Marine Forester Flexes His Mussels

* As one of many Marine Forests Society volunteers, it was with much interest that I read “Mussel Man Fights Hunger (Dec. 12).” I find that I must take issue with many of the statements in the article.

How can state officials claim that rubber tires do not make good habitats for mussels and other marine animals when the excellent picture in your article shows fish, starfish and even kelp growing on the tires?

The statement by state health officials about human consumption of mussels grown by the Marine Forests Society is contradicted by data supplied by Orange County environmental health officials, that “our” water passes requirements set forth by the state water quality authorities.

The quotations by Mr. Bedford from the Department of Fish and Game make even less sense. Mussels do not only grow near the top. There are numerous plastic substrates floating two to four feet above the ocean floor at a depth of 40-50 feet that are covered with mussels.

Mr. Bedford is obviously prejudiced against the Marine Forests Society and its many volunteers. For some unknown reason, he, as head of the Fish and Game Department’s artificial reef program, thinks that only rocks can make a “good” artificial reef.

The Marine Forests Society is only trying to develop methods to help “feed” the world and, incidentally, increase fisheries that will also benefit the sport fishermen who help fund the Department of Fish and Game.

ROY L. LAY

Placentia