NOTES ON THE OYSTER INDUSTRY OF NEW JERSEY. 



By Ansley Hai.l. 

 Statistical Agent, U. $. Fish Commission, 



INTRODUCTORY. 



The system of oyster- cult lire practiced in New Jersey does not 

 embrace any artificial methods for the reproduction of oysters from 

 the spat or egg. The seed oysters are derived chiefly from the natural 

 beds. These areas are gradually becoming less productive, and in 

 order to supply the demand considerable quantities of oysters for 

 planting are purchased annually from other States. 



The depleted condition of the beds in some sections of the State has 

 become more apparent recently, and the great question is how to 

 restore their original productiveness. The only care that has ever been 

 bestowed upon them was such as could be secured by certain forms of 

 restrictive legislation. The principal regulations imposed were pro- 

 visions for close seasons and for culling. 



In the State of Rhode Island, when the oyster-planting industry was 

 established, the waters abounded in rich natural oyster beds; but 

 protective legislation failed of its purpose, and the beds have finally 

 become almost wholly depleted, and the planters have for many years 

 past purchased their seed elsewhere, chiefly from the State of Con- 

 necticut. The natural oyster beds of Xew Jersey are yet far from being 

 wholly depleted, but that some better methods should be adopted for 

 their care is plainly evident. 



If the natural beds are to be restored to their original productive 

 condition, it is scarcely reasonable to assume that it can be accom- 

 plished with less expense or by less effective methods than would be 

 necessary to achieve like results upon private areas. The practice of 

 planting shells or other suitable materials on private beds is being 

 operated successfully in Connecticut by planters engaged in the busi- 

 ness of seed-growing. If it is practicable for the State to inaugurate 

 a system whereby the same methods, aided by proper culling and close- 

 time regulations, can be faithfully applied to the imblic grounds, there 

 seems to be no reasim why equally good results might not be obtained. 



In New ^Jersey the natural oyster grouiuls have always been care- 

 fully exempted from private ownership, and any system of oyster cul- 

 tivation involving proprietary rights in them has been unfavorably 

 regarded. The planters have succeeded in acquiiing a le;;al right to 

 F C 92 30 465 



