104 REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE 
which oyster growers may eventually be able to produce a standard 
product of known chemical composition. Experimental methods for 
increasing the iron content of the northern oyster have been tested. 
Asa pr actical aid to oyster growers of Long Island Sound, where the 
amount of set to be expected in any given year is very uncertain, 
studies of spawning and setting have been undertaken and will make 
possible the prediction of the date and intensity of setting. 
Studies of the biology of the starfish have demonstrated that the 
distribution of this oyster pest is correlated with the presence of 
food; that the migrations of starfish are restricted, probably not 
exceeding a mile; that there is no seasonal migration; and that cer- 
tain areas of the western part of Long Island Sound and of the 
Connecticut shore serve as dispersal centers from which spawn may 
be carried considerable distances to infest new grounds. Investiga- 
tion of the damage done by oyster drills was continued on the East- 
ern Shore region of Virginia, and a manuscript on the life history 
and methods of control of the oyster drill was prepared for publi- 
cation. Details of the life history of a sporozoan parasite of the 
oyster were demonstrated at Beaufort, and experiments on the con- 
trol of the conch or borer were continued in Florida. 
The investigation of the effects of pulp mill pollution in the York 
River consisted of extensive surveys of hydrographic conditions in 
the York and Piankatank Rivers: studies of the effects of trans- 
planting oysters from the upper York, where shellfish are of mark- 
edly poor quality, to areas not affected by pulp mill pollution; 
laboratory analyses of oyster meats; and studies of the effect of 
the pulp mill pollutant on diatoms, which constitute oyster food, 
and on the physiological processes of the oyster. Evidence is 
accumulating to show that the pollutant interferes with normal 
respiratory and feeding activities. When transplanted to more favor- 
able environments, oysters from the upper York show increased 
growth, fattening, and improvement in the condition of the shells. 
During the year the following special investigations were carried 
out: A program for experimental and field studies of the effect of 
dredging operations on oysters, prepared for the War Department; 
an investigation of the destruction of shellfish on the Eastern Shore 
of Virginia by a September hurricane; a survey of oyster bottoms in 
Mobile Bay to assist State authorities in rehabilitating depleted 
beds; a survey of oyster-producing areas in Florida to determine 
where extension of natural bottom could be accomplished by planting 
and culture; and an investigation of the unusual abundance of star- 
fish in Chesapeake Bay during the spring of 1987. 
LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION 
This Division has charge of the enforcement of the law regulat- 
ing the interstate transportation of black bass and administers that 
part of The Whaling Treaty Act of May 1, 1936, charged to the De- 
partment, which includes the issuance of, licenses to shore whaling: 
stations, floating reduction ships, and catcher boats. The Division 
also conducts an anglers’ section, where information pertaining to 
angling is compiled and made available to the public. 
The Federal black bass law was administered, as in previous years, 
by 2 regular field employees, 2 temporary assistants, and 1 perma- 
nent employee in the Washington office, assisted by 125 deputy black 
