Study on the potential of suspended longline mariculture of the scallop Chlamys farreri in offshore areas

The growth and survival of the scallop Chlamys farreri exposed to different initial densities were evaluated in culture systems from inshore and offshore areas of Sungo Bay, China, from May 2007 to March 2008. Water quality data (e.g. temperature, salinity, current speed, chlorophyll a and total particulate material) were measured concurrently. The C. farreri reached the market size after 10 months of cultivation. Average survival rates for the same initial densities were lower in the inshore area than those in the offshore area. Survival rates also were inversely proportional to the initial densities. Scallops in offshore area with initial densities of 20 and 30 individuals per disc resulted in significantly greater shell heights, soft tissue weights and muscle weight compared with the other experimental groups. Tissue weight increased rapidly from May to September. However, scallops in offshore area had a second growth peak during October to November. Scallops in the offshore area had higher growth and survival rates, which may be attributed to high water current speed resulting in increased food supplies. Results indicate that the scallop C. farreri has an aquaculture potential in offshore cultivation systems.