Influence of salinity and temperature on clearance rage and oxygen consumption of juvenile sea scallops placopecten magellanicus (gmelin).

B. Frenette, G.J. Parsons, L.-A. Davidson

Abstract :

In an aquatic environment physical factors such as salinity and temperature can influence the clearance rate (F) and oxygen consumption (VO₂) of P. magellanicus. In this laboratory study, F was measured on two size classes (10-20 and 20-35 mm) of juvenile sea scallops using an algae diet (clone T-ISO). The VO₂ was measured on the small and large juveniles combined. The scallops were exposed in water temperatures of 3, 8, 13, 18 and 23°C, and in salinities of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 32 ppt. The F and VO₂ increased with an increase in water salinity for both sizes of juveniles. The highest F for both small and large juvenile was recorded at the water temperature of 13°C. The highest VO₂ was at the water temperature of 18°C. The highest F (at 32ppt and 13°C) recorded was 0.35 +/- 0.01 mL/h/scallops x 10³ for small juveniles and 0.56+/- 0.10 mL/h/scallops x 10³ for large juveniles. The highest VO₂ (at 32 ppt and 18°C) recorded was 0.003 +/- 0.0007 ml/h. The salinity and temperature influences the F and VO_2. Therefore these environmental parameters must be taken in consideration when selecting an aquaculture site.

(Marine Institute of Memorial University, St. John’s NF, Canada A1C 5R3)

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