Quantifying the rare: Baselines for the endangered Napoleon Wrasse,Cheilinus undulatus,and implications for conservation

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Assessment of spat collector ropes in Galician mussel farming

The large amount of mussel seed required to support the present mussel farming production levels in Galicia (NW Spain) forces the development of new designs in artificial spat collectors for continual improvement of mussel seed gathering. In the present study, we have assessed both settlement and recruitment of Mytilus galloprovincialis on four different collector ropes in the Ría de Ares-Betanzos (Galicia). Besides the traditional collector ropes (lacing without loops and non-filamentous structure; NF-NL), three new rope designs with different lacing and structures were evaluated; ropes with a filamentous loop complement (F-L), ropes with a non-filamentous loop complement (NF-L) and filamentous ropes without loops (F-NL). Ropes with loops showed higher settlement densities (53,925 ± 4625 and 42,433 ± 5525 indiv./m for F-L and NF-L, respectively) than ropes without loops (26,475 ± 3875 and 13,033 ± 1136 indiv./m for F-NL and NF-NL, respectively). This may be explained by the increase in available surface area provided by the loops. Several studies recognized the importance of filamentous substrata for mussel spat settlement, which may help to explain greater settlement densities on filamentous structures between ropes with the same lacing. In recruitment evaluation, ropes with filamentous loops showed the highest densities expressed in indiv./m (5493 ± 587) as was the case of settlement. However, when density was expressed in kg/m, the ropes with non-filamentous loops had a higher yield (8.48 ± 0.22 kg/m), that could be a result of differences in adjusted shell length between ropes. Intra-specific competition and predation were identified as important factors affecting post-settlement mortality. The latter factors could also influence population length distribution. Ropes with rigid loops (NF-L) may supply refuges for spat from predators and therefore, enhance the recruitment of larger individuals, although other factors like size selective settlement could play a significant role in this result.     

From egg to juvenile in the Bay of Biscay: spatial patterns of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) recruitment in a non‐upwelling region

In this study the spatial distribution of eggs, larvae and juveniles of European anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) was followed in 2004 and 2005 during three consecutive cruises each year in spring–summer to test what the limits of retention are in a non‐upwelling area. Eggs, small larvae and large juveniles were mainly distributed over the shelf, whereas large larvae and small juveniles were found mainly off the shelf. Although overall distributions were similar, the 2 yr differed in that there was more of a coastal distribution of individuals in 2004, whereas in 2005 more individuals were found off the shelf. There were no significant differences in the length–weight relationships for individuals found on and off the shelf or between years. The correspondence in circulation patterns and the lack of difference in the length–weight relationships suggest that a single population is present, larvae drifting off the shelf due to currents and returning as mobile juveniles. Quantile regression analysis of the long‐term recruitment index suggests that transport off the shelf may favour good recruitments. This would suggest that in non‐upwelling regions the retention area resulting in good recruitment may not be restricted to the shelf.     

Population genetic structure and differential selection in mussel Mytilus chilensis

This study examines the genetic connectivity between natural banks of Chilean mussel, Mytilus chilensis, located in Reloncaví Fjord. This sector is the principal source of seed for commercial farming and has the second‐largest aquaculture production volume in the country. The objects of this work are as follows: (1) to estimate the degree of connectivity between patches (microscale) located in the intertidal/subtidal zones, evaluating the presence of selection processes; and (2) to identify connectivity patterns by gene flow between subpopulations (mesoscale) in order to determine whether they all correspond to a common population (meta‐population). We analysed individuals distributed in the intertidal and subtidal zones of five locations by sequencing the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene and eight nuclear DNA microsatellite loci. Comparison of the two tidal zones presented differences revealed by the COI gene. The locations presented low genetic differentiation; however, differences were found in both markers at the mouth of the fjord. The differences between the tidal zones may result from differentiated natural selection processes between the intertidal and subtidal environments, with those in the intertidal subjected to greater selective pressure. There is effective connectivity between the locations, facilitated by the capacity for dispersion of the larvae and certain oceanographic processes, which would also explain the differences observed in the location at the mouth of the fjord. Because these banks sustain mussel aquaculture activity throughout the country, it is important to take measures to ensure their proper maintenance, observing all the indicators including their genetic diversity and structure.     

Effects of Larval Stocking Density on Laboratory-Scale and Commercial-Scale Production of Summer Flounder Paraliehthys dentatus

Abstract.— Three experiments investigating larval stocking densities of summer flounder from hatch to metamorphosis, Paralichthvs dentalus, were conducted at laboratory‐scale (75‐L aquaria) and at commercial scale (1,000‐L tanks). Experiments 1 and 2 at commercial scale tested the densities of 10 and 60 larvae/L, and 10, 20, and 30/L, respectively. The laboratory scale experiment tested the densities of 10, 20, 30, and 40 larvae/L. Experiments were carried out in two separate filtered, flow‐through seawater systems at URI Narragansett Bay Campus (laboratory‐scale), and at GreatBay Aquafarms, Inc. (commercial‐scale). At both locations, the larvae were raised in a “greenwater” culture environment, and fed rotifers and brine shrimp nauplii according to feeding regimes established for each location. Water temperature was maintained at 21C (± 2) and 19C (± 1) for the duration of laboratory and commercial experiments, respectively. Experiments 1 and 2 at the commercial location were terminated at 42 and 37 d post hatch (dph), respectively, and the laboratory experiment lasted 34 DPH. Larvae initially stocked at 10/L grew to an average length of 14.3 and 14.4 mm, and were significantly larger (P < 0.05) than those stocked at 30/L (13.1 mm) and 60/L (11.7 mm) in commercial scale experiments I and 2, respectively. At laboratory scale, no significant differences in length were detected, although mean total length tended to decrease with increasing stocking density (average length of 14.2, 13.3, 12.7, and 12.7 mm for treatments of 10, 20, 30, and 40/L, respectively). Final survival percentage was not affected by stocking density in either commercial experiment, and was 61 and 40% for treatments of 10 and 60/L in Experiment 1, respectively, and 62, 59, and 56% for Experiment 2, respectively. Similarly, there was no significant difference in final survival percentage among treatments in the laboratory experiment, which averaged 59, 55, 56, and 37% for treatments of 10, 20, 30, and 40L. respectively. Since larval length was not different between the intermediate densities (20 and 30 Iarvae/L), and because high‐density rearing can produce a much greater numerical yield per tank, we recommend a density of 30 larvaen as an optimal stocking density for the hatchery production of summer flounder.     

On the relationship between low winter temperatures and mortality of juvenile scallops, Pecten maximus L., cultured in western Norway

The mortality of juvenile scallops (Pecten maximus L.) cultured at two densities at 8‐ and 15‐m depth was investigated at 17 trial locations along the western Norwegian coast between latitudes 58 and 65°N. During the winter of 1995/1996, scallops suffered high mortality at many sites. The results show a clear relationship between minimum temperature recorded on the sites and scallop mortality. All the scallops died at sites where minimum temperatures were lower than 2°C, while a mortality rate below 30% was only obtained at locations where the minimum temperature was 4–5°C. At temperatures between 2 and 4°C, mortality was intermediate, ranging from 52% to 100%. There were no mortality differences between culture densities, while a significantly higher mortality at 8‐ than at 15‐m depth was shown for two of the four sites with a total mean mortality lower than 30%. The results are discussed in relation to low‐temperature conditions along the Norwegian coast to suggest risk assessments for site selection in scallop culture.     

Dispersal of Eastern King Prawn larvae in a western boundary current: New insights from particle tracking

Patterns in larval transport of coastal species have important implications for species connectivity, conservation, and fisheries, especially in the vicinity of a strengthening boundary current. An Ocean General Circulation Model for the Earth Simulator particle tracking model was used to assess the potential dispersal of Eastern King Prawn (EKP) larvae Melicertus (Penaeus) plebejus, an important commercial and recreational species in Eastern Australia. Particles were exposed to a constant natural mortality rate, and temperature‐dependent growth (degree‐days) was used to determine the time of settlement. Forward and backward simulations were used to identify the extent of larval dispersal from key source locations, and to determine the putative spawning regions for four settlement sites. The mean dispersal distance for larvae was extensive (~750–1,000 km before settlement), yet the northern spawning locations were unlikely to contribute larvae to the most southern extent of the EKP range. There was generally great offshore dispersal of larvae, with only 2%–5% of larvae on the continental shelf at the time of settlement. Our particle tracking results were combined with existing site‐specific reproductive potentials to identify the relative contributions of larvae from key source locations. Although mid‐latitude sites had only moderate reproductive potential, they delivered the most particles to the southern coast and are probably the most important sources of larval EKP for the two southern estuaries. Our modelling suggests that mesoscale oceanography is a strong determinant of recruitment success of the EKP, and highlights the importance of both larval dispersal and reproductive potential for understanding connectivity across a species’ range.     

Sudden change in long‐term ocean climate fluctuations corresponds with ecosystem alterations and reduced recruitment in Norwegian spring‐spawning herring (Clupea harengus,Clupeidae)

Fish stocks vary in abundance. The causes behind the fluctuations may be difficult to determine, especially ones caused by natural fluctuations, but long‐term data series may provide indications of the mechanisms. Assessments show that the recruitment to the Norwegian spring‐spawning herring (Clupea harengus, Clupeidae) has remained low since 2004, a year which produced the last really rich year‐class. Long time‐series of estimated recruitment and mean winter temperature in the ocean showed a significant positive correlation for the period 1921–2004. Here, we show that this positive correlation did not continue from 2005 onwards as the winter temperature increased to high levels while herring recruitment decreased and has remained low. The density of zooplankton in the drift route of the herring larvae dropped significantly after 2004, and their centre of gravity shifted northwards. There may currently be heavy predation on the larvae by Atlanic mackerel (Scomber scombrus, Scombridae), and top‐down regulation is suggested to hamper successful recruitment. Our analysis indicates that the presence of food and overlap with high food concentrations are likely important regulators of survival in herring larvae. The findings may be important for future management and planning of fisheries of this stock because recruitment failure may continue if temperature remains high and food abundance remains low.     

Growth and production of Pacific ocean perch (Sebastes alutus) in nursery habitats of the Gulf of Alaska

Nursery areas for juvenile fishes are often important for determining recruitment in marine populations by providing habitats that can maximize growth and thereby minimize mortality. Pacific ocean perch (POP, Sebastes alutus) have an extended juvenile period where they inhabit rocky nursery habitats. We examined POP nursery areas to link growth potential to recruitment. Juvenile POP were captured from nursery areas in 2004 and 2008, and estimated growth rates ranged from ?0.19 to 0.60 g day^?1 based on differences in size between June and August. Predicted growth rates from a bioenergetics model ranged from 0.05 to 0.49 g day^?1 and were not significantly different than observed. Substrate preferences and the distribution of their preferred habitats were utilized to predict the extent of juvenile POP nursery habitat in the Gulf of Alaska. Based on densities of fish observed on underwater video transects and the spatial extent of nursery areas, we predicted 278 and 290 million juvenile POP were produced in 2004 and 2008. Growth potential for juvenile POP was reconstructed using the bioenergetics model, spring zooplankton bloom timing and duration and bottom water temperature for 1982–2008. When a single outlying recruitment year in 1986 was removed, growth potential experienced by juvenile POP in nursery areas was significantly correlated to the recruitment time‐series from the stock assessment, explaining ～30% of the variability. This research highlights the potential to predict recruitment using habitat‐based methods and provides a potential mechanism for explaining some of the POP recruitment variability observed for this population.     

Landscape features determine brown trout population structure and recruitment dynamics

Variation in brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) population recruitment and structure is related to migratory patterns, which should depend on ease of access to habitats providing increased opportunity for growth. We quantified the number of young of year (YOY) as a proportion of the total number of brown trout at 24 locations on 11 streams within the Taieri catchment, New Zealand, including back calculated growth rates and emergence dates from otoliths. Locations with high absolute and relative abundance of YOY fish were related to elevation and distance from the river mainstem (habitat used by migratory fish), fish density, and the interaction between invertebrate food biomass, distance and elevation. Hatch date and growth were not related to the proportion of YOY fish, though growth was negatively correlated to total fish density. We suggest landscape features play a large role in determining recruitment and population structure. Locations at lower elevations have a high YOY density, high competition and lower growth, likely prompting out‐migration. These conditions could be created by successful return migration and spawning of large fecund fish resulting in YOY densities exceeding the habitat carrying capacity. Environmental factors, such as food availability, also played a role in determining population structure. These results provide an example of how population structure and recruitment might be controlled by local conditions and access to high growth environments in wild populations of introduced brown trout across a catchment.     

Modelling the advection and diffusion of eggs and larvae of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides) in the north-east Arctic

Since the late 1980s there has been considerable uncertainty in recruitment levels of the north‐east Arctic stock of Greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). The abundance of several year classes, originally considered very low at 0–3 yr age, appeared higher than expected at the age of 6+. This may be due to poor targeting of recruitment surveys of the younger year classes. The present work considers the transport and dispersion of eggs and larvae of Greenland halibut by numerical modelling in order to predict the locations of the initial recruitment grounds. Current fields from a 3D baroclinic hydrodynamic model are fed into a Lagrangian particle‐tracking model developed for the Barents Sea area. The particles are released into the current at the spawning field along the shelf slope from Lofoten to Bear Island (69–75°N). Vertically, the particles can follow a predefined depth‐by‐age curve or be kept at a fixed depth. This model system is used for different years to examine changes in the drift pattern. The results indicate that spawning location, transport depth and inflowing activity to the Barents Sea are important factors influencing the distribution of juveniles.     

Recruitment of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tapes philippinarum</Emphasis> in the Venice Lagoon (Italy) during 2002–2007

Currently, Tapes philippinarum, the Manila clam, is the primary fishery resource for about 1,000 fishermen and aquaculturists in the Venice Lagoon. The recruitment of this clam is a key component supporting shellfish culture industry that is almost completely dependent on the gathering of wild clam seed in nursery areas where the juveniles accrue at high densities as a consequence of favourable environmental conditions. The objective of the present study was to identify the areas optimal for the recruitment of T. philippinarum, herein referred to as nursery areas, and to evaluate the recruitment success each year for the period 2002–2007. Sampling was conducted with a hydraulic dredge at 25 stations, in at least three separate periods from April to September each year for 2002, 2003 and 2004, and at 15 stations for 2005, 2006 and 2007. The zero-year cohorts of this species were usually first detected in bottom samples in late spring (May and June). Some setting appears to occur throughout the summer. The peak of seed density, expressed as number of individuals retained on a 1-mm mesh screen per square metre of sampled substrate, was recorded in September. Measurable fluctuations in annual recruitment have been observed, with peak densities of juveniles in 2002 and 2003 (about 2,000/m²) and minimum densities in 2006 (about 44/m²). In the summer 2007, densities over 30,000/m² were found at the mouth of the River Brenta, immediately adjacent to the southern end of the Venice Lagoon. These intensive, multiyear surveys of this species furnish critical information on seasonal reproduction patterns and recruitment success, which is essential for the rational development of a local fishing master plan and for the formulation of a management strategy for sustainable utilisation of this shellfish resource in the Venice Lagoon.     

Climate‐induced environmental conditions influencing interannual variability of Mediterranean bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) larval growth

Daily growth variability of bluefin (Thunnus thynnus) larvae sampled in their Balearic Sea spawning grounds during the 2003–2005 spawning seasons was examined. Multi‐factorial ANOVA was applied to study the effects of environmental variables, such as temperature at 10 m depth (T10), microzooplankton dry weight (MDW) and protein/dry weight ratio (PROT/MDW) on larval growth. The 2003 bluefin tuna (BFT) larval cohort showed the fastest growth, recognizable from enhanced otolith and somatic mass increment compared to the 2004–2005 larval cohorts. The 2003 BFT larvae showed greater recent growth than the 2004–2005 BFT cohorts, which decreased in the last stages of development. Growth differences between the 2004 and 2005 larval cohorts were not significant. The environmental conditions between 2003 and 2004–2005 were highly contrasting as a result of the 2003 warming anomaly. Somatic and otolith growth rates (OGR) were significantly related to T10 and MDW, as well as to the PROT/MDW ratios. Nonetheless, the effect of T10 on OGR depended on the relative high (H) or low (L) levels of MDW and PROT/DW. Higher OGR was observed when T10 was high, MDW was low and PROT/DW was high. This environmental scenario conditions were met during 2003, which recorded the highest surface temperature and low planktonic biomass. Somatic growth, expressed as larval DW growth increase (DWGR), showed three‐factor significant interactions with T10*MDW*PROT/MDW, in which the two‐way interactions of MDW*PROT/MDW showed differences in the function of T10 levels.     

The influence of parasitism on fish population success

Abstract The influence of parasitism on first‐year growth and recruitment success of two cyprinid species in the Yorkshire Ouse catchment, England, was investigated using a 14‐year dataset. This study demonstrated a significant role of parasitism in growth and recruitment success of roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), and European chub, Squalius cephalus (L.) populations. Muscle infections by Bucephalus polymorphus Baer (Digenea), Myxobolus pseudodispar Gorbunova (Myxozoa) and Myxobolus pfeifferi Thélohan were considered important, with significant relationships between these parasites and year‐class strength and age‐0 fish length. Other parasites, such as Phyllodistomum sp. and Goussia sp., were implicated in host success to a lesser extent. Parasitism may be a major factor in recruitment and account for a high proportion of the variation in year‐class strength, although this varied among locations.     

Long-term variation in the abundance of the brown shrimp Crangon crangon (L.) population of the German Bight and possible causes for its interannual variability

Time series on Crangon crangon densities in the German Wadden Sea show a considerable degree of interannual variability, for the entire region in spring and in autumn as well as for three subareas, North Frisia, East Frisia and Elbe estuary. Across the entire survey area C. crangon density was inversely related to water depth. In autumn after the recruitment, settlement shrimp densities are correlated across a larger spatial scale (>100 km longshore), whereas in spring the overwintering adult spawning stock is uncorrelated across subareas. Interannually, extreme density variations can develop even over a short time span of 1 yr. On a large spatial scale shrimp abundance in autumn was correlated with year‐to‐year changes in physical environmental and biological parameters, winter water temperature, autumn river runoff and the winter NAO index. On a regional scale (North Frisia), density of gadoid predators was an additional component affecting shrimp stock abundance. No correlations to such parameters could be detected for the C. crangon stock in spring. Possible causes for the spring situation and additional sources for variability are discussed.     

A biophysical model to assess the trade‐off between larval recruitment and catch in southern Australia's largest prawn fishery

Data from stock assessment surveys, published research and climate sensors were linked to model the interaction between fishing, physical‐oceanographic processes and spatial patterns of larval settlement for western king prawn [Penaeus (Melicertus) latisulcatus]. This information was used to evaluate the trade‐off between larval recruitment and catch during fishing periods that demand high prices but coincide with spawning. Total rates of larval settlement were maximized when tidal currents and atmospheric physical‐forcing components were coupled with simulations of larval swimming behaviour under average gulf temperatures. Average gulf temperatures sustained longer larval durations and increased larval settlement rates by over 12% compared with warmer gulf conditions simulated under a scenario of global warming. Reproductive data coupled with outputs from the biophysical model identified consistent inter‐annual patterns in the areas contributing to larval settlement success. Areas located in the north‐east, and central‐west of the fishery, consistently contributed to over 40% of all larvae reaching a settlement in each year. Harvest sensitivity analyses indicated that changes in the spatial patterns of pre‐Christmas fishing could lead to improvements in overall rates of the larval settlement while maintaining or improving the levels of catch. Future studies to refine the model inputs relating to physical processes, larval behaviour and mortality rates for P. latisulcatus coupled with surveys of juvenile prawn abundance to ground truth the modelled predictions, would allow stock recruitment relationships to be more closely examined and inform adaptive management of the fishery in the future.     

Infection by Anguillicoloides crassus in a riverine stock of European eel,Anguilla anguilla

Abstract Infection by the parasitic nematode Anguillicoloides crassus Kuwahara, Niimi & Itagaki, in a wild riverine stock of European eel, Anguilla anguilla (L.), in a near pristine river was investigated. Samples were collected on a seasonal basis in distinct habitats along the river gradient. This study highlighted the presence of the parasite and completion of the whole life cycle in eels from the Río Esva. Infection levels by A. crassus were high at three sites between the mid river to the estuary and also varied among seasons. Condition of eels was lower at upstream sites compared with downstream locations. Although high‐quality, environmental conditions in the Río Esva may buffer the effects of A. crassus on eels, potential impacts and limiting factors for the parasite are discussed.     

Tropical storm and environmental forcing on regional blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) settlement

Global climate change is predicted to increase the frequency and magnitude of hurricanes, typhoons and other extreme cyclonic disturbance events, with little known consequences for recruitment dynamics of marine species that rely on wind‐driven larval transport to coastal settlement and nursery habitats. We conducted a large‐scale settlement study of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) in the Croatan‐Albemarle‐Pamlico Estuarine System (CAPES) in North Carolina, the second largest estuary in the US, during a 10‐yr period that encompassed 35 tropical storms of varying magnitudes and tracks, to determine the effects of hurricane track, wind speed and direction as well as lunar‐associated explanatory variables on spatiotemporal variation in settlement. The results suggest that much of the spatiotemporal variation in blue crab settlement within the CAPES is due to a combination of: (i) stochastic, meteorological events such as the number of tropical storm days during the fall recruitment season (～28% of the monthly variation explained), (ii) the frequency and duration of wind events blowing toward the southwest and, to a lesser degree, (iii) periodic events such as hours of dark flood tide. Tropical storms and hurricanes expand the blue crab nursery capacity of the CAPES. The benefits of hurricane‐forcing to megalopal settlement was dependent upon the storm track, with highest settlement events generally associated with ‘onshore’ storm tracks that made landfall from the ocean and moved inland along a southeasterly/northwesterly path, or ‘coastal’ storms that followed a path roughly parallel to the coastline and were located <300 km offshore of the coast.     

Population‐level effects of egg predation on a native planktivore in a large freshwater lake

Using a 37‐year recruitment time series, we uncovered a field pattern revealing a strong, inverse relationship between bloater Coregonus hoyi recruitment success and slimy sculpin Cottus cognatus biomass in Lake Michigan (United States), one of the largest freshwater lakes of the world. Given that slimy sculpins (and deepwater sculpin Myoxocephalus thompsonii) are known egg predators that spatiotemporally overlap with incubating bloater eggs, we used recently published data on sculpin diets and daily ration to model annual bloater egg consumption by sculpins for the 1973–2010 year‐classes. Although several strong year‐classes were produced in the late 1980s when the proportion of eggs consumed by slimy sculpins was extremely low (i.e., <0.001) and several weak year‐classes were produced when the proportion of bloater eggs consumed was at its highest (i.e., >0.10–1.0), egg predation failed to explain why recruitment was weak for the 1995–2005 year‐classes when the proportion consumed was also low (i.e., <0.02). We concluded that egg predation by slimy and deepwater sculpins could have limited bloater recruitment in some years, but that some undetermined factor was more important in many other years. Given that slimy sculpin densities are influenced by piscivorous lake trout Salvelinus namaycush, the restoration of which in Lake Michigan has lagged behind those in lakes Superior and Huron, our study highlights the importance of an ecosystem perspective when considering population dynamics of fishes.     

Assessment of spat collector ropes in Galician mussel farming

The large amount of mussel seed required to support the present mussel farming production levels in Galicia (NW Spain) forces the development of new designs in artificial spat collectors for continual improvement of mussel seed gathering. In the present study, we have assessed both settlement and recruitment of Mytilus galloprovincialis on four different collector ropes in the Ría de Ares-Betanzos (Galicia). Besides the traditional collector ropes (lacing without loops and non-filamentous structure; NF-NL), three new rope designs with different lacing and structures were evaluated; ropes with a filamentous loop complement (F-L), ropes with a non-filamentous loop complement (NF-L) and filamentous ropes without loops (F-NL). Ropes with loops showed higher settlement densities (53,925 ± 4625 and 42,433 ± 5525 indiv./m for F-L and NF-L, respectively) than ropes without loops (26,475 ± 3875 and 13,033 ± 1136 indiv./m for F-NL and NF-NL, respectively). This may be explained by the increase in available surface area provided by the loops. Several studies recognized the importance of filamentous substrata for mussel spat settlement, which may help to explain greater settlement densities on filamentous structures between ropes with the same lacing. In recruitment evaluation, ropes with filamentous loops showed the highest densities expressed in indiv./m (5493 ± 587) as was the case of settlement. However, when density was expressed in kg/m, the ropes with non-filamentous loops had a higher yield (8.48 ± 0.22 kg/m), that could be a result of differences in adjusted shell length between ropes. Intra-specific competition and predation were identified as important factors affecting post-settlement mortality. The latter factors could also influence population length distribution. Ropes with rigid loops (NF-L) may supply refuges for spat from predators and therefore, enhance the recruitment of larger individuals, although other factors like size selective settlement could play a significant role in this result.