Comparison of shell strength in wild and cultured scallops (Pecten maximus)

Shell strength development of the scallop Pecten maximus collected from wild stocks and from suspended cultures was described over the culture period when most of the growth takes place (20–110 mm shell height). Shell strength, shell height and shell thickness were determined in scallops of age groups 2–5 years. Wild and cultured scallops showed a strong divergence in shell strength development in scallops older than age group 3, which was not reflected in the concurrent development of shell height and thickness, indicating that factors other than shell height and shell thickness explain the differences in observed shell strength. In wild scallops, shell height, shell thickness and age accounted for about 65% of the variation in shell strength, while the same variables accounted for about 30% in cultured scallops. Wild scallops had stronger shells than the cultured scallops of the same size (53–68 mm shell height) grown at the same site, suggesting that factors related to suspended culture could explain the weak shells in cultured scallops. The results indicate that conditions related to suspended culture can have a negative impact on shell strength development in P. maximus. As the shell is the primary protection against decapod predation in scallops, a better understanding of what affects the shell strength is of importance for the development of release strategies in bottom culture of P. maximus.     

Growth,survival and immune activity of scallops,Chlamys farreri Jones et Preston,compared between suspended and bottom culture in Haizhou Bay,China

We examined the growth, survival and immune response of the scallop, Chlamys farreri, during a 1‐year period in deep water of Haizhou Bay. Scallops were cultured using two methods: (1) in lantern nets at a 5 m depth and (2) in a bottom culture system (sleeves) on the seabed at about a 25 m depth. Shell heights, meat dry weight and immune activities in the haemolymph (superoxide dismutase and myeloperoxidase) were measured bimonthly or quarterly from July 2007 to June 2008. Survival was measured at the end of the study and environmental parameters in the experimental layers were monitored during the experiment. The growth and immune activities of scallops were lower when the water temperature was high, which was consistent with the main mortality occurring in summer. The growth and immunity of scallops were higher in the suspended culture than in the bottom culture during the experiment, with the exception of shell growth during the last study period. Survival of scallops in the suspended culture (54.6±12.3%) was significantly lower than that in the bottom culture (86.8±3.5%) at the end of this study. We conclude from our results that the high mortality of C. farreri can be prevented by culturing them in a bottom culture system before November of the first year, and then transferring them to a suspended culture to improve scallop production.     

Growth and mortality of the king scallop grown in suspended culture in Malaga, Southern Spain

Growth and mortality of the king scallop, Pecten maximus, werecompared when grown in cages and by ear hanging in suspended culturein Fuengirola, Malaga, in southern Spain. Seed (juveniles) used in theexperiment was collected in September 1997 that had settled on collectorsin April-June, of that year. Culture in suspended cages began in January1998 when the seed measured 42.7 (3.3) mm shell height and ended inFebruary 1999. Significantly faster growth was found at a minimum culturedensity (16 scallops/cage) than at two other densities (24 and 36scallops/cage). Depth (1, 5 and 10 m from the bottom) influenced growth,poorest growth occurred closest to the bottom. Under optimum growingconditions, 16 scallops/cage suspended 10 m from the bottom, scallops grewto 10 cm shell length (legal size) by February 1999.In ear hanging culture, ropes were moored in April (51.3 (4.5) mm),June (58.2 (4.5) mm) and November 1998 (64.3 (4.9) mm).Initially, rapid shell growth was observed in all three cultures.Subsequently, the shells became covered with barnacles, Balanus sp.,that possibly caused total mortality of the April culture and led to highmortalities in the two other cultures.     

Bottom culture of the tropical scallop Lyropecten (Nodipecten) nodosus (L.) in the Golfo de Cariaco, Venezuela

Growth and survival of scallop Lyropecten nodosus were studied fromJuly to November 1997 using three bottom culture methods, (1) in corrals,(2) in pockets, and (3) in anchored sleeves. All size parameters studied (dryweight of the muscle, gonad, remaining tissues and shell, and shell length)showed significant differences due to culture method. The body componentswere larger for scallops in corrals than for those in pockets and greater forthose in pockets than in sleeves. In contrast, survival did not vary withculture method. Tissue components increased rapidly during the first 2months, when temperatures were lower and phytoplankton abundant(upwelling and transition periods). Subsequently values leveled off, or insome cases (muscle) decreased, and this coincided with stratification of thewater column and associated high temperatures and scarce food resources(and possible energetic demands for gonadal development). In contrast,shell weight and length showed no apparent affect of the environmentalchanges. The increased growth in the corrals was possibly because thecorral walls permitted the scallops to raise themselves off the bottom whichcould have provided greater access to food resources (suspendedparticles), or to better quality food.     

The influence of temperature and presence of predators on growth,survival and energy allocation for reproduction in the Catarina scallop Argopecten ventricosus

Environmental factors are known to modify the life history of marine ectotherms. In a 16‐month laboratory experiment, we investigated the influence of temperature and presence of predators on life‐history parameters including shell growth, survival and the energy investment in reproduction and body mass of the short‐lived (2–3 years) scallop Argopecten ventricosus. In parallel, A. ventricosus was maintained in the field at the Pacific coast of Baja California, México, to compare growth, survival and reproductive effort under natural conditions. For the laboratory treatments, scallops were reared at simulated field temperatures (SFT), 5 °C above SFT and in the presence of predators. Elevated water temperatures caused higher growth and gonad production, although at the cost of increased mortality. Presence of predators induced energy allocation to muscle rather than gonad growth, deferred spawning and extended survival. Field scallops exhibited higher growth, higher reproductive investment and were able to reproduce twice, whereas all laboratory scallops died after the first spawning. The natural variability of environmental parameters such as food and temperature may thus support optimal growth in the field, and when animals are protected from predators, reproduction in the second year of life.     

Growth and survival of the scallop Lyropecten (=Nodipecten) nodosus (L. 1758) in suspended culture in the Cariaco Gulf (Venezuela) during a non-upwelling period

Growth and survival of the scallop Lyropecten nodosus were studied in 1997 at two sites (inner and outer Turpialito Bay) during a non‐upwelling period normally occurring between August and November. Individuals had an initial shell height of 4.86 cm (SD=1.64 cm). Both experimental groups were held in suspended plastic baskets at the same depth (4 m). Measurements of shell height and dry weights of shell, gonad, digestive gland, remaining tissues and shell biofouling were taken at monthly intervals. Environmental parameters, including temperature, phytoplanktonic biomass, total particulate material (TPM) and associated organic (POM) and inorganic (PIM) fractions, were recorded simultaneously. At the end of the study, significant differences in growth and survival of scallops were observed between the two experimental sites. Scallops maintained inside the bay showed a 22% greater increase in shell height (7.41±0.27 cm) than those placed outside the bay (6.37±0.41 cm). Survival of scallops inside the bay was 31% higher compared with scallops outside. The greater availability of food of phytoplanktonic origin during the first two experimental months (July and August) together with greater POM throughout the whole experimental period except September, at the inner bay site, probably explained survival and growth differences observed between the two locations. Results suggest that, during the non‐upwelling period (characterized by low primary productivity and high water temperatures), POM of sedimentary origin may play an important role as an energy source required for metabolic and reproductive activities of L. nodosus.     

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.     

Lion's paw scallop (Nodipecten subnodosus, Sowerby 1835) aquaculture in Bahía Magdalena, Mexico: effects of population density and season on juvenile growth and mortality

This study examined the effects of density and growing season on growth and survival of juvenile lion's paw scallops (Nodipecten subnodosus) in Estero San Buto, a mangrove channel in Bahía Magdalena, Mexico. Scallops were kept in plastic mesh bags in oyster trays at three population densities (500, 1000 and 2000 organisms per tray, or low medium and high density respectively) over a period of 2 months from October to December 2001 and from February to April 2002. Growth (shell height increment) was measured every 7–12 days and mortality was evaluated at the end of the experiment (dead shell count). Overall growth was fast (0.24–0.38 mm day^?1) in comparison with other pectinids. Significant differences were found for both, density and season, with faster growth occurring at lower densities and during the fall season when the water temperature was higher. Mortality was low (0.5–3.0% 60 day^?1) except for the high‐density treatment in the fall (44% 60 day^?1). Crowding together with high water temperatures and increased metabolic oxygen demand of the scallops and possibly competition for food were the probable reasons for this high mortality. Overall, mortality was lower in the spring, when temperatures were lower, O₂ values were higher and food was more abundant.     

Self-thinning dynamics in experimental scallop populations

Self-thinning-related mortality has been encountered in extensively cultured scallop populations. Here we report an experiment aimed at studying actual population dynamics of scallops undergoing self-thinning and develop a model of the process. Scallops were kept in small tanks at various initial population densities. Growth and survival were monitored for 39 months. Two cohorts were monitored (cohorts 1 and 2 were 1 and 2 years old, respectively). Growth was density-dependent in cohort 2. Survivorship was high in cohort 1 during the first summer but mass mortality occurred during the second summer. Mortality in cohort 2 peaked during the first summer. In both cohorts, peak mortality occurred at age 2+ years and thus was uncoupled among cohorts. Therefore, negative environmental factors are ruled out as explanations of mortality. Instead, it appears as if self-thinning interacted with some ontogenetic factor. Although cohort 1 was undergoing self-thinning, trends in biomass–density curves were non-monotonous because of mass mortality. In contrast, self-thinning in cohort 2 followed a classical pattern. One possible mechanism for such contrasting differences was that 1+-year-old scallops produced byssal threads and attached to one another during the first year, forming multilayered clumps. This behaviour disappeared during the second year and mass mortality was experienced as scallops adopted a single-layered arrangement. Although details may differ among species, the process depicted above provides a potential trigger to the sequence of events leading to mass mortality in scallop culture. Our model suggests that self-thinning occurred in all density groups, with a common slope but with different elevations in the biomass–density space.     

Growth and reproduction of the lion's paw scallop Nodipecten subnodosus in a suspended culture system at Guerrero Negro lagoon,Baja California Sur,Mexico

The lion's paw scallop, Nodipecten subnodosus (Sowerby) has considerable aquacultural potential due to its fast growth and large adductor muscle. Prior investigations throughout northwestern Mexico's littoral have reported highly variable growth rates; furthermore, no studies are available of the environment on growth and gametogenesis in this species under culture conditions. This investigation assesses the effect of food availability and temperature on the growth and gametogenesis of N. subnodosus in a suspended culture system at Guerrero Negro lagoon, Mexico. After 1 year of cultivation, N. subnodosus reached 69.13 mm in shell height (SH) (0.196 mm day^?1, 14 months old). Two significant growth spurts were observed: over the two first months of culture (August and September 2001, mean growth rate 0.4 mm day^?1) and in September 2002 (0.3 mm day^?1), both related to high temperatures and chlorophyll a concentrations. The onset of gametogenesis occurred in April 2002, with an increase in temperature (10‐month‐old scallops, 54.5 mm SH). The first spawning occurred in October and November (86.2 and 93 mm SH), with peak temperatures. These results, together with the analysis of previous reports, indicate that N. subnodosus has a higher preference for temperate areas; therefore, the Guerrero Negro lagoon appears to be a suitable site to culture this species.     

Survival and growth of the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota Brandt: a comparison between suspended and bottom cultures in a subtropical fish farm during summer

The feasibility of co‐culturing the sea cucumber Holothuria leucospilota Brandt in a subtropical fish farm was investigated in a field study. Sea cucumbers were cultured in the fish farm in cages suspended at 4 m deep (suspended culture) and directly on the seafloor (bottom culture). The survival and growth of the sea cucumbers were monitored twice during the 3‐month, summer experimental period (May 26–August 14, 2010). Results showed that the suspension‐cultured sea cucumbers exhibited excellent survival rate (100%) during the whole study period. There also occurred no mortality in the bottom‐cultured sea cucumbers during the first culture period (May 26–July 13); but all these died from anoxia caused by water column stratification during the second culture period (July 14–August 14). The specific growth rate of the bottom‐cultured sea cucumbers (1.05 ± 0.21 % day^?1) was nearly double that of the suspended culture animals (0.57 ± 0.21 % day^?1) during the first culture period, and the growth rates of the suspended culture sea cucumbers in the second culture periods (0.46 ± 0.24 % day^?1) was only a little lower than that of the first period. The sea cucumbers H. leucospilota could ingest and assimilate sediment with high organic matter content with an average assimilation efficiency of 14.9 ± 3.9%. This study indicated that fish farm detritus can be effectively used as a food source for the sea cucumber and that it can be turned into a valuable secondary crop in the form of the sea cucumber biomass.     

Growth and mortality of cultured bay scallops in the Damariscotta River, Maine (USA)

Growth and mortality of hatchery-reared bay scallops, Argopecten irradians, were determined over an 18 month period (July 1994-December 1995) at two locations in the Damariscotta River, Maine, north of its natural distribution. Growth occurred primarily between May and October when mean water temperature exceeded 10 °C. Final mean shell height (56.3 mm) was significantly greater (p 0.0005) at the upriver site than at the downriver site in association with a higher mean water temperature. Cumulative mortality (43-49%) over this period occurred primarily over the winter months, in conjunction with mean water temperatures below 5 °C. Although it is possible to rear bay scallops to commercial size in Maine, the short growing season, high winter mortality, and costs associated with over-wintering and fouling will likely deter commercial culture.     

Aquaculture potential of the basket cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii). Part 2: effects of stocking density and depth on second year grow‐out performance of three size cohorts in intertidal and off‐bottom suspended culture

We investigated the effects of culture mode (intertidal and off‐bottom suspended culture) and initial stocking density (5%, 10%, 35% and 70% bottom cover) on survival, growth and condition indices of three size cohorts (16, 22 and 32 mm initial shell length) of the basket cockle, Clinocardium nuttallii, during a second year of grow‐out. In addition, we evaluated the effects of depth (2, 4 and 6 m) in suspended culture. All size cohorts demonstrated significantly higher growth rates, soft‐tissue biomass and condition indices in the off‐bottom suspended system compared to the intertidal one. In suspended culture, however, C. nuttallii exhibited sub‐optimal survival, shell deformities and heavy fouling. For all size cohorts, stocking density had a significant effect on most growth and condition parameters, except meat yield indices, in both culture modes. An initial maximum stocking density of 10% cover is recommended for all size cohorts. Culture depth did not have a consistent statistically significant effect on any of the growth or condition parameters. Depending on the grow‐out scenario, stocking density and harvestable size chosen, the cumulative harvestable proportion after the second year of grow‐out constituted 15.5–63.1% of the seed planted. Our results could be used to develop and improve culture techniques for C. nuttallii and other cockle species.     

Aquaculture potential of the basket cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii). Part 1: effects of stocking density on first year grow‐out performance in intertidal and off‐bottom suspended culture

The basket cockle (Clinocardium nuttallii) is a candidate species for aquaculture in the northeast Pacific. The aim of the current research was to assess the feasibility of C. nuttallii grow‐out, with an emphasis on growth performance and qualities affecting product marketability. In this article, we investigated the combined effects of culture mode (intertidal and off‐bottom suspended culture) and initial stocking density (1500, 3000, 10 500 and 21 000 ind m^?2) on C. nuttallii survival and growth during the first year of grow‐out (May through October). In intertidal culture, cockles exhibited low survival and poor growth rates. In suspended culture, survival was consistently high (>96%) at all stocking densities tested; growth and condition parameters had the highest values at 1500 and 3000 ind m^?2. The edible portion (meat yield) exceeded 40% of the whole wet weight at all stocking densities, occurrences of fouled and deformed cockles were <1% and no commensal species were observed. Depending on the minimum harvestable size and stocking density chosen, harvestable proportions constituted from 1.1% to 15.2% by October of the first grow‐out year in the suspended system. The effects of stocking density and depth on second year grow‐out performance of C. nuttallii are reported in a companion paper (Dunham et al. in this issue).     

Growth and survival of the winged pearl oyster Pteria sterna (Gould, 1851) in suspended culture in the tropical Eastern Pacific: Influence of environmental factors

The growth, survival and influence of environmental factors were analysed in two cohorts of cultured Pteria sterna in Ayangue Bay, Province of Santa Elena, Ecuador (tropical Eastern Pacific). Juveniles representing cohorts I and II (8.4 ± 0.54 and 5.0 ± 0.17 mm in dorso‐ventral axis) were deployed in November 2015 and February 2016, and grown in pearl nets suspended in a long line for 12 and 10 months respectively. The stocking density was monthly and bi‐monthly reduced during sampling of individuals to determine growth in dorso‐ventral shell axis, dry mass of shell, soft tissues and dry mass of fouling on shell. Water temperature, salinity, total seston and phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll a) were determined at the culture site. Results showed that P. sterna reached ~100 mm in length during the first year of culture. Although little negative influence of environmental factors was detected, high temperatures during the reproduction period can be the most negative influential trait. The highest tissue mass (6 g), which occurred at the 10th month of cultivation, as well as a high availability of spat by artificial collectors in the coastal waters, showed that the species can be considered a good candidate for aquaculture in the tropical eastern Pacific.     

Establishing climate–growth relationships for yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) in the northeast Pacific using a dendrochronological approach

We applied dendrochronology (tree‐ring) methods to develop multidecadal growth chronologies from the increment widths of yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) otoliths. Chronologies were developed for the central California coast, a site just north of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and at Bowie Seamount west of the Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia. At each site, synchronous growth patterns were matched among otoliths via the process of cross‐dating, ensuring that the correct calendar year was assigned to all increments. Each time series of growth‐increment measurements was divided by the values predicted by a best‐fit negative exponential function, thereby removing age‐related trends. These detrended time series were averaged into a master chronology for each site, and chronologies were correlated with monthly averages of sea surface temperatures, upwelling, the Northern Oscillation Index, and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation. The two northern growth chronologies positively correlated with indices of warm ocean conditions, especially from the prior summer through the spring of the current year. During the same period, the California chronology positively correlated with indices of cool ocean conditions, indicating an opposing productivity regime for yelloweye rockfish between the California Current and the Gulf of Alaska. Overall, this study demonstrates how tree‐ring techniques can be applied to quickly develop annually resolved chronologies and establish climate–growth relationships across various temporal and spatial scales.     

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.     

Effect of the density on the growth and survival of the Caribbean scallops Argopecten nucleus and Nodipecten nodosus in suspended culture

Juveniles of the Caribbean scallops Argopecten nucleus and Nodipecten nodosus were suspended in pearl nets at densities of 25%, 30% and 50% coverage of the bottom of the net (BC) during days. Additionally, adults of A. nucleus (>35 mm) were placed in lantern nets at densities of 40%, 50% and 65% BC during days. Stocking density affected the growth of animals, with higher growth rates obtained at the lower densities. Although the survival of the two scallops was not influenced at the densities studied, the 15-day net changes, and culture in water of <28 °C produced better survival of A. nucleus and N. nodosus respectively. Predators of the families Cymatiidae, Grapsidae, Portunidae, Majidae and Xanthidae were found in the culture nets of juvenile A. nucleus , but during the adult phase they were absent. Predators exhibited a dense-independent behaviour in relation to scallops. There was not any association between predator frequency and survival of A. nucleus .     

Comparisons of RNA/DNA Ratios, Growth, and Metabolism in Different Populations of Juvenile Turbot Scophthalmus maximus Reared at Four Temperatures

We compared RNA/DNA ratios, growth and routine oxygen consumption in populations of juvenile turbot from Norway, Scotland, and France reared at low (10 C), medium (14 C, 18 C) and high (22 C) temperatures. The relationships between growth and RNA/DNA ratios differed between temperatures, although they were always positive. Growth and RNA/DNA of the Norwegian fish were higher than those of the other populations especially at the two highest temperatures (18 C and 22 Q. Minor differences were found between the Scottish and French populations. Fish from the Norwegian population displayed the lowest oxygen consumption at these temperatures (146 and 270, 182 and 310, 192 and 328 mg O₂/kg per d, for 18 and 22 C, and Norwegian, French, and Scottish populations, respectively). Growth differences did not conform to a simple thermal adaptation model, but might represent an example of countergradient variation in growth. The findings have implications for turbot culture, particularly in selection focusing on growth performance.     

Environmental determinants of growth rates for larval Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus in different waters

Do disparate mechanisms determine growth rates of fish larvae in the different regions? The relationship between growth rates and environmental factors (sea temperature and food availability) was examined for larval Japanese anchovy Engraulis japonicus in geographically and environmentally different waters, through sagittal otolith microstructure analysis. Recent 3‐day mean growth rates directly before capture were positively related with sea‐surface temperature (SST) but not with food availability (plankton density) for the larvae in the Kuroshio Extension and Kuroshio–Oyashio transition regions of the western North Pacific. On the contrary, variations in recent growth rates were attributed to food availability (plankton density) as well as SST for the larvae in the East China Sea. In the shirasu fishing ground in Sagami Bay, larval growth rates were variable under the influences of both SST and food availability (feeding incidence). On the surface, the growth–environment relationships seemed to differ among regions. However, a definite general pattern of the dome‐shaped relationship between recent growth rates and SST was observed when all the regions were combined. Growth rates were similar even among clearly different regions if at the same SST. Overall, growth rates roughly increased with SST until they reached the maximum at SST of 21–22°C (i.e. optimal growth temperature), and declined when SST went over 21–22°C. On the contrary, no clear relationship was observed between growth rate and plankton density or between SST and plankton density. Therefore, the apparent among‐region differences would be firstly caused by the differences in regional SST range. The systematic mechanism of growth determination for widespread pelagic fish species larvae would be run by primarily sea temperature and secondarily food availability, at the species level.