The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1956-07-20

| ing soups and other SpecialtieS was
less than 8 million pounds and the
frozen output was only III, 900
\ pounds. While it is likely that oys-
tiers will follow the general trend
towards frozen packaged goods. 1t
appears that the demand for the
fresh commodity will dominate the
! market for some time to come.
The oyster industry of the state
is not stable in spite of it's long
established history. AS in the case
of crabs, there is an inverse rela-
tionship between production in this
state and in Maryland and Virginia.
When the supply is good in these
states the demand for North Caro-
lima oysters declines, for these two
states constitute the greatest mar
ket for the North Carolina oyster.
More often than not the oysters
are reprocessed by blowing" pack
ed under we'll known Virginia and
Maryland brands. These oysters
are shipped to all parts of the
country and often find themselves
back in North Caroline.
This distressing situation may
appear specifically to be the re-
suit of lack of vision and ag-
gressiveness on the part of the
North Carolina dealer. Basically
this is not the case. A study of
the industry reveals that there are
aggressive individuals, knowledge
able of the business and who are
perfectly capable of engaging in
competitive techniques. They are
handicapped by the erratic nature
of production. One substantial
operation after another has closed
it's doors over the years because
uncertainty of supply crippled its
planning and programing to such
an extent that any long ranged
sales effort was discouraged.
In this respect there is a great
difference between this state and
the two great oyster producing
states to the north. While fluctua-
tons occur there, sometimes of
serious nature, the states of Vir-
ginia and Maryland are not so
close to the borderline that a re-
duction in supply virtually results
in cessation of effort. Further
they have North Carolina to fall
back on. Under present conditions
of supply it is impossible for the
North Carolina dealer to contract
ahead or even guarantee a large
order a few weeks in advance
without running the risk of fail
ure to perform.
1t would appear that the bust
ness of merchandising is the affair
of the oyster dealer, but it is clear
ly the responsibility of the state
to assure him of supply as long
as the laws of the state make the
oyster fishery free fishery.
Potential: This segment of the
fisheries has great inherent posi-
bilities, perhaps the greatest of any
of the states marine resources.
Every natural condition seems to
indicate North Carolina as large
center for the industrial develop
ment of the oyster. The winters
as a rule are mild, favoring long
growing season; food supply is
abundant; the presence of natural
enemies is negligible. The bottom
suitable to oyster growth is extern
sive; stretching along the entire
marginal areas of the numerous
sounds from Roanoke marshes to
the South Carolina line. The
growth rate of the North Carolina
oyster is rapid and marketable
oyster can be raised in three years
or less. The quality of the oyster
is excellent.
1t is the conviction of those who
know the North Carolina oyster
bottom and the nature of the ami
NAL that under proper manage
ment the peak year of 1902 lover
5 million pounds) could be exceed
ed and maintained. Such a goal
may be impossible of attainment.
At time, however, when the
states oyster production is at one
of its lowest GIBBS, it gives pause
for thinking and for determining
the reason why the state is so
far behind it's estimated potential.
Having witnessed what has been
done elsewhere, and on a few
occasions in North Carolina, this
writer is convinced that the po-
tential is not too extravagant to
hope for.
The SeafoOd Crop -
Its Economic Importance
The landings of all North Caro-
lima marketable sea products in
1853 were 192,647, 900 pounds for
which the fishermen were paid 49,
265, 1892. Of this amount menhaden
accounted for 132,1O4, 900 pounds
valued at $1,387 900. The amount
of edible resources, our principal
concern, was 6O,543, 900 pounds
with a value to the fishermen of
$6,878,000. The catch consisted of
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