Devoloping Tools to Evaluate Spawning and Fertilization Dynamics on the Giant Sea Scallop (NOAA)
Devoloping Tools to Evaluate Spawning and Fertilization Dynamics on the Giant Sea Scallop, Placopecten magellanicus
Phase II: Field trials in experimental populations
This work focuses on fertilization dynamics of giant sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) populations. Both field and lab experiments are being conducted. Field experiments are focused on the effects of population density and natural flow conditions on fertilization success. A bulk the lab experiments use a one-way flume to study fertilization rates of eggs downstream of sperm release. They even explore how the shape of the scallop may retain eggs around it and may also enhance fertilization of those eggs. The concepts and results from this field, lab and modeling work are potentially applicable to other broadcasting species.