Document Type

Article

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Publication Date

1989

Journal

Journal of Shellfish Research

Volume

8

Issue

1

First Page

173

Last Page

178

Abstract

The reproductive cycle of the sea scallop, Placopecten magellanicus in the mid-Atlantic region was studied over a 15 month period. One to 15 samples a month were collected from commercial vessels fishing from Long Island to Cape Hatteras in water depths of 37-68 m. Gonad weights were determined for four shell size intervals as an indicator of the reproductive cycle. A sharp decline in mean gonad weights between April-May 1987 and a subsequent increase and decrease in weights between SeptemberNovember 1987 indicated reproductive processes were occurring on a semiannual cycle. A major spring spawning season was reconfirmed in 1988 by a rapid increase in mean gonad weights between December 1987-January 1988, followed by variable declines in the weights through June. The occurrence of spawning activity for 2 consecutive spring seasons in addition to a fall spawning season suggests that a semiannual reproductive cycle may be a characteristic feature of P. magellanicus in the mid-Atlantic region. The ramifications of spring spawning to the mid-Atlantic sea scallop fishery and management policies are addressed.

Keywords

semiannual reproduction, Placopecten magellanicus, scallop, gonad weight

Download

Share Feedback

Share

COinS