Inshore-offshore differences in the distribution of sea scallop larvae: implications for recruitment

Sea scallops in the waters off Atlantic Canada and the northeastern USA have long been the target of an important commercial fishery, and there is now considerable interest in developing sea scallop aquaculture. The distribution, abundance, and seasonality of planktonic sea scallop larvae are important both for understanding the dynamics of the offshore fishery and for the successful development of extensive culture of sea scallops. To address some basic questions about the distribution of sea scallop larvae, plankton sampling was initiated in a coastal area (Mahone Bay) in 1983. Over the next several years, surveys were carried out where commercial fishing is important (Georges Bank, the Bay of Fundy, and the Scotian Shelf) and in Passamaquoddy Bay. The broad-scale distribution was studied with vertically hauled plankton nets, while a pump system was used to obtain vertically stratified samples to determine vertical distribution.

This abstract is part of Marine Science Symposia Volume 192 - "The ecology and management aspects of extensive mariculture". To access other articles from this volume, please use the link to the volume on the upper right hand side.