The abundant shellfish populations of the rich brackish waters of the coastal areas have been an important source of food from prehistoric times. Productive shellfish-harvesting waters have been decreasing at an alarming rate in recent times. Currently, of the fifteen million acres of national estuarine waters available for shellfish harvesting, only 64% are classified as approved and the amount of acreage available is decreasing annUally. The remaining areas are classified as prohibited, conditionally approved or restricted. Despite the growing problems, the shellfish industry is of vital...