Most of the bottom in the Cam d© Boqueron is covered with a 

 soft silt layer of mud whioh would interfere with oyster planting 

 on the bottom. Soft bottom oan be strengthened by the use of sand 

 in areas whioh are sheltered. Experiments in Canada by Needier 

 (1932) showed that the laying down of a sand layer of 4 to 5 inches 

 thickness caused sufficient stiffening of a very soft bottom so 

 that shells oould be planted. These caught a good set of oysters 

 and resulted in a good oyster bed with a firm bottom, "niere are 

 excellent sandy areeis close to Boqueron and the transport of sufficient 

 sand to form an experimental oyster bed would not be difficult. With 

 this in mind, it would be possible to plant an area with seed oysters 

 directly on the bottom. Tray cultivation should be tried. 



There is one difficulty that may be experienced in the ex- 

 perimental plantings of oysters in Boqueron. The area is visited 

 by many people gathering oysters from the mangrove roots and fishing 

 or boating in the Boqueron area. Protection of the planted oysters 

 from poachers may be a problem, particularly when one realizes that 

 the seed oysters planted may well be comparable in sise to the oysters 

 now taken in that lagoon. 



On the southern shore of Vieques Island, Port Mosquito offers 

 an excellent location for experimental oyster plantings. Here there 

 are considerable areas of firm bottom, sane of which may be a firm 

 erust over a softer mud, sufficiently hard to support oysters planted 

 directly on the bottcm. Grassy areas must be avoided. Experiiaental 

 plantings of oysters directly on the bottom are recommended* This 

 body of water is isolated and completely owned by the Puerto Rioan 

 Agricultural Develojment Company and there is little danger that the 

 experimental oysters would be disturbed. 



Since starfish and other oyster enemies are present and may 

 congregate at any planted bed, a watch should be made for early 

 attacks by these oyster pests. 



In the Virgin Islands, Salt River on St. Croix, Coral Harbor 

 on St. John, and Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas offer possibilities 

 for the cultivation of oysters. In these locations it seems that 

 planting on racks or in trays will be necessary. Some experimental 

 planting of seed oysters on the bottom in Mangrove Lagoon is possible 

 and should be attempted. The shores of the channel leading fraa Benner 

 Bay to Mangrove Lagoon appear to present the most satisfactory conditions 

 for experimental oyster plantings on St. Thomas. 



In connection with any experimental plantings and development of 

 oyster beds in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, it is suggested that 

 examination and strict control of shellfish-bearing waters from a pollution 

 standpoint be observed in order to avoid any hazard to the public health. 



17 



