A seeding experiment of
juvenile great scallops (Pecten maximus (L.)) off the Island of
Jersey.
G.M. Morel, S.F. Bossy-2001
Aquaculture
International, 9(5):
367-377
Abstract:
In 1995, landings of Great scallops, Pecten
maximus (L.) increased dramatically in Jersey from around one tonne in
the previous year, to 66 tonnes and this continues to rise. This was caused
by the introduction of scallop diving permits and diversification of the
fishing fleet. Due to this increase in effort it was decided that the
feasibility of ranching one-year-old juvenile scallops should be
investigated. 100,000 scallops were purchased from Ireland and seeded in
specifically selected coastal sites. The scallops grew from 22.8 mm shell
length and 1.17 grams to 57.6 mm and 23.2 grams in the first six months
after seeding, and to 93.3 mm and 88.9 grams during the subsequent 12
months. Growth rate slowed considerably during winter months. Given these
growth rates the scallops will reach market size in three years from
settlement, less than the 4, 5 and 6 years taken in Guernsey, the Eastern
Channel and the offshore Irish Sea respectively. Although growth rates are
not unique and are comparable with other inshore sites in the UK, they are
significant for scallop farming in Jersey waters. Mortality following
re-seeding and predation rates by crab and starfish appears to be lower than
reported by other workers. However this has not yet been quantified.
(Howard Davis Farm, Department of
Agriculture & Fisheries, Trinity, JE4 8UF, UK,
e-mail: G.Morel@gov.je)