Understanding reproductive cycles and larval dynamics in cultured and wild populations of Placopecten magellanicus in Maine

Lead PI: Phoebe Jekielek

Co-PI: Madison Maier

Project Team: Marsden Brewer, Hannah Twombly, Connor O’Neill, Bobby Brewer

Abstract: As successful shellfish culture is comprised of seed collection, grow out, and harvest, reliance on a variable wild set without hatchery supply is a potential bottleneck for consistent culture production in the emerging scallop aquaculture industry in Maine. Understanding the patterns in the spawning cycle of wild and cultured scallops, the factors influencing that spawning, and the potential larval supply available for spat collection for culture will support the success of scallop industries and sustainable seafood economies in Maine. Using gonadosomatic indices (GSI’s) we monitor the variability in onset, progression, and synchronicity of spawning in wild and cultured populations of scallops in Penobscot Bay, Maine.

Project Dates: 6/1/20 -6/1/21

Project Funding: Davis Conservation Foundation