of Governor Herbert R. O'Conor ' 133

most important conservation problems, such as a uniform legal size for fish
of various species and the adoption of measures which can be undertaken
jointly looking toward the restoration of the Chesapeake shad fishery. The
great decline in the annual catch of shad in recent years is a matter of deep
concern. That a material improvement in the catch of shad can be effected is
apparent from the remarkable recovery in the shad fishery of the Hudson
River, as a result of constructive measures put into effect by the New York
Conservation authorities. There is no reason why similar results cannot be
achieved in the Chesapeake.

The shell planting program supported by a State appropriation for that
purpose has new been in effect for a number of years, and has demonstrated
that it is an effective means of bringing back into production depleted oyster
bars. I favor the continuance of this program. In this connection, I am
advised by the Commission that it is carefully studying the problem of placing
the shells chiefly in such areas where previous experience has shown that there
is a strong probability of getting a set of young oysters. Through this shell
planting program and by reason of its management and control of the public
beds and bars, our State, through the medium of the Conservation Commission,
is relatively in the business of oyster farming on a large scale. It is, of
course, important that it conduct these operations in a business-like manner
guided by the most competent, practical and scientific information and advice
that can be obtained. I am confident that the Commission will be guided by
such principles.

The importance of scientific research in connection with our seafood prob-
lems cannot be over-emphasized, and I want to take this occasion to commend
the work which the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, under Dr. Truitt, at
Solomons Island is accomplishing. It is of the utmost importance to have the
benefit of sound scientific knowledge in developing measures for the protec-
tion and increase of our fishery resources.

Through the recently appointed Maryland Publicity Commission, working
in cooperation with the Conservation authorities, it is hoped that a sound and
effective program may be developed to promote the sale of the products of our
Bay, especially for oysters. This newly appointed Commission has been re-
quested by me to make a particular study of such a program.

With the very definite health and nutritional values contained in our Chesa-
peake seafoods and the almost universal appeal these delicious foods have for
all of us, it seems to me that their merits can be very readily publicized to
the profit of the industry.

Special stress will be laid upon the attractive recreational areas in our
State, so that both our citizens and persons from other states can be induced
to enjoy the incomparable benefits from these appealing places. Again, it
must ever be remembered that Maryland offers exceptional advantages to
hunters, and it is our definite obligation to undertake every worthwhile
measure to capitalize on the natural possessions which are ours.

Any discussion before such a group as this, and particularly of the Chesa-
peake, should not overlook the very considerable and increasing interests in
sport and recreational fishing. It is not only of first importance on account
of the economic benefits derived by our tidewater communities, but it affords
the greatest recreational value to our citizens. Our conservation authorities
are, and I am sure will continue to be, alert to the importance of promoting