PROGRESS IN BTOLOOTCAL INQUIRIES. 23 



OYSTERS IX VIRGINIA WATERS ENDANGERED BY FUEL OIL. 



In the early part of 1919 the escapement of fuel oil upon the 

 waters of Hampton Roads so affected the condition and flavor of 

 ])lanted oysters as to make them unmarketable for a time and to 

 cause substantial financial losses. In the latter part of 1919, in 

 response to reports tliat fuel oil, presumably discharged from oil 

 tankers, was again threatening the oyster beds in Hampton Koads, 

 the Bureau detailed an assistant to cooperate with the Navy Depart- 

 ment in an investigation of the matter. After consultation with the 

 captain of the port and several oyster planters, and after inspection 

 of the water of Hampton Roads, it was found that at that time oil 

 was not being discharged into the waters in sufficient quantities to 

 menace the oysters. Strict orders forbidding the practice had been 

 issued some time previous by the captain of the port, and these were 

 apparently being enforced in such a way as to obviate injury to the 

 oysters. 



There have, however, been several subsequent complaints, and, 

 after repeated attempts to render assistance through investigation, 

 the Bureau found it advisable to refer the matter to the Department 

 of Justice, which has taken appropriate action for the institution of 

 legal proceedings upon complaints properly filed with the local 

 United States attorney. It is understood that some convictions have 

 been secured. 



OYSTER INVESTIGATION IN THE YORK RIVER. 



The investigation of the poor condition of oysters prevailing in a 

 section of the York River, Va., since 1914, was brought to a conclusion 

 during the year. The oysters have been consistently poor and watery 

 and very generally affected with blue-green spots. Examination of 

 the food content of the water revealed a condition of relative sterility. 

 A special endeavor was made to determine the validity of the local 

 belief that the trouble originated from toxic chemicals discharged 

 from an industrial plant located on the banks of the river. With the 

 cooperation of the Bureau of Chemistry, observations were made at 

 intervals over a period of nearly a year, yet nothing was found in the 

 effluents from the mill which could materially affect the oyster beds 

 in any direct way. The trouble appears to rest upon the deficiency 

 of food supply, but neither the biological nor the chemical studies 

 served to fix a specific cause for the lack of food. The condition is 

 presumed to result from natural causes which are at present obscure 

 and therefore beyond control. 



REPORT ON THE OYSTER INDUSTRY. 



In the course of the year there was completed and sent to pre^ a 

 report comprising for public information a full account of the present 

 condition and practices of the eastern oyster industry, both as it is 

 based upon the exploitation of public oyster beds and as it manifests 

 itself in the various phases of commercial oyster culture." The report 



" Churchill, E. P., jr. : The Oyster and the Oyster Industry of the Atlantic and Oulf 

 Coasts. Appendix VIII, Report, U. S. Commissiouer of Fisheries, 1919. 51 pp. Wash- 

 ington, 19:i0. 



