The legislation recommended for protection of mussel beds, based upon
the considerations discussed in the preceding pages, may be summarized
as follows:
I. (_a_) A single size limit should be fixed as applicable to
all shells taken. The minimum size here proposed is 2 inches.
(_b_) The method of measuring the shell should be defined as
"in greatest dimension."
(_c_) Possession of undersized shells, whether or not sold or
offered for sale, should be illegal.
(_d_) There should be an allowable margin of undersized
shells for unintentional violation.
II. (_a_) Alternate portions of rivers or river systems
should be closed for a period of years, to permit
recuperation of mussel beds.
(_b_) The units of division of a river system should be large
enough to make enforcement practicable with least expense.
(_c_) The river would conveniently be broken at the few
points where there is most community interest involved in the
shelling.
(_d_) Approximately five-year periods of closure are
recommended, with some discretion allowed to executive
officers as to duration of period.
(_e_) Closed regions should be established by proclamation of
the governor of the State, after expert examination of the
mussel beds and after public hearings on the subject in the
communities affected.
III. (_a_) Officers charged with enforcement of the law
should be empowered to examine mussels or shells in boats or
on land and to seize the catch in case of violation, as well
as to arrest or cause arrests to be made.
(_b_) Provision should be made for the issue of permits for
the taking of mussels of any size or in any region for
scientific uses and not for sale.