The Delaware Oyster Industry: A Reality?

Abstract
Delaware oyster beds in the Bay and associated tributaries were studied from 1968 to 1970 to determine their general condition following mass mortalities from MSX (Minchinia nelsoni) during the late 1950ˈs and 1960ˈs. Estimates of standing crop of oysters yielded a total of 54,582 bushels covering 236.9 acres (95.9 hectares) in the river beds and 65,482 bushels covering 941 acres (380.8 hectares) in the bay beds. Bay beds were badly depleted whereas certain rivers showed potential as seed areas. The association of high oyster production with a hard shell substrate was demonstrated which emphasized the need for a regular shell planting program. Spat monitoring indicated that setting occurred in two waves and extended from July 4 to early in September. River mouths generally received the heaviest set. Since there has been practically no oystering in Delaware for twelve years, an experimental planting of seed on three planted beds was carried out in 1969–1970. Although all the experimental beds were not productive, one bed showed promise and indicated that with proper management Delaware oyster beds can be rehabilitated. Finally, examination of histological sections for MSX suggested that the incidence of this disease was probably always lower in the river beds than the bay beds. The incidence of MSX in the bay beds was not as high as it was in the mid‐1960ˈs.

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