Influence of density and depth on the growth of juvenile sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) in suspended culture

As studied at Gascons, Baie des Chaleurs, an increase in density greatly reduced the growth of the shell, adductor muscle, and other tissues, possibly because of lower food availability and diminished space. Growth was also influenced by depth and was greater at 9 m than at 21 m. However, the effect of depth was largely masked by the effect of stocking density and fouling of pearl nets. The pattern of seasonal variations in growth varied with the parameter used to quantify growth, and the changes were correlated with temperature and with chlorophyll a in one size fraction (0.7-5 μm). Maximum growth was obtained at a density of 50 scallops.net^-1, but growth was only slightly reduced at 100 scallops.net^-1. -from Authors