According to Hopkins and Andrews (1970),

the commercially valuable

clam, Rangia cuneata,

produces annually 2900 kg

meat per ha and 13,900 kg

per ha in certain Texas

estuaries.

Bardach (1968)

500-m2 raft in the best oyster growing estuaries can

yield 4 metric tons of shucked oyster meat annually.

Oyster meat

in a review of the history and techniques of Japanese

oyster culture, reports that the raft method has now

virtually replaced all other methods of shellfish culture in

that country.

Furukawa (1968),

Raft Method

raft culture of oysters and other shellfish is a sensible way to harvest the natural productivity of estuaries.

2. it must be widely recognized that not only is

estuarine farming based on entirely different

principles than is dry land farming, but consideration

must always be given to other uses with which

maricultural processes may conflict.

In order to realize the potential, we must understand the

urgency of two factors:

1. The physical destruction of estuaries must be halted and

their biological fitness stored through pollution abatement,

One thing is certain: marine and estuarine farming is not something inexperienced and untrained person or group should be encouraged to undertake.