GRANT
NUMBER:
NA46FD00327
NMFS NUMBER: 93-NER-009
REPORT
TITLE:
Polyculture
of Sea Scallops Suspended From Salmon Net Pens
AUTHOR:
New England Fisheries Development Assoc., Inc.
PUBLISH
DATE:
September 1996
AVAILABLE
FROM:
National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Region, One
Blackburn Drive, Gloucester, MA 01930-2298. PHONE:
(978) 281-9267
ABSTRACT

This project
demonstrated that sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus,
initial size 10 mm) held in pearl nets adjacent to salmon
net pens can grow to market size (60-70 mm) in 22 months.
Growth rates of 0.09 and 0.10 mm/day were attained at
the two sites in Northeastern Maine, and were as high
as 0.12 mm/day during the first 16 months. Neither accelerated
nor decelerated growth due to the scallops being held
in close proximity to the salmon pens was evident. Mean
shell heights were significantly different with the depth
of the pearl nets, however, no consistent pattern of shell
height with depth was apparent. Overall survival
of scallops held in pearl nets was 64.3% and 66.2% at
the two sites. Periodic testing for PSP toxins indicated
that scallops grown in the area studied would be unlikely
candidates for sale in whole animal or roe-on markets.
Farm-raised scallops were not significantly different
from commercial scallops in taste and texture, and would
be an acceptable product to consumers. Improvements in
methodology need to be made before scallops can be raised
in polyculture with salmon in a cost effective manner.
Methods to improve the economics are discussed, such as
decreasing labor costs and increasing growth rates of
scallops. This study demonstrated good growth of scallops,
a new use for a previously unutilized space, and a possible
way for fish farmers to diversify.