Edible Mollusca of the Oregon Coast 189 
but still within the influence of salt water. It thrives well in the 
Siuslaw River four miles from its mouth. 
Although in unlimited quantities along the coast this species 
and the following one, aside from very insignificant local con- 
sumption, have not yet come to have any place in the list of 
human foods of the northwest. 
10. Mytilus californicus Conrad.: 
The large, ribbed mussel is characteristic of the rocks and 
headlands which face the ocean receiving the full sweep of the 
waves. It is attached to the rocks just below high tide and seems 
to thrive best where the surf is strongest. The species is a com- 
mon form on the rocky shores throughout the coast of Oregon 
from Tillamook Head southward. It is especially abundant north 
of Siletz Bay at a point opposite Devils Lake. Here chains of 
rocks which parallel the shore and are exposed at low tide have 
vast areas literally covered with this mussel. It is also very 
abundant between Netarts Bay and Cape Mears (Figure I), as 
well as in numerous other localities near the central and south- 
ern portions of the coast. 
Iie wecten Sp: 
Whether pectens are well distributed off the northwest coast 
has not been fully determined. They have been dredged in con- 
siderable quantities from Puget Sound and have occasionally been 
taken off Newport on the Oregon Coast. They are, however, 
seldom if ever seen in the markets of the northwest and appar- 
ently little effort has been made to develop this phase of the fish- 
ing industry. To determine the possibilities of the pecten fisheries 
extensive surveys should be made along the entire coast and 
proper gear provided for the boats. 
Those familiar with the importance of these bivalves on the 
Atlantic coast would welcome any efforts to add the pectens to 
our list of sea foods in the northwest. 
MARKET POSSIBILITIES FOR FRESH PRODUCTS: 
In order that clams and mussels may be satisfactory and 
esd 
