The Jersey City news., 1906-02-03
STATE OYSTERS
Growth Of the Bivalves In
New Jersey Declared to
Be Phenomenal
FISHERIES BUREAU REPORT
INCREASE OF THE WESTERN
TRADE URGED-THE SEED
OYSTER PROBLEM A PUZZLE.


Every one in New Jersey who is fond
of the toothsome oyster viii be gratifed
to learn by the annual report of the burr
eau of shell fisheries that this State is
rapidly reaching the front rank among
the States Of the Union in the production
of oysters and CLAIMS.
The last year has been one Of the best
in the history of the industry, in SO far
that relates to the conditions of the pro-
duct and the amount of shellfsh taken
for market
Prices, too,' the report says, ''haye
ranged we'll, and altogether the industry
is now in better shape and presents a
more promising outlook than at any time
ssince the State began its system Of regu-
.lation and control"
This control was produced largely
through the efforts of Governor Stokes,
while member of the Legislature from
Cumberland County, the report adds.
Not in many years has there been such
heavy catch of ''spat'' on the natural
beds as during the last year, not only
on the great stretch of Delaware Bay
beds but on the shelled beds of the creeks
and rivers and in Tuekerton and Rarne-
gat Bays.
| 1t is with pleasure that the bureau
notes that New jersey oysters are
slowly, but surely, finding a wider and
more lucrative market, so that the sup
ply of the State must ultimately fall far
below the demand. unless plans for the
extension of the industry are adopted
just now there is a ready and paying
market for all oysters that can be gath
cred, but with proper consideration for
the possibilities of the State in produc-
tiveness this market could be extended to
wide dimensions, and many more of the
States residents given employment and
snug incomes from the cultivation of
lands now lying idle, but capable of oys-
ter culture upon paying basis.
| In connection with this the report
notes. the efforts which are being made
by the oyster dealers Of Maryland to-
secure the western trade. and suggests
that New Jersey growers should look for
that trade. too.
If Maryland can command market
for its oysters in the west" the report
adds, surely New Jersey can lead it.
since Maryland has no oysters which
equal those of New Jersey in size
flavor or appearance.
NO systematic effort has ever been
| put forth by New Jersey growers. 10
bring to the attention of the public the
true value of the luscious New Jersey
oyster. For years some parts of the
state have contributed to the western
market a large quantity of shelled oys-
tiers, which are shipped in bulk, iced at
the point of shipment and iced in transit
when the weather demanded such atten-
tion, and even these oysters found ready
sale in some of the western cities. Plac-
ed beside the great, luscious and well
favored products of the Maurice River
Cove, Tuckerton bay. Cape May. sounds
of Absecon and other Atlantic county
waters. they are scarcely to be mentioned
in the same breath. There is no compar-
ison. Virginia and Maryland also send
large quantities of shelled or shucked
oysters to the west and northern markets,
and the people of those inland cities seem
TO regard them as real oysters
! The report urges broader and more
extensive research in the study Of the
life and habits of the oyster
! The problem Of securing seed oysters
is growing more dlu more complex, ana
yet, according to the report, it seems i'm
possible to secure the recognition neces-
sary to extend this experimental work,
which, in time, may wholly solve the
problem.
Unfortunately for the interests of the
industry" says the report, few Of the
residents of the State outside the sections
directly affected, have any conception of
the immense value of the output of oys-
ters and clans Of New Jersey, nor of the
number Of men employed. nor Of the CAPT
tai invested. If the people Of the State
realized the value of fostering and pro-
tecting its vast area of oyster-bearing
GREAT WINTER RESORT ROUTE.