THE OYSTER AND FISH INDUSTRY OF 

 LOUISIANA 



By W. O. Hart 



The oyster beds, still in almost their primitive state, form 

 one of the principal resources of Louisiana, inasmuch as 

 the oysters raised along the coast, and prepared in local 

 factories, are one of the largest exports of the state. The 

 oyster fisheries lie principally in St. Bernard, Plaquemines, 

 Jefferson, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Vermilion, St. Mary, 

 Iberia and Cameron Parishes (a parish in our state corre- 

 sponding to counties in other states), and constitute an 

 area of approximately 471,961 acres, on which there are 

 1,762 leases, covering 17,072.94 acres. The remaining 

 area, while it is not under lease, is reported to be in every 

 way susceptible to cultivation, and the grounds have been 

 found to be some of the best producers in the country. 



Therefore, while at the present time the oyster industry 

 in Louisiana will compare favorably with any of the fish- 

 eries in the United States, it is believed to be as yet in its 

 infancy. 



The cheapness of the leases and the easy conditions under 

 which the trade can be entered make an attractive offer to 

 anyone so inclined, and is inducing many to take up the 

 lucrative work. The lands aggregate an annual lease rental 

 of $1 per acre and at present there are approximately 453,- 

 888 acres of productive bottoms to be chosen from. 



Already engaged in the business, according to the leases 

 granted by the Board of Control, are 1,762 fishermen, who 

 find a ready market for their products among the local can- 

 neries and shucking plants. These canneries and shucking 

 establishments supply nearly all of Texas — 80 per cent it 

 has been estimated — and all of Louisiana, besides a large 

 wholesale trade in the North and East. 



Of the leased acreage all has been tried and found to be 

 most lucrative, and yet it forms but a minute part of the 

 vast area which is available for oyster culture. 



