Revitalizing a Northern Gulf Coast Oyster Fishery: Determination of the Costversus Benefits from Relaying Oysters

摘要

The northern Gulf Coast oyster industry has experienced severe declines inproduction over the past two decades. Loss of oyster grounds to siltation, extreme salinity fluctuations, and sanitary closures have reduced landings. Relaying oysters from restricted to approved waters may aid this fishery. Calculating the cost and benefit of relaying will allow an assessment of such efforts. Economic and technical data on dredging, planting and harvesting for a pilot relay program were collected.