oyster production. Since that time, in a greatly accelerated oyster
repletion program, the State has planted nearly 30 million bushels of
shells and more than 4 million bushels of seed. Rehabilitation is of
necessity a slow process, but the results of the action we took six
years ago now are becoming apparent. Acute drought conditions in
this area of the country have caused a marked increase in the salinity
of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, and MSX, the oyster malady
associated with high salinity, has taken a heavy toll of marketable
oysters in Tangier Sound, Hooper Straits and other of the more
southern producing areas. But despite this misfortune, the oyster yield
during the current year is running substantially higher than any
year since 1959. For the first time in many years, Maryland now has
an excellent crop of oysters of all sizes, and the prospects for a better-
ment of oyster production is bright indeed.

Regarding seafood in general, Maryland's landings for the first
ten months of 1965, as reported by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Ser-
vice, totaled 77. 9 million pounds, valued at $9. 8 million, the highest
production since 1929 when accurate catch statistic became available.
New records were set in the production of soft shell clams and hard
crabs. We must, to be sure, continue our support of the rehabilitation
program carried on by die Department of Chesapeake Bay Affairs
so that this important area of our economy may prosper.

PARKS AND RECREATION

American people have more time for play and recreation and they
travel more than ever before in history, and therefore it is not sur-
prising that more people use our parks than ever before. Last year,
4 million persons visited Maryland's 33 parks and recreation areas.
It is interesting to note that 32. 7 per cent of these were from out of
die State. The Department of Forests and Parks has estimated that
these facilities contributed $25 million to the economy of local areas
within the State during fiscal 1965.

Since I have been Governor, I have witnessed a vast enlargement
of our park system and some notable improvements in the recreational
opportunities they provide. This program of enlargement and im-
provement must continue unabated, so that our park system is second
to none in the nation. The budget I am recommending to you reflects
this policy. The $4, 939, 000 in capital funds allowed the Department
of Forests and Parks is exceeded in the budget only by the amounts
allocated to the University of Maryland and the Department of
Mental Hygiene.

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