Study of Oyster Growth and Population Structure of the Public Reefs in Matagorda, Tres Palacios and East Matagorda Bays - Survey of Oyster Populations and Associated Organisms

Sample data indicate that Middle Ground Reef is in poor condition due to overcrowding and excessive growth of fouling organisms. Gadwall Reef received a very heavy spatfall in 1963. Few commercial size oysters were taken but the survival of the 1962 spat was good. Sand Point Reef suffered extensive mortality from September through December. Dermocystidium marinum samples were negative.