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The annual sampling of the Mullica River oyster seed beds is performed to monitor setting success, survival and overall bed condition (i.e., percent oyster versus percent shell). The fall sampling of the seed beds revealed reductions in the total mortality figures compared to the previous year, although bed conditions remained below historical averages. The French's Point Bed was comprised of 56.1% oyster with a total annual mortality of 9.4 %. The Moss Point Bed had a bed condition of 59.5% oyster and a total mortality of 7.5 %.
Low rainfall over the last few years and the resultant higher salinities have benefited the oyster parasite Haplosporidium nelsoni (MSX), the distribution and virulence of which is directly related to salinity. In addition, generally warm winters have resulted in the spread of the oyster parasite Dermo (Perkinsus marinus) from the Chesapeake Bay. The Mullica River oyster seed beds have experienced the same MSX and Dermo related decline experienced by other states in the mid-Atlantic region.
The market beds at the mouth of the Mullica River, which were last planted in 1981, are virtually 100% shell. Periodic market harvest, oyster drill predation, lack of natural recruitment and disease-related mortality have contributed to the great decline of the three market beds. Without supplemental planting with seed oysters, it is possible that these beds could become silted over and lost for future oyster production.
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