Effects of fertilization and incubation factors on the quality and yield of scallop, Pecten fumatus Reeve, larvae

Variable quality and yield (percentage development from eggs) D-veligers of the scallop, Pecten fumatus Reeve, prompted assessment of fertilization and incubation protocols. Various sperm to egg ratios were tested on eggs suspended in sea water at different densities. Ratios of 1000:1 led to the highest D-veliger yield when eggs were incubated in suspension at one per millilitre. With increasing egg densities, the addition of 1000 sperm per egg led to increasing average numbers of sperm visible at the periphery of each egg, indicating that fewer sperm were necessary for fertilization at higher egg densities. The time period and temperature over which released gametes were stored before fertilization were also found to significantly affect D-veliger yield. Decreasing gamete storage temperature from 26 to 14^oC increased D-veliger yield, as did a reduction in the gamete storage period from 6 to 1 h. The incubation of embryos at densities in the 5-50 ml^-1 range did not affect D-veliger yield. A significant increase in total bacterial counts in the culture water occurred with increasing embryo stocking densities. However, presumptive Vibrionaceae counts did not increase significantly with increasing embryo stocking densities. In a comparison of the viability of self- and cross-fertilized embryos and larvae, fewer self-fertilized embryos developed to D-veliger stage; however, percentage survival, although highly variable, did not differ significantly in subsequent larval rearing. Cross-fertilized larvae had attained a significantly larger size by day 7.     

Digenean (Bucephalidae) infections in commercial scallops, Pecten fumatus Reeve, and doughboy scallops, Chlamys (Mimachlamys) asperrima (Lamarck), in Jervis Bay, New South Wales

Sympatric populations of the hermaphroditic scallop, Pecten fumatus Reeve, and of the dioecious scallop, Chlamys (Mimachlamys) asperrima (Lamarck), from Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia, were sampled between October 1991 and December 1994. Over the first 2 years, 5.1% of adult P. fumatus and 4.5% of adult C. asperrima were infected with a trematode, Bucephalus sp., that causes parasitic castration. A significant increase in the numbers of infected scallops occurred in spring 1993, teaching 63% in P. fumatus and 24% in C asperrima in May and March 1994, respectively. The prevalence of infection increased with scallop size, reaching 66% in P. fumatus greater than 80 mm in shell height and 40% in C. asperrima greater than 75 mm in 1994. Seasonal and interannual variations in parasitism for the P. fumatus recorded over a continuous period of 5 years in Jervis Bay are discussed, as are interspecies differences and the potential impact of the parasitic castration on reproductive potential and marketability of P. fumatus and C. asperrima.     

Settlement of juveniles of pearl oyster (Pinctada imbricata) on artificial collectors in Caraguatatuba,Sao Paulo,Brazil

In Southeastern Brazil, there is good cultivation potential for the pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata, which is often found on mussel ropes or seed collectors across the north coast of Sao Paulo State. Despite this, very few studies have focused on the biology of this species in Brazil. This research aimed to partially address this lack of information by evaluating the optimal season and preferred depth range (surface, first and second metres of depth) for the settlement of juvenile P. imbricata on artificial collectors. Two replicate artificial collectors made from braided fishing nets and comprising of horizontally and vertically suspended lines were deployed at Cocanha Beach, Brazil, and left in situ for a period of 5 months. At the end of the deployment period, the density of juveniles was significantly greater on the surface than the first and second metres of depth. It was also found that the period from November to March was more favourable for the placement of collectors and settlement of juveniles. Furthermore the results of the study confirm that is feasible to capture juvenile P. imbricata using artificial collectors to provide a continuous supply of commercial cultures.     

Yields of great scallop, Pecten maximus, larvae in a commercial flow-through rearing system in Norway

Survival, growth and yield of competent great scallop (Pecten maximus) larvae were investigated during a full production season in a commercial hatchery in western Norway. Broodstock were collected from natural scallop beds and 12 groups were induced to spawn during the period December 2002 to July 2003. Larvae were reared on a large scale in 36 flow-through tanks (3500 l) at 17±1 °C and continuously fed a mixture of five algal species produced in an indoor continuous-flow system. Large variations in larval performance between spawning groups and tanks were observed, but the results were as good as earlier results using the batch system and prophylactic addition of chloramphenicol. Growth from days 3–24 averaged 4.8 μm day⁻¹±0.8 (sd) and survival 22.4%±21.8 (sd). Mean yield of day 3 larvae was 7.1%±10.0 (sd) and 26.6%±25.9 (sd) for those surviving to day 24. Yield was significantly correlated to larval survival. Larval success was related to initial larval density, algal concentration and season. It was found that the best production regime had an initial larval density lower than 6 ml⁻¹ and algal concentration of less than 12 μl⁻¹ regardless of season. Seventeen tanks met these criteria and produced a mean yield of 0.5 larvae ml⁻¹ to settlement. Flow-through systems are currently regarded as the only feasible method for viable hatchery production of P. maximus larvae in Norway.     

Recruitment of catarina scallop (Argopecten ventricosus) larvae on artificial collectors off the NE coast of the Gulf of California

We evaluated recruitment of larvae of catarina scallop, Argopecten ventricosus, in the area of Puerto Peñasco, NE Gulf of California. We moored artificial collectors in six sites from June 2007 to August 2008 and replaced them every 2 months. We used monthly (July 2002–September 2011) sea surface temperature (SST, °C) and surface chlorophyll‐a concentration (SSChl, mg m^?3) Aqua/MODIS satellite data to describe seasonal environmental behaviour study area. Also, we recorded bottom temperature at each site every 4 h, and every 2 months measured sea surface salinity, temperature and dissolved oxygen. We used a repeated measures anova to evaluate differences in the number of recruited spat between main factors, and analysed the presence of multimodal spat shell size frequency distributions. Overall, spat recruitment was negatively correlated with seawater temperature and showed higher spat recruitment abundances throughout winter, which is the season with the highest surface chlorophyll a concentration. We estimated multimodal shell size frequency distributions characterized by more than one modal size. The natural collection of A. ventricosus spat on artificial collectors in the area can be successfully performed over a protracted period (November–December to May–June). Our results extend the area where collection of A. ventricosus spat can be successful.     

The effect of transportation on the juvenile scallop Pecten maximus (L.)

At the present time, there is little information concerning the effect of transport on the physiology of scallops. Therefore, the overall objective of this study was to use the adenylic energetic charge (AEC) as an indicator of stress in scallops. Three transport trials were carried out: dry transport in polystyrene boxes containing seaweed and transport by vivier lorry at various densities. Post-transport scallop mortality was low for all trials, but the AEC results showed that scallop stress was reduced when animals were transported by vivier truck compared with dry transport. AEC levels in scallops remained high after 24.75 h of vivier transport in trial 2 (0.54–0.69) and after 17 h of vivier transport in trial 3 (0.79–0.82), whereas after 12 h of dry transport in trial 1, AEC levels in the striated muscle had decreased to 0.42. Ammonia concentration increased throughout the trials but did not appear to affect scallop survival in the short term. In general, the results indicate that greater survival can be achieved over longer distances (greater than 17 h) and at higher densities by vivier truck. However, better stability of holding units within tanks and a method to regulate ammonia and pH levels are needed if greater densities are used.     

Pathogenic threats and probiotic use in larviculture of the scallop,Pecten maximus

During a series of experiments, bacteriological elements in scallop larval rearing were investigated: larvae susceptibility to pathogens as a function of their age, and the use of probiotic bacteria during larviculture. Younger larvae (d5 PF) were highly more susceptible to pathogenic‐challenge than their older siblings, which were challenged at an older age (d15 PF). A challenge with 10⁴ CFU mL^?1 of V. pectenicida killed 100% of d5 PF larvae 7 days following challenge, yet killed only 9% of d15 PF larvae 9 days following challenge. Use of the probiotics Phaeobacter gallaeciensis, Alteromonas macleodii 0444 and Neptunomonas sp. 0536, provided for larger larvae, a high yield of competent larvae and, perhaps more importantly, protection against pathogen‐challenge similar to levels achieved from antibiotic use. When challenged with V. pectenicida, d29 survivals were 20.3%, 85.1% and 75.0% respectively for control (no probiotic), antibiotic treated, and ‘probiotic mix’ administered larvae. Use of potential probiotic Pseudoalteromonas sp. D41 appeared to hinder scallop larvae. Future use of probiotics in scallop larval rearing would benefit from combined use of P. gallaeciensis, A. macleodii 0444 and Neptunomonas sp. 0536.     

Reproductive success under the joint influences of temperature and salinity in noble scallop,Chlamys nobilis (Reeve)

In this study, the joint effects of two important environmental factors, temperature and salinity, on the per cent fertilization (FR) and per cent hatching (HR) of noble scallop, Chlamys nobilis, was evaluated using the central composite design and the response surface methodology. The results showed that the linear effects of temperature on FR and HR were significant (P < 0.01), and the linear effects of salinity were non‐significant (P > 0.05); the interactions between temperature and salinity were not significant (P > 0.05); the quadratic effects of temperature and salinity on the two responses were significant (P < 0.01); temperature was more important in influencing the reproductive success. The model equations of FR and HR towards temperature and salinity were established, with R² more than 98%, indicating that the models had excellent ability for goodness of fit and projection. Through simultaneously optimizing the two models derived, we found out that the optimum factor combination was 25.7°C/29 ppt and the greatest reproductive success was 89.93% for FR and 72.42% for HR. The desirability value of 97.30% showed the reliability of these optima. Our results provide some valuable guidelines for refining the reproductive efficiency of C. nobilis.     

温度和盐度对华贵栉孔扇贝幼虫存活联合效应研究

利用中心复合实验设计法研究了温度和盐度两个环境因子对华贵栉孔扇贝幼虫存活的影响。采用响应曲面分析法确立了存活的二次回归方程,同时进行优化处理得到温度、盐度的最佳组合。结果显示在华贵栉孔扇贝幼虫存活中温度与盐度在一定的范围内的互作效应不显著,其中温度效应较为明显。温度对存活率影响的一次项效应和二次项效应均达到显著水平(P0.0001)。盐度对存活率影响的一次项效应不显著(P0.05),然而,盐度对存活率影响的二次项效应达到显著水平(P0.0001)。响应曲面法对华贵栉孔扇贝幼虫存活率不同日龄同时进行优化,其结果显示最佳温度、盐度组合为24.68℃和28.03,此条件下20日龄存活率为48.25%,其满意度函数值达到93.04%。     

Effect of water recirculation on seawater quality and production of scallop (Pecten maximus) larvae

Scallop larval production systems in Norway have changed from the use of batch to continuous flow through systems (FTS) during the last decade. Energy use to heat water in both larval and spat nurseries is considerable. Two experiments (June 2010 and February 2011) using water recirculation technology (RAS) were performed in large scale systems (3500 L larval tanks) supplied with continuous addition of algal feed, and 20% renewal of seawater.In the RAS a gradual increase in CO₂, decrease in pH and dissolved oxygen was observed over time. This was most obvious during experiment two, when the total organic carbon content increased in both FTS and RAS. The total bacterial number was lower and more stable in FTS than in the RAS. The variations in seawater quality parameters were smaller during the first experiment compared to the second, when values of oxygen saturation were reduced to <70%, pH was 7.8 and NO₃⁻ reached 5 mg L⁻¹. Even though these changes would seem less beneficial for survival and growth of scallop larvae, results showed that the survival at the end of the larval stage was higher in the FTS, but the yield of competent larvae ready for settlement was not significant different (p > 0.05) due to large variations between tanks. The CV% was 28.9% in FTS, while it was 49.9% in RAS. In FTS the mean yield was 40.2%, while it was 26.5% of initial number of larvae in RAS. Large variations in survival and yield were found between the larval tanks as well as gradual reduction in pH and oxygen in RAS tanks. The results indicate that there is a large potential for 80% reduction in water use by utilizing recirculation technology.     

Influence of fouling on the growth and survival of the tropical scallop, Euvola (Pecten) ziczac (L. 1758) in suspended culture

To examine the impact of fouling organisms on the growth and survival of the scallop Euvola ziczac L., we maintained 31-34-mm juveniles in pearl nets at 8 m in depth at Turpialito, Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela. The experiment ran for a 67-d period under four conditions: (1) shells and nets cleaned; (2) shells not cleaned and nets cleaned; (3) shells cleaned and nets not cleaned; and (4) shells and nets not cleaned. The growth of the scallop was least when fouling developed on both the pearl nets and scallop shells. The rate of growth of the shell (height and mass) was strongly affected by organisms colonizing the pearl nets and only weakly affected by organisms colonizing the shells. Fouling organisms on the shells only slightly affected rates of increase of tissue mass, but probably accounted for increased mortality. In developing commercial culture of E. ziczac, strategies need to be developed to limit the adverse effects of fouling on yield.     

Neutral lipase and phospholipase activities in scallop juveniles (Pecten maximus) and dietary algae

Activities of the digestive enzymes neutral lipase and phospholipase A₂ were present in 2‐mm scallop juveniles, indicating an endogenous ability to digest lipids. When determined in the dietary microalgae, lipolytic activities of both enzymes differed significantly, being highest in Isochrysis galbana and Tetraselmis sp. and lowest in Chaetoceros mülleri. Compared with the activities found in scallop juveniles, enzyme activities from the microalgae were rather low and did not seem to contribute considerably to their digestive process. However, ingested algae seemed to have a regulating effect on the phospholipase activity in scallops, as juveniles fed I. galbana had a significantly lower activity than juveniles of the other treatments. No such effect was evident for neutral lipase, indicating different regulation mechanisms for both enzymes. Dietary effects on digestive enzymes in scallop juveniles should be considered when choosing new potential algal species as feed or for future formulation of artificial diets.     

Abundance and spatial distribution of the Mediterranean scallop,Pecten jacobaeus,in a marine lake

Pecten jacobaeus is an exploitable bivalve, whose populations have greatly declined in the main Mediterranean fisheries since the mid-1980s. A substantial population of the species was studied in the marine Lake Vouliagmeni (Korinthiakos Gulf, Greece). The population density and the spatial distribution of P. jacobaeus were estimated in the lake with line transect sampling by SCUBA diving, a method not previously used for scallop density estimations. Individuals of the first size class (small) were mainly restricted to shallow waters (4–8 m), while individuals of the second size class (large) were mainly restricted to deeper waters (>12 m). Possible reasons for this size-separation were: (1) the most appropriate settlement substrate for pediveligers was in shallow waters, (2) the strong summer thermocline in the lake may have induced the selection of the shallow and warm bottoms of the lake as settlement areas, (3) intraspecific competition between adults and pediveligers, and (4) the high fishing mortality of large individuals in shallow waters. On the hypothesis that successful recruitment of P. jacobaeus occurred mostly in the shallow areas of the lake, it was deduced that P. jacobaeus gradually migrated, as they grew, from the shallow settlement fields of the lake to the deeper areas. The density of large individuals was associated with depth and the degree of scatter (QDφ) of the granule size frequencies. Higher densities of large individuals were found deeper and in poorly sorted sediments (QDφ > 1.0). The size of large individuals was positively correlated with depth. The size of P. jacobaeus population in Lake Vouliagmeni was estimated.     

Settlement of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck) on rope collectors in the estuary of the River Krka,Yugoslavia

The 25-km² estuary of the River Krka, Yugoslavia, supports a large natural population of mussels. Artificial culture on hanging ropes is now beginning, and for this it is necessary to know the best areas, depths and times for settlement and collection of seed. In this experiment, plastic rope test collectors were set each month from May 1981 to April 1982 at three sites. After 2 months, settled mussels were removed from collectors. Water temperature and salinity measurements were made weekly at each site. Maximal settlement at the two upstream sites was found in September, when 350 and 485 mussels were recovered from 125 cm² of rope at 2 m depth. However, at the site further downstream, good settlement occurred throughout the year, peaking at 5250 mussels per 125 cm² of rope at 3 m depth during April. Such productive sites will be extremely useful in supplying seed for mussel farms in this area.     

Status of a commercial sea scallop enhancement project in Iles-de-la-Madeleine (Quebec, Canada)

The main objective of the REPERE (REcherche sur le Petoncle a des fins d'Elevage et de REpeuplement) research programme, initiated in the Iles-de-la-Madeleine in 1991, was to enhance natural sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) populations which were greatly reduced by overfishing. Sea bed seeding was chosen as the best approach to achieve this goal. In 1992, after two years of scientific research work, mainly centred on producing a supply of juveniles and developing intermediate culture methods, the Scallop Fishermen's Association, supported by governmental financing, initiated a commercial seeding project. Two thousand collectors were set out in open waters suitable for spat settlement. A collecting rate of 780 spat per collector produced a catch of 1.5 million spat. Technical problems led to significant losses of juveniles. Intermediate culture in pearl nets in a lagoon, between July and October 1993, enhanced growth noticeably. At an age of 1 y, average shell height was 32 mm. In the fall of 1993, 30 000 young scallops were seeded on a natural bed closed to fishing. Ten thousand collectors were set out in the fall of 1993. Collecting success was 1145 spat per collector and spat losses were reduced by technical improvements. In November 1994, 1.5 million scallops were seeded on a sea bed closed to the fishery. Scallops from the 1994 seeding could reach market size (90 mm) by 1997.     

Conversion of pectenotoxin-2 to pectenotoxin-2 seco acid in the New Zealand scallop, Pecten novaezelandiae

SUMMARY: Comparison of pectenotoxin (PTX) profiles between the toxic dinoflagellate Dinophysis acuta and scallops Pecten novaezelandiae collected at Wedge Point, Queen Charlotte Sound, New Zealand was carried out by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) with turbo-ionspray ionization. Although the major PTX homolog in D. acuta was pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2), the scallops contained pectenotoxin-2 seco acid (PTX2SA) as the predominant toxin. Pectenotoxin-2 isolated from D. acuta was rapidly converted to PTX2SA and its epimer 7- epi -pectenotoxin-2 seco acid (7- epi -PTX2SA) in the scallop extracts. These results indicate that PTX2SA and 7- epi -PTX2SA arose from the conversion of PTX2 by scallop tissue. The results indicate that New Zealand scallops have an ability to reduce the cytotoxicity of PTX2 by conversion to PTX2SA.     

Handling time and predation behaviour by the crab, Cancer pagurus, preying on cultured scallop, Pecten maximus

We investigated handling time, persistence time and shell‐breaking techniques by crab, Cancer pagurus (L.) (13–15 cm carapace width), offered cultured scallops, Pecten maximus(L.), within the recommended release size for bottom culture. Three shell height groups were used: 50–55, 60–65 and 70–75 mm. The results showed that the crabs managed to open scallops from all the three size groups. The median handling time in the 50–55 mm group (788 s) was significantly different from the median handling time of the 60–65 mm (2482 s) and 70–75 mm (2980 s) groups. The median persistence time increased significantly with each scallop size, from 89 s in the 50–55 mm group to 97 s in the 60–65 mm and 125 s in the 70–75 mm group. We observed a change in the shell‐breaking techniques from a dominance of smashed scallops in the 50–55 mm group to more punched and chipped scallops in the 60–65 and 70–75 mm groups. The shift in predation behaviour when crabs were offered 50–55 mm scallops compared with the larger groups is discussed in relation to strategies in the release of scallops to seabed cultures.     

嫁虫戚精巢的组织学研究

本文研究了嫁虫戚雄性生殖系统的组织学。嫁虫戚的精巢结构同贻贝、栉孔扇贝的相似,也是由外膜及其内的无数生殖小管构成。外膜较薄,由平滑肌和少量结缔组织组成,只在局部区域含有单层柱状上皮细胞。生殖小管间充填着结缔组织及来自外膜的薄层肌肉,结缔组织中含有血管。生殖小管由位于基膜上的生殖上皮及由生殖上皮增殖出的精原细胞、初级精母细胞、次级精母细胞、精细胞和精子组成。精原细胞较大,圆形或椭圆形,核较大,与细胞同形,染色质呈颗粒状靠近核膜分布,核仁1个,圆形,明显。初级精母细胞和次级精母细胞结构相似。精细胞圆形,核染色深。精子呈长棒状,悬浮于生殖小管腔内。     

Spawning of Pecten maximus (Pectinidae) and the artificial collection of juveniles in two bays in the west of Ireland

The main spawning times of the scallop Pecten maximus (L.) in 1985 and 1986 in Kilkieran Bay were in late May and August in 1985 and in early June and late July in 1986. In the Birterbuy Bay population spawning was mainly in late April and August in 1985 and in late May 1986. Spawning continued at low levels throughout the summer. Fecundity also varied in the 2 years. Settlement on artificial collectors was monitored from June to September 1985 and May to September 1986 in Kilkieran Bay, from June to November 1985 in Birterbuy Bay. Major settlements occurred in June 1985 and in July 1986 in Kilkieran Bay, while only light settlement was recorded in Birterbuy Bay during 1985. Late spawnings in each year did not lead to successful settlements. Spatial variations in settlement intensity in Kilkieran Bay suggest that most larvae settle several kilometres from adult beds. Size-frequency distributions of settled juveniles, however, indicate that silting of some collectors may reduce their efficiency for collection of juveniles.     

Treatment of the early life stages of scallop (Pecten maximus) with antimicrobial agents; searching for an alternative to chloramphenicol

High mortality rates are often observed in rearing the early stages of the great scallop, Pecten maximus. The addition of antibacterial agents has been necessary to improve larval survival. However, as one antibacterial agent, chloramphenicol, is banned in Norway and Europe the aim of this study is to investigate alternative antibacterial agents. The therapeutic agents investigated in this study were florfenicol, oxytetracycline, oxolinic acid, neomycin and Pyceze. The mean minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for oxytetracycline, oxolinic acid and Pyceze against bacteria isolated from scallop larvae. Two types of treatment regime were investigated on an intermediate scale (20 L). One regime involved continuous exposure of scallop larvae to the therapeutic agent while the other involved a short exposure lasting two hours. All intermediate scale treatments were performed in parallel to large-scale production (800 L) treatment with chloramphenicol. Of the therapeutants investigated, oxolinic acid was the most effective, although only at high concentrations. The short exposure of two hours was ineffective for all therapeutics.