Document Type

Article

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

1991

Journal

Journal of Shellfish Research

Volume

10

Issue

1

First Page

220

Last Page

228

Abstract

Gametogenesis of the sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus , from 3 areas within the mid-Atlantic Bight was examined from January to December 1988. Histological and morphometric quantification of gonadal tissue concluded that a semiannual gametogenic cycle was characteristic of sea scallops from the mid-Atlantic Bight. The majority of spawning occurred in May and November. Gonadal development in spring comprised a longer period of time and resulted in greater fecundity than in fall. Differences were found in the timing and magnitude of the semiannual gametogenic processes between sex, area, and water depth within the study area. Varying temperature patterns between the mid-Atlantic Bight and more northerly resource areas may be partially responsible for the observed difference in gametogenic cycles. Semiannual spawning has potential implications for management strategies which are currently based on the assumption of annual spawning and recruitment events.

Keywords

reproductive cycle; gametogenesis; Placopecten magellanicus

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