1) Complete closing of pearl fishery and prohibition of taking live pearl 

 oysters for any purpose except that of scientific research. 



2) Organization of pearl-oyster investigations to "be conducted Ijy competent 

 fishery tiiolosists for the purpose of determining the rate of rehahilitation of pearl- 

 oyster grounds. 



Because of the greatly diminished stock of oysters the proposed recommendations 

 atinear to he sound regardless of the cause of depletion. Should the suggested Investigation 

 reveal the existence of a new or heretofore undisclosed factor detrimental to pearl oysters, 

 the course of studies rnay he modified and steps suggested for combatting the danger. 



For the success of investigation it will "be necessary to establish, exound the 

 Pearl Islands, several .experimental crounds v/hich should be inspected periodically to 

 observe the time of spa\TOins of oysters and the attachment of oyster larvae, to study the 

 rate of groirth of young oysters, to detemine the presence or absence of oyster enemies and 

 disease, and to record the temperature, salinity, pH, and planJ^ton of the water. It is 

 suggested that the experimental grounds be selected in the followirtg areasi Taboga Island, 

 Isla de Mina, and Saboga Island. It is further recommended that a more extensive survey 

 be made around the Pearl Islands and in the Gulf of "Chirioui for the purpose of locating 

 new pearl-oyster grounds. 



In order to make a detailed study of the grovrth and propagation of pearl oysters. 

 it is suggssted that an additional small area in shallov; water near Taboga Island be used 

 as an oyster nursery, where small oysters could be planted and kept under continuous 

 observation. 



Por the execution of this research program, it is suggested that arrangements be 

 made through the Department of Natural Sciences of the University of Panama or v/ith the 

 Mus^o Haclonal for the employment of a full-time marine biologist and several part-time 

 student assistants. It would be necessary for the Government of the Republic of Panama to 

 provldfe floating ecuipment needed for field v;ork, establish a small shore laboratory at 

 Taboga, procure necessary scientific equipment and secure the services of a competent diver 

 to assist scientists in \mderi;ater observations. 



The outlined investigations should be continued for at least five years. If by 

 the end of that period the results are promising and show that the population of pearl 

 oysters has materially increased, the fishery may be reopened partially under strict 

 government supervision. Proper balance between the intensity of fishing and the rate of 

 propagation and grovrth of oysters may be maintained by the enactment of a system of manage- 

 ment based on sound biological principles. Various conservation methods maybe used to 

 control the fishery, namely, closed season, rotation of grounds, establishment of a size 

 limit on oysters, and limitation of fishing' effort and gear. Kone of these measures. 

 except complete closing of the fishery, is recommended nov; because the remaining oyster 

 poTTulation is not large enough to support a commercial fishery. 



In the past a number of communities scattered through the Pearl Islands obtained 

 livelihood from pearl fishing. Their present economic status can be greatly improved by 

 the restoration of the depleted pearl-oyster resources and by conducting the fishery In 

 conformity with the principle of conservation. This principle can be stated in a very 

 simple waj-: one should take from a natiiral resource no more than is restored annually 

 through reproduction and growth. 



Us 



