organization of the outlined program should be considered as a long-term 

 project, lasting for at least 5 years. 



The present system of administrative management of the pearl oyster resources 

 of Venezuela is based on sound principles of conservation. It consists of controlling the 

 intensity of fishing in relation to the available supnly of adult oysters. Practical appli- 

 cation of these administrative methods is both effective in conserving the natural resources 

 end fair to the fishermen. Guided by his long experience and londerstanding of the conditions 

 existing on Tjearl oyster grounds, the present administrator of the pearl fishery is able to 

 manage the fishery in such a vfay as to reconcile the interests of local pearl fishermen and 

 the needs of conservation. Barring unforeseen circumstances, the yield of the fishery, with 

 minor fluctuations and occasional interruptions, nay be expected to continue for years. 



Expansion and development of the fishery, by using more effective methods of 

 harvesting, and by increasing the abundance of the pearl oyster by planting, may be attained 

 only by gradual adaTstation of the methods of oyster farming. The initiation of this program 

 should be based on extensive biological and technical studies which, in general, are discussed 

 in this rerjort. 



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