its individual members, figure so prominently in our broad plans for the
expansion of our fisheries industry.

Your State government of course can and will continue to assist you
in this effort—through the Department of Tidewater Fisheries, the
Department of Economic Development, the Natural Resources Institute
of the University of Maryland and other agencies. And I believe you
all know that you will continue to receive the support of the Chief
Executive in your efforts.

Let me give you an example of the kind of cooperation in this area
that I have in mind. Because of the heavy yield, Maryland finds itself
today producing more soft-shell clams that it can market successfully.

Under these circumstances, State agencies are collaborating in the
development of a marketing study and program. An application has
been made to the federal government's Area Redevelopment Adminis-
tration for funds to finance the program. If approved, it will provide
$338, 000 for the study and development of markets for this Tidewater
resource. We have not yet received ARA approval of the project, but
from reports I have been receiving from Washington I believe we have
reason to feel optimistic about the outcome. In any event, I know we
must increase our effort to find markets for our seafood products.

As the Governor of this State, I am proud of the steps you are taking
to spark a renewed interest in this vital sector of the Maryland economy,
and I promise you that your State government will continue to stand
behind you in this commendable undertaking.

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