The Effect of Density on Growth, Yield, and Reproduction of the Sea Scallop, Placopecten magellanicus: Final Report

Results from this project indicate that density in combination with settlement at depth in potentially marginal habitat contribute to reductions in growth, yield, and reproductive effort. In general, Study Area was not a contributing factor to the reductions in the three areas of scallop biological processes we measured. Scallops that settle in dense aggregations at varying depths may respond differentially to environmental conditions, food availability, habitat, and removals. (...) Results from this study will enhance our knowledge of the scallop population with respect to conditions that diverge from expected biological processes. Results will also allow for better management and assessment of the resource when these situations occur in the future, as well as inform managers and stakeholders regarding expectations for scallops in dense aggregations